Ji FU reviewed From Jailer to Jailed by Bernard B. Kerik
"Reform" is not enough
2 stars
I was disappointed by this book. I had been looking forward to reading it since I first heard of it, but alas.
As a prison abolitionist I should know better than to think someone who calls themselves a prision reformer is going to have the trans I'm hoping they will. Even after three years in prison Kerik still comes out as a conservative patriotic Republican. He makes some really good points that might make some lawmakers think twice. Costs to the public to lock 'em up, the dangers of solitary confinement, attack on the families that did nothing to wrong, unnecessary lengths of sentences, problems getting employment after being labeled an felon, etc. But he still comes back to the need for punishment, including for terrorist suspects awaiting trial, and he several times tries to show that he, like many other white collar criminals, not as bad as these …
I was disappointed by this book. I had been looking forward to reading it since I first heard of it, but alas.
As a prison abolitionist I should know better than to think someone who calls themselves a prision reformer is going to have the trans I'm hoping they will. Even after three years in prison Kerik still comes out as a conservative patriotic Republican. He makes some really good points that might make some lawmakers think twice. Costs to the public to lock 'em up, the dangers of solitary confinement, attack on the families that did nothing to wrong, unnecessary lengths of sentences, problems getting employment after being labeled an felon, etc. But he still comes back to the need for punishment, including for terrorist suspects awaiting trial, and he several times tries to show that he, like many other white collar criminals, not as bad as these guys they lock up, though he does have soft spot for nonviolent drug offenders.
I think this one is worth skipping for most people, unless you have a right wing uncle who might have room in his heart to bleed a little bit.