title: My Journey with Prisoners: Perceptions, Observations & Opinions
author: Carol E. Briney
description: Carol E. Briney, a contemporary grounded theorist in the educational environment, is the founding executive director of Reentry Bridge Network, Inc. Briney believes that a systematic approach is required to reduce the likelihood of recidivism. For nearly a decade she has written and facilitated holistic pro-social programs inside prisons and in community forums. Her programs support bridging the gap between prison and community by focusing on human value, grief-impairment, daily literacy, reentry and job readiness, trauma-informed care, the healing arts, and understanding poverty. The foundation of Briney's work is fundamentally twofold. First, her strong belief that if we cant help people to discover and believe their own value on a universal level, how can we expect them to see the value in their victims or their environment? The second is her belief that all crime is ultimately driven by trauma; and marginalized people have suffered complex compound traumas that have affected most areas of their development. These traumas have to be addressed and reframed in a way that teaches coping skills and diffuses the acting out that is the result of the pressing dilemmas of unresolved trauma and resultant anger. Briney is pursuing her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies based on her research in trauma and crime. She earned her Master of Liberal Studies from Kent State University; her Bachelor of Arts Fine Arts with Psychology minor from the University of New Mexico; her Associate of Arts Fine Arts from Central New Mexico College; and her certification as a Trauma Specialist from the TLC Institute. Briney enjoyed an extensive national corporate management background before retooling her focus on public administration and non-profit organizations.
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  THE FIFTH WARD
  
  
  GOOD COMPANY
  
  
  “It’s been my experience,” Torval said to the thief, “that no one goes for a
  midnight stroll on a rooftop without considerable practice and a definite aim.
  Whether that aim is murder or just plain thievery remains to be seen.”
  
  
  “Look, gents,” the man said, sounding eminently reasonable, “I’ll only say
  this once: let me go, forget you ever saw me. You’ll be happier if you do so,
  trust me.”
  
  
  “Listen to this prat,” Torval said, shaking the bound prisoner a bit. “Only
  our well-being at heart, eh?”
  
  
  “Forgive us,” Rem said to the prisoner, “we’ve heard better excuses offered
  with greater sincerity. I’m afraid it’s the watch-keep for you, my friend.”
  
  
  “Honestly,” the man said, and he almost sounded sad about it, “you’ll be
  sorry.”
  
  
  “We’re already sorry,” Torval said at his elbow, then shoved him along the
  street. “It’s been a shit night and we’re both soaking wet. Nabbing you might
  be the only bright spot in our evening, truth be told.”
  
  
  “Just re