Plan for Addressing Mass Incarceration: A Vision from Oddly Robbie

⚠️Content Warning: This post contains descriptions of violence and abuse within the prison system. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Introduction:

Hi, I’m Oddly Robbie, known for my work in VR, AR, and 3D design. Today, I want to share my vision for transforming the criminal justice system. Having spent almost seven years in prison, where I experienced significant abuse from guards but kindness from incarcerated individuals, I feel strongly about this issue. To raise awareness, I’ve recreated my prison experience in VR, which you can explore in Meta Horizon Worlds under the name “Military Prison 1990.”

Working as a correctional officer was my only option at the time. I had wanted to pursue a career in electronics in the military, but being partially color blind limited my choices to either this role or combat. I chose the former, not realizing the profound impact it would have on my life.

Key Reforms:

1. Abolishing the Death Penalty:

Removing the death penalty will emphasize rehabilitation over punishment.

2. Case Reevaluation:

Advanced AI systems can reevaluate criminal cases to identify errors, biases, and wrongful convictions. Human legal experts will review AI assessments to ensure fairness and accuracy.

3. VR-Based Rehabilitation Programs:

Implement VR programs to teach social skills, ethics, and positive behaviors, with a scoring system to track progress and provide feedback.

4. Mental Health Assessment:

Use brain wave technology and other advanced diagnostics to identify underlying mental health issues, followed by appropriate treatment and support.

5. Public and Human Oversight:

Establish committees with diverse representation, including legal experts, psychologists, and community members, to oversee all aspects of the criminal justice system.

6. Conversion of Prisons:

Transform prisons into true rehabilitation centers focused on education, therapy, and skill development, creating environments that support personal growth and reintegration into society.

7. Robotics in Prison Labor:

Replace prison labor with robotics to eliminate exploitation and provide fair wages and opportunities for all workers.

8. Education and Cultural Integration:

Implement comprehensive education programs, including language learning, cultural studies, and vocational training, to prepare individuals to become positive, contributing members of society.

9. Changing Labels and Perceptions:

Shift the language from “prisoners” or “inmates” to “imprisoned individuals” to reduce stigma and emphasize their humanity.

10. Elimination of For-Profit Prisons:

Abolish for-profit prisons to remove financial incentives that contribute to mass incarceration, ensuring that all rehabilitation and correctional facilities operate with a focus on public service and human rights.

11. Redefine the Role of Guards:

Transition from traditional prison guards to rehabilitation counselors and support staff to build a supportive and secure environment.

Implementation Steps:

1. Legislative Reform:

Work with lawmakers to pass legislation supporting the abolition of the death penalty, reevaluation of cases, and conversion of prisons.

2. Securing Funding and Resources:

Support AI development, VR programs, mental health assessments, and educational initiatives. Invest in robotics to replace prison labor and upgrade facilities.

3. Pilot Programs:

Launch VR rehabilitation, mental health diagnostics, and educational initiatives in select facilities. Monitor and evaluate outcomes to refine and expand these programs.

4. Public Engagement:

Engage with the public through awareness campaigns, town hall meetings, and media. Encourage community involvement in oversight committees and rehabilitation efforts.

5. Ongoing Evaluation:

Continuously assess the effectiveness of reforms through data collection and feedback from participants, adjusting policies and programs as needed to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration.

Documented Abuses in the Prison System:

The abuse I endured in prison was mostly from fellow guards, who may have perceived me as less intelligent due to my autistic speech differences. This is not an isolated issue, and many incarcerated individuals face similar mistreatment. Documented abuses include:

– Excessive Force:

Guards frequently use beatings and unnecessary restraints, leading to severe physical and psychological harm. In 2000, I learned of an inmate who was beaten to death by guards in a federal facility in Oregon. He was in solitary confinement, and the guards, who were quickly transferred to different facilities, reportedly beat the bottoms of his feet. This tragic event highlights the extreme violence that can occur within the prison system.

– Prolonged Solitary Confinement:

Used as a punitive measure, causing significant mental health issues and exacerbating existing conditions.

– Lack of Access to Medical Care:

Inmates often lack necessary medical care, leading to untreated illnesses and preventable suffering.

– Visible Gas Chamber: Outside the military prison, just past the recreation area, was a gas chamber visible to all. A sign near the gate read “Firm but Fair,” serving as a grim reminder of the ultimate punishment. While I chose to omit this from the VR experience to make it suitable for all audiences, its presence was a constant and grim reminder of the severe nature of the prison system.

By addressing these systemic issues, we can work towards a criminal justice system that respects human dignity and promotes true rehabilitation. Visit the VR recreation of “Military Prison 1990” in Meta Horizon Worlds to experience firsthand the stark realities of the current system and the need for change.

You can also see it on your phone or computer by link below:

Check out Correctional Facility 1990 in Meta Horizon Worlds

You can see the reconstruction of the prison on your phone computer or oculus device in meta-horizon worlds.

Correctional Facility 1990 in Meta Horizon Worlds:

https://horizon.meta.com/world/136594072452392/?hwsh=hf9nXRKjwF

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