A San Quentin group is working to provide support for inmates facing life imprisonment under the Three-Strikes law.
The group is currently taking a poll to ascertain whether an activity group of their own would better serve their interests.
To date there has not been much consideration of the unique circumstances under which they serve their life sentences. For example, unlike other Lifers:
• They are denied time reduction for good conduct.
• They cannot apply for parole until they have served 25 years.
• They are ineligible for psychological assessments to measure suitability for eventual integration into society.
• They lack comprehensive rehabilitation plans/criteria such as the “Matrix.” Three Strikers are left with no milestones and little is expected of them.
The absence of such vital resources to Strikers has had the effect of increasing the sense of hopelessness in these men, rendering them unwilling and unmotivated to participate in any endeavor conducive to bringing about meaningful change in their condition.
For example, Three-Strikers make up roughly two-thirds of the Lifer population in San Quentin, but represent a statistically insignificant proportion of the membership in the various activity and/or therapeutic community groups here.
This is a troubling trend and one that should be remedied with utmost expediency.San Quentin has nurtured some of the most innovative and enduring programs and activity groups in the state, and could glean much benefit from fostering one aimed at improving the condition of an otherwise forgotten – though increasing – segment of the population.
