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octoberlib

(14,971 posts)
Sun Apr 28, 2013, 03:17 PM Apr 2013

Inmates Now Reviewing Prisons on Yelp

The staff at Sing Sing are the "most unprofessional staff in the world and the rudest." The chocolate milk at the Tombs is "chalky." At Rikers, "If the roaches & rats don't mess with you the CO's [correctional officers] will." Queens Central Booking is "run smoother than the other central bookings throughout the greater New York."


Like the reviewers of restaurants, gyms, and nail salons before them, prisoners and attorneys now have a forum to air their opinions of America's correctional facilities. Across the country, reviewers are offering testimonials, tips, and complaints.

One Rikers reviewer offered advice to new inmates on how to make the best of the experience:
"Things you MUST remember: No matter what religion you (really) are/aren't, say you're 'Jewish.'
Why? Because, you'll get a box of Matzoh ('crackers, as some call it), a bottle of grape juice (both weekly) and, you'll get a trip to meet the Rabbi (A VERY nice man who lets you use his phone).
2nd thing to remember is say you've a medical condition, in which you NEED to have 'double portions.'
Trust me on this. Otherwise - you'll really starve."

And it may be the only outlet prisoners have. As the Post points out, a 1996 law called the Prison Litigation Reform Act prevents inmates from suing until administrative procedures are exhausted. Even then, only limited prison policy changes are permitted.

http://gawker.com/inmates-now-reviewing-prisons-on-yelp-483846521
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Inmates Now Reviewing Prisons on Yelp (Original Post) octoberlib Apr 2013 OP
1996 Prison Litigation Reform Act? factsarenotfair Apr 2013 #1
I no longer need to be uninformed lpbk2713 Apr 2013 #2
Whats next.People reviewing brothels on Yelp? SummerSnow Apr 2013 #3
As a two time temporary resident of Queens central Booking, I'd have to agree alcibiades_mystery Apr 2013 #4
 

alcibiades_mystery

(36,437 posts)
4. As a two time temporary resident of Queens central Booking, I'd have to agree
Sun Apr 28, 2013, 06:56 PM
Apr 2013

Of course, this was in the early 90's, when you were really, really glad to get your arraignment before you got the bus trip to Rikers.

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