The Costs of Incarceration: How Much Do Prisoners Really Pay?

In the United States, incarceration is often perceived as a straightforward process where individuals are confined without the expectation of paying any costs. However, many prisoners actually face various financial obligations that can significantly impact their lives during and after their detainment. Understanding these costs is crucial for both those in the criminal justice system and the public at large.

Basic Needs and Services

Prisoners are generally provided with basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare as part of their incarceration. These are essential elements necessary for the operation of any correctional facility. However, there are certain services and items that prisoners may need to pay for.

Additional Costs Related to Incarceration

Phone Calls

One of the most significant costs faced by prisoners is the expense of telephone calls. Inmates often have to pay for calls, which can be quite expensive due to fees charged by private companies that manage prison communications. These fees can quickly add up and become a substantial burden on the families of inmates who try to keep in touch.

Commissary

Prisoners can purchase additional items like snacks, toiletries, and other personal items from the prison commissary. While these items are not essential, they can improve the quality of life in prison. The money for these purchases typically comes from the inmate's account, which can be funded by family, friends, or wages earned from prison jobs.

Medical Fees

Some prisons charge inmates a copayment for medical services. This fee can range from a small amount to a percentage of the inmate's income. These charges can be particularly challenging for inmates who are already facing financial hardships.

Restitution and Fines

In some cases, inmates may be required to pay restitution to victims or fines related to their convictions. These payments can be extensive and may extend beyond the duration of the inmate's stay.

Case Study: Personal Experience

John, a former inmate, shares his experience of being incarcerated for a white-collar crime worth around $3,000. He spent three years in custody, partly in California State Prison and some in a corporate jail due to an immigration issue. Despite his good financial standing and a history of paying taxes, John lost everything due to a lack of citizenship. He feels that the daily fees imposed on prisoners can serve as another punishment.

John mentions an incident where prisoners received only $150 as "gate money" to cover bus fare home, highlighting the financial strain. He questions the ethics of exploiting inmates through low wages from prison industries, suggesting that prisoners already pay enough for their offenses. He believes that such practices unfairly hinder inmates' efforts to rebuild their lives and warns against setting up others for incarceration.

Conclusion

The costs associated with incarceration, though initially unseen, can significantly impact the lives of prisoners and their families. Understanding these costs and their potential to create barriers to rehabilitation is crucial for creating a fair and just criminal justice system. As highlighted by John's personal experience, many prisoners already face significant financial challenges, and additional costs can be overwhelming and make the process more dehumanizing.

Visitors to this page may find it useful to explore the implications of such charges, advocate for policy changes, or support organizations that aim to help prisoners and former inmates with their financial and emotional needs during and after incarceration.