Signs of the Times - Who's on First?
November 2004
Criminal Justice: Who's on First?
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"My window looks out over the ball field where women play softball in informal games and in refereed competitive tournaments. It's always fun to watch from my perfect box. Occasionally I'm surprised by startingly good double plays. This past summer, however, there was one play I'll never forget.

An officer, without any self-consciousness or fuss, took the pitcher's mound. He invited a woman who was hugging the sidelines to come and bat. She was reluctant. Embarrassed. Afraid. Uncoordinated. Unathletic. Never done this before. Inhibited. I could see all the binding obstacles flash in her frightened hesitant face. They had her chained to the sidelines. But the officer was relentless with his kindness and gentleness. He coaxed her like a kitten out of a drainpipe to the bat. He encourages her to wave the bat. To swing it high and low and round and round. And so he began to teach her.

I watched as she transformed. Her face had been a tightly, closed fist. It softened and opened into a warm smile. She had walked out stiffly; she left with a joyful bounce. In a short half-hour of just playing some ball, this officer significantly affected this woman. Will the change last? Who knows. But I do know that it is, in these quiet unobstrusive human moments that lives are indeed changed. Grandiose policies and elaborate programs, inflammatory speeches and incomprehensible sentencing and parole guidelines do not have much to do with punishment and rehabilitation. All those words may make the punters feel good but the nuts and bolts of change are in actual hands-on involvement in people's messy lives.

As I watched this officer, not just supervise and discipline a bunch of criminals, but involve himself in our lives, .1 also learned a lesson. If I involved myself more, if I took note of the timid stranger, if I cared more, was less self-protective (and actually practiced some faith), if I stepped out to nourish and encourage the dormant seed in another, what a difference I could make. Imagine if every one of us bothered to make a difference! But for the most part we're too lazy and self-absorbed to be bothered. How short sighted.

Now when that officer needs to disciple or supervise that woman, she responds with immediate respect. No longer is it the reluctant sulking begrudged obedience of a powerless prisoner. It is the response of a citizen who chooses to comply with an authority she can trust. An authority who has demonstrated its concern for her best well being. That is good leadership. Perhaps sportsmanship should be a quality considered for politicians." (Elizabeth Haysom, Fluvanna Review, November 24, 2004).

Elizabeth Haysom is presently incarcerated at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Troy, Virginia. This column is one of a series, published under the general heading 'Glimpses from Inside.'


Comments? Questions? Write me at george@loper.org.