The issue of innocent men in prison has gained attention recently as DNA evidence has proved that some convicted people were not guilty. Before DNA, there was little hope of justice for those prisoners.
“Asked on the Line” conducted informal random interviews with 42 men on the mainline and asked, “Do you believe that there are men serving time in prison for crimes they did not commit?”
If the answer was “No,” the men were asked: “Did you read your Probation Report? Does it accurately describe you and the crime you committed?”
However, if the answer to the first question was “Yes,” the men were asked: “Does it depend on the nature of the crime and do you have to know a man to believe in his innocence?”
Only three men or seven percent replied “No” — that there were no men in prison serving time for crimes they did not commit. “If you are in prison, you did something to deserve being here,” said Ed. “You know what you did.” The other two asked to remain anonymous. However, the three men all said their Probation Reports did not accurately portray them and their crimes.
Thirty-nine men — 93 percent of men interviewed — answered “Yes” and said they believe there are innocent men in prison. However, of the 39, 46 percent said they have to get to know a man before they believe in his innocence.
“I have to get to know them, read their case, talk to them, listen to them,” said Glenn. Commented Edward, “If a man says he’s innocent, you have to get to know him first.” For some, it depends on the crime. “If he’s in here for something dirty, I don’t know about that,” said Jesus. “I don’t have to know them, but it does depend on the crime,” said Armando.
The other 21 maintain they do not have to know a man to believe in his innocence and that their crime doesn’t matter. “Every system makes mistakes” said Vinny. It has nothing to do with the nature of your crime, Bonaru said. “It has to do with how our judges stereotype people,” he added. Kenyatta said, “It’s not about me believing them; I don’t try to determine who’s innocent and who isn’t.” Alfonso maintains that he doesn’t have to know a person to believe in his innocence. “I know there are some innocent men in prison—not many. But what I do know is that I am guilty.”
Do outside people believe there are innocent men in prison? When three volunteers were asked, they all believed that there are innocent men behind bars. “I just know that the criminal justice system is corrupt,” said Julie.
