Dana Tofig

About the author: Dana Tofig writes for the Connecticut-based Hartford Courant, the nation's oldest newspaper. She has written about other prison topics such as aging in prison.

In recent years, the public has grown increasingly intolerant of crime, which has led to calls for fewer amenities in prisons. However, according to prison officials, recreational and educational programs help break up the monotony of prison life and relieve the stress that can result in prison violence. Politicians and "get-tough-on-prisoners" advocates like Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona recommend the elimination of perks because it makes them popular with the voters. But what they do not realize is that if amenities in prison are removed, there is little incentive for prisoners to behave, which makes the jobs of guards and officials much more difficult.

Correction Officer Charles...