We Need to Create Space for Someone in Prison to Evolve
As a documentary filmmaker, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the complex issue of parole and the American criminal justice system. My latest project, In Their Hands, follows the case of Ronnie Carrasquillo, a man who has been incarcerated for over 45 years for a crime he committed as an 18-year-old in 1976. Despite his rehabilitation and good behavior, the Illinois parole board has repeatedly denied his release, citing the severity of his original crime.
The Purpose of Incarceration
As I delved deeper into Ronnie’s story, I began to question the purpose of incarceration. Is it solely about retribution and punishment, or is it also about rehabilitation and restoration? The Illinois State Constitution declares that the purpose of punishment is to restore individuals to useful citizenship. But how do we achieve this goal when our system is designed to keep people locked away for decades?
The Parole Board’s Perspective
The parole board viewed Ronnie as a crime, a series of actions that he took as an 18-year-old. They didn’t consider the mountain of evidence that showed he didn’t intend to kill a police officer. I believe this narrow focus is due in part to the board’s makeup, which is heavily influenced by law enforcement.
The Original Crime vs. Rehabilitation
I understand that it’s difficult to separate the original crime from Ronnie’s rehabilitation. But I firmly believe that we must move beyond the crime and focus on the person Ronnie is today. He’s a deeply religious, 65-year-old man who’s mentoring incarcerated children via WebEx while he’s in prison. He’s a testament to the power of rehabilitation and the importance of second chances.
The Role of Family
Ronnie’s sister, Deyra, is a shining example of the impact of incarceration on families. Despite the challenges they faced, she remained a source of love and support for her brother. Her story highlights the devastating effects of prolonged incarceration and the importance of family bonds.
The Future of Parole
As I reflect on my experience working on this project, I’m struck by the need for a more compassionate and effective parole system. We need to create space for individuals like Ronnie to evolve and demonstrate their rehabilitation. This requires a fundamental shift in how we approach incarceration and punishment.
Conclusion
In Their Hands airs on WTTW on December 27 at 9 p.m. and will be available for streaming on PBS.org through the end of January. I hope that this documentary will inspire viewers to reexamine the purpose of incarceration and the role of parole in our criminal justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of incarceration?
A: The purpose of incarceration is to restore individuals to useful citizenship, according to the Illinois State Constitution.
Q: How do you feel about the current parole system?
A: The current system is broken and in need of reform. I believe we need to create space for individuals like Ronnie to demonstrate their rehabilitation and be given a second chance.
Q: What do you hope viewers will take away from this documentary?
A: I hope viewers will realize that we need to create space for someone in prison to evolve and be given a second chance. This requires a fundamental shift in our approach to incarceration and punishment.
