Conclusion: Prisoners at Work

Men baking bread

The men imprisoned on Alcatraz worked at facilities around the island, performing duties like cleaning floors or kitchen duty. Others labored in workshops and laundries in the industries buildings. The men got more than a respite from their cells; they also could reduce their sentences with time off for good behavior. But they could lose this "good time" if they caused trouble. John Knight Giles lost more than eight years of earned time after he tried to escape in a military uniform that he stole from the laundry.

Today, 2.3 million people are incarcerated in U.S. prisons, and many labor in industries buildings. Some manufacture items for the state or federal government, while others make things for the private sector. While states and private companies may profit, those incarcerated do not. They may learn valuable job skills, but once released from prison, few if any are hired for similar work despite having the skills and experience.

Think back to the beginning of the tour, "should incarcerated people be forced to work."

After learning more about the prison here at Alcatraz, do you still feel the same way?

What, if anything, changed your mind?