TED Talks Daily The multibillion-dollar US prison industry -- and how to dismantle it | Bianca Tylek
Jun 4, 2021
Bianca Tylek, a criminal justice advocate and TED Fellow, delves into the predatory habits of the billion-dollar prison telecom industry. She reveals how exorbitant phone call rates trap families in debt and discusses the broader exploitation within the prison system. Tylek emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections for successful reintegration and offers actionable strategies for dismantling the profit-driven practices that benefit from mass incarceration. Her insights aim to inspire advocacy for a more equitable justice system.
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Prison Telecom Industry
- The prison telecom industry profits from high call rates, creating financial strain on families.
- 87% of those bearing this burden are women, disproportionately Black and Brown due to racist policies.
High Cost of Calls
- A mother couldn't afford her light bill due to high prison phone call costs.
- She had to choose between talking to her incarcerated son and having electricity.
Justifications for High Rates
- Prison telecom companies justify high rates with security expenses.
- However, rates remain significantly higher even where states take no commission.