Sadistic Treatment of Crippled Inmate

Career criminals or sadistic deputies--toward which of these groups should we harbor more resentment? My anger and disgust lean toward the professionals whose salaries are paid with my tax dollars.

I served a four-day sentence at the L.A. County Men’s Central Jail. Upon my release, I witnessed the most disgusting act of humanity I have ever encountered. An inmate with whom I was released was crippled. The sergeant in charge of our release told the inmate, “If you can’t walk out of here, you can’t leave.” He was given neither crutches nor a wheelchair. The inmate slid across the floor in painful agony for over 100 yards before he was permitted to use a wheelchair. When I asked the sergeant if I could assist the inmate, he threatened me with an extended sentence of 60 days.

Sadism, paid for by our tax dollars, cannot be ignored. If it is, we are as guilty as the perpetrators, and the guilt should weigh heavily upon our consciences.

Bernerd T. Cisneros

Arcadia