Prison uniform

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[edit] United States

Prison uniforms in America often consist of a distinctive orange or yellow jumpsuit (originally a horizontal white and black bee-striped uniform) or two piece surgical scrub set to make escape more difficult, as it is exceedingly hard for an escaped inmate to avoid recapture and/or recognition in such a distinctive attire.

Through most of the twentieth century, however, attitudes were different towards philosophies of rehabilitation. Fair treatment of prisoners and a growing number of non-violent, working class offenders responding to unfortunate economic hardships prompted such a change in attitudes, and clothing and conditions changed to serve the concept of rehabilitation rather than punishment. As a result, work clothes were introduced, perhaps because of the concept of honest labor helping to turn an inmate into a honest citizen. Blue jeans and light blue denim or chambray work shirts became the norm, a tradition still followed in some state prison systems today. In Federal prisons, this concept was introduced in the form of khaki pants and shirts, still in use.

Only within the last twenty years have jumpsuits and scrubs become popular, and mostly out of economic issues. In many cases, prison uniforms usually consist of clothing better suited to the comfort and durability required for long term inmates, and these new uniforms are thus used mostly in local jails for short term inmates and offenders awaiting trial or transportation to a more permanent facility.

A recent trend to use uniforms as a measure of punishment has become increasingly popular. Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Arizona resorts to stripes and harsh conditions for his inmates, including pink underpants for his male charges. ^[1]

[edit] Britain

In Britain, prison uniforms formerly consisted of a white jacket, trousers and pillbox hat, all stamped with the broad arrow to denote crown property.

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.pww.org/article/view/4786/1/202/