ISBN 0-13-142791-1

Gates of Injustice is an eye-opening, gut wrenching reality check for any citizen of this country. Federal, state and local tax dollars are being devoured by the billions annually by correctional systems throughout the country. The systems are broken, inadequate, ineffective and in many cases, inhumane.

Alan Elsner has peered over the fences, behind the walls and into the cells in an effort to draw a clear image of how these bureaucratic machines have become the soul crushing money pits feeding upon American humanity.

In one instance after another the systems created to protect communities from the criminal element are clearly failing the public they serve. Many institutions or departments have become crippled by poor policy decisions, insufficient health care, and correctional procedures that actually increase the possibility of future criminal behavior.

These poor correctional practices coupled with our country’s “get tough on crime” attitude have continued to provide an endless supply of bodies to feed the machine.

It is an easy thing to point out faults and deficiencies but Alan Elsner’s research does provide a select few shining stars that have actually demonstrated positive influences on criminality. The litany of sickening failures is thankfully followed by powerful suggestions for improvements that shed a ray of hope on the bleak landscape.

This book should be required reading for ALL correctional supervisors, politicians at every level and anyone else with an interest in how we as a society are electing to manage and punish crime in America.

The above review was contributed by:  C. R. Schultz:  Freelance Writer and Columnist, Correctional Security Operations Supervisor, Organizational Concept Analyst, amateur regional historian and hunting/fishing/camping enthusiast.