Pickleball is Boosting Behavior: Pickleball has made a positive impact at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, providing inmates with a healthy outlet for energy and a chance to build camaraderie. The program, part of the Pickleball for Incarcerated Communities League (PICL), has become a key part of the facility’s efforts to improve inmate behavior and morale.
Building Teamwork and Morale
MacDougall-Walker’s deputy warden, Lynnia Johnson, approved the pickleball initiative in 2023, recognizing its potential benefits for the facility. She believes that offering sports like pickleball helps create teamwork and a sense of community among inmates.
“Our job is not to continue to punish people. They’re already here, they’ve already been sentenced. Our job here is to maintain safety and security and offer them the things that they’re supposed to have.” – (Lynnia Johnson)
Johnson also pointed out that programs like pickleball give inmates an opportunity to release aggression in a controlled environment while participating in healthy competition.
“And by offering something like pickleball, we’re helping create a form of teamwork and camaraderie and morale among the offender population. Not to mention, to have a place where they can release some energy, release some steam, release some aggression and have some healthy competition.” – (Lynnia Johnson)
A Motivating Force for Inmates
To join in MacDougall-Walker’s programs, inmates must follow strict rules and maintain a clean disciplinary record. Breaking the rules can prevent them from playing pickleball or attending other programs, making these activities a strong incentive for good behavior.
“I’ve seen some people do a complete 180 in how they view their incarceration as a result of programming, because it makes them hold themselves accountable.” – (Lynnia Johnson)
John DeMartino, a corrections officer at MacDougall-Walker, has seen firsthand how desirable these pickleball programs are for inmates.
“They’re getting to have a job or learn a skill or be in the gym all day. They’re able to stay busy. When you’re just sitting in a cell all day and not really doing anything, that could drive anyone crazy, and you’re far more likely to get into trouble.” – (John DeMartino)
DeMartino explained that having access to programs like pickleball can help reduce incidents, making the facility safer for staff and inmates.
“Studies have shown incidents are down in facilities that offer a lot of programs, and I think it’s because they can keep their minds occupied and there is just too much to lose if they act up. And so it makes it a lot safer for us, too.” – (John DeMartino)
Providing Normalcy and Purpose
For inmates serving long sentences, extracurricular activities like pickleball can be a lifeline. These inmates are often pushed to the bottom of the list for required classes and therapy programs, so job opportunities and recreational activities offer them a chance to stay engaged and focused.
DeMartino added that incidents are rare in areas where inmates have access to jobs and programs. “It makes it a lot safer for us, too,” he said.
By offering pickleball and other programs, MacDougall-Walker is not only improving inmate behavior but also helping them develop important social skills and a sense of community, which can aid in their rehabilitation.
News in Brief: Pickleball is Boosting Behavior
Pickleball at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, part of the Pickleball for Incarcerated Communities League (PICL), helps improve inmate behavior, morale, and teamwork. Approved in 2023, the program provides a healthy outlet and motivates inmates to follow rules, fostering safety and offering a sense of normalcy and purpose during long sentences.
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