Behind the Walls of Our Federal Prisons

Violence is rampant in Canada's federal prisons. Guards have an obligation to watch over and take care of their prisoners, especially when their prisoners are harming themselves or others: "And we are. But it will never be at my expense." (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 2010). Instead, when prisoners need to be disciplined, guards use excessive force; and many times it includes unnecessary violence.

In today's class, we watched the documentary, CBC's The Fifth Estate: Behind the Wall. It reveals shocking truths about what happened to Ashley Smith, an mentally ill inmate who suffered severe trauma while incarcerated. Her one month sentence, for throwing an apple at a mailman, turned into a 4 year sentence because of prison transfers and her "bad behaviour." She was transferred between institutions 17 times in 11.5 months, so Corrections Canada did not have to give an review into Ashley's case. Eventually, Ashley Smith committed suicide in her cell, while the guards were watching her and a video camera recorded it. I encourage you all to watch this documentary and write your comments below. As well, I have included a newspaper article from The Canadian Press which gives up-to-date information on the inquest into Ashley's death.
What is the untold story of our federal prisons? What happens behind those thick walls? Is the case of Ashley Smith a one-off or is it the way things are? What do you think?

CBC's The Fifth Estate: Behind the Wall
The Canadian Press: Prison videos on tap as Ashley Smith cell-death inquest turns to scope fight