This is a very sensitive topic. Some people think locking these so called "gang members" up is really the solution to Richmond being a not-so-safe place to live in. I strooongly disagree... well unless locking them up is what will actually reform the mentalities of these young people selling dope and killing each other out here in the streets. Someone close to me (who has been in and out of jail) told me that jail or prison is not so much of punishment or reform. People go to jail and "find out how to become 'better' criminals". If you ask me, this notion is what seems to keeps the same people in the same jail rotation. If you think about it, once you're out of jail, its harder to get a job anyway.. why not go back to the streets? Jail is not a solution to the problems in Richmond. The problems of the city of Richmond is rooted way deeper than the grounds under the city but is rooted in the grounds under the entire country. But that's a story for next time... Though I will say one thing, Education is what Richmond truly needs! Eric Schlosser (and Eric Sakamoto) introduced me to a concept that makes my insides squint: The Prison Industrial Complex. Its "not only a set of interest groups and institutions. It is also a state of mind. The lure of big money is corrupting the nation's criminal-justice system, replacing notions of public service with a drive for higher profits." ----------- got this quote from Eric Schlossers "The Prison-Industrial Complex". Soo uuhh somebody's making bank off of these young people.. so of course they're (yes they, I dont know who. I say it's a conspiracy) going to recruit prisoners. Police aren't always the good guys. I think they're here to protect and serve the prison system rather than the people (and that doesn't always mean that they know it). I think I forgot to mention that I live in Richmond too, lived there my whole life. Richmond does need reform but I still love my city.

This is an interesting article to read, especially since I live in Richmond. I'm sort of stuck of between what to think. I feel like police are abusing their power, which they are constantly doing, but at the same time, I feel like it can be a positive thing for Richmond. Living in Richmond for 12 years has exposed me to that famous reputation it has, so I would like to see it change.