The Marshall Project

Freaky Friday, Prison-Style

At a Kentucky prison, officers learn about the inmate experience through a “re-entry to society” simulation game.

No one knew what we were signing up for, but we volunteered for the “re-entry-to-society simulator” at our Kentucky prison regardless.

When the day came, we filed into a large room.

Life Inside Perspectives from those who work and live in the criminal justice system. Related Stories

“Take a seat at one of the tables, any table. That will be your ‘occupation’ for the next hour—so find something fitting, guys,” said the re-entry program administrator, a red-haired woman acting as our new boss. “You’ll find instructions in your packet. And don’t steal any of the pens or markers!”

“Damn,” said a prisoner beside me. “I could really use a new pen.”

After sitting down, I opened my packet and glanced inside. The instructions were

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Marshall Project

The Marshall Project8 min readPolitics
No-Show Prison Workers Cost Mississippi Taxpayers Millions
When Darrell Adams showed up for an overnight shift at the Marshall County Correctional Facility in rural Mississippi, he was one of six officers guarding about 1,000 prisoners. Adams said he thought that was normal; only half-a-dozen guards had been
The Marshall Project3 min readMedical
Should Prisoners Get Covid-19 Vaccines Early?
Now that shipments of Covid-19 vaccine are on the move and FDA approval on the fast track, the fight begins over who will get the scarce vaccine first. States have until Friday to finalize distribution plans and submit them to the federal government
The Marshall Project6 min readPsychology
Prison Is Even Worse When You Have a Disability Like Autism
State officials often fail to identify prisoners with developmental disorders, a group that faces overwhelming challenges behind bars, from bright lights to noises to social dynamics.

Related Books & Audiobooks