By: Anthony Stroma

Anthony Stroma — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Dear Mr. Santos,
In the course of taking Mr. Torres’ Correction class at CSULB and reading your book, Inside, I have become astonished and surprised to have learned about the high proliferation of drug use/abuse among federal prison inmates. It is shocking to know that the availability of drugs to prisoners is a prevalent “market” behind prison walls that not only fuels drug addiction habits, but also leads to indirect violence, like assaults and even death. However, this may not be all that surprising having learned that approximately 80% of prisoners in jails/prisons are there due to direct/indirect substance abuse.
Since the presence of drugs in prison presents substantial and numerous problems, do you feel that the implementation of random drug testing would aid in the control and cut back of the flow of drugs in prisons? I fully understand that drug tests would not be a deterrent to most, if not all individuals incarcerated, but testing could be combined or joined with treatment programs for those who are deemed to have abuse problems. What is the benefit and likelihood of such an occurence? Could separate treatment confinements even be set up for those prisoners wanting to break their habit and become clean?
This is off subject, but I am curious if you just sold/distributed cocaine or did you use as well (prior to being sentenced)? I know that drug traffickers and those who sell drugs do not necessarily use themselves while some do both, use and sell. But if its not too personal and I will understand if you are not obliged to answer but, if so, was it occasionally or most of the time? Also, if in fact you did use, did you use when you got into prison to possibly support any habits you may have had?
Thank you for your time as I know it is limited and restricted. I look forward to your reply. God bless.

– A. Stroma

Comments on: How To Stop the Flow of Drugs Into Prison

By: Anthony Stroma