When individuals enter the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), they often believe that numerous programs will be available to help them learn new trades or skills, preparing them to become productive members of society upon release. While some programs exist, chronic staffing shortages and insufficient funding often limit the availability of these opportunities. As a result, many prisoners must take initiative to seek out alternative means for self-improvement during their incarceration.
FCI Thomson federal prison in Thomson, IL, made headlines in 2023 (then it was a US Penitentiary) for a controversial program that housed troubled prisoners. The Special Management Unit stripped prisoners of all of their belongings and subjected them to isolation and, in some noted cases, torture. BOP Director Colette Peters closed Thomson and gave it a new mission as a low security prison. Since then, the staff have tried to turn around the facility to recapture their mission to return better people to society. One program that is part of that turnaround is the Pawsitive Paws Dog Training Program, one of the best things to happen at Thomson says AFGE Local 4070 President Jon Zumkehr. The program pairs prisoners with puppies from a local dog service organization that in turn gives the dogs to veterans and people with disabilities.
Designed to address the goals of rehabilitation and developing companions for those in need, the program provides a second chance for prisoners and a chance at a more productive life for the dogs along those who will eventually take them in. The initiative is structured to have incarcerated participants train, care for, and socialize the dogs, preparing them for their mission to help those who need the animals.
Many participants in the program report feeling a renewed sense of purpose and pride, often for the first time in years. The program’s success is rooted in the simple yet profound idea that giving back can be transformative. “These dogs will transform lives both inside and outside our walls,” said Zumkehr, “Our inmates gain valuable skills while providing an essential service to the community.” Through the new program, incarcerated individuals will spend up to 18 months teaching dogs basic obedience, public behavior, and specialized skills.
For prisoners, participation in the program is a privilege. Candidates are carefully screened and must meet specific behavioral and disciplinary criteria. This ensures the program remains a safe and positive environment for both prisoners and dogs. Once selected, participants receive formal training in dog-handling techniques, equipping them with skills that are not only valuable in the program but also transferable to careers in animal care post-incarceration.
The Pawsitive Paws program is a powerful example of how innovative approaches can create meaningful change. By addressing the needs of prisoners and giving them a job that will have a positive impact on those who receive the dogs. The program transforms lives, offering hope, healing, and a path toward redemption.
Recreation in prison also provides a way to be productive and to learn transferable life skills. In the past, working out with weights and participating in sports like softball or basketball provided meaningful activities for prisoners but there are risks associated with these sports. If there is one place where you do not want to get hurt it is federal prison. The medical care is a bit substandard according to numerous Office of Inspector General reports and even when injuries are cared for, recovery in prison can be difficult. Also, most sports are meant for younger participants who are in better shape. So prisons across the country have started to pick up pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
As someone who has played pickleball, it does not require physical stamina and strength. It is easy to start playing the game with someone of your ability and enjoy some physical activity. Roger BelAir, who started playing pickleball at 64, found success in banking and investing and was on the cover of Money magazine in September 1984. When he saw a 60-Minute episode on prison life, he felt compelled to bring pickleball into prisons. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is played on a small court with paddles and a lightweight ball. Its simplicity, accessibility, and low-cost setup make it an ideal recreational activity in correctional facilities. BelAir is the focus on an upcoming documentary on pickleball and his work in prisons.
Federal prisons often face challenges in providing constructive activities for incarcerated individuals, particularly ones that encourage pro-social behavior and physical activity. Pickleball addresses these gaps by offering a structured yet low-pressure environment for prisoners to engage in friendly competition and teamwork. The sport’s easy-to-learn nature allows people of all ages and fitness levels to participate, making it an inclusive activity that builds camaraderie and reduces tensions within the prison environment. Further, it’s not expensive. A net, paddles, a ball and some chalk to draw the boundary lines costs about $50.
Physical fitness is a cornerstone of prison recreation programs, and pickleball provides an effective way to promote health among the general population. The game involves moderate cardiovascular exercise, improving heart health, endurance, and coordination. Unlike more physically demanding sports like basketball or soccer, pickleball carries a lower risk of injury, making it suitable for a wide range of participants. Regular participation also helps prisoners manage stress, improve their mood, and combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, which is common in prisons.
Another key advantage of pickleball in the BOP is its ability to build social connections. The game promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and communication among players, helping inmates develop interpersonal skills that are crucial for their post-incarceration lives. The sport encourages positive interactions between inmates from different backgrounds, breaking down social barriers and fostering a sense of community. It also provides an opportunity to bond with staff members, as some facilities allow correctional officers to participate in or oversee matches.
The growing popularity of pickleball in federal prisons aligns with a broader shift toward rehabilitation-focused corrections practices. Programs like pickleball are seen as tools to reduce recidivism by teaching inmates valuable life skills and helping them develop healthier habits. Some facilities even host pickleball tournaments, adding an element of achievement and recognition for participants, further boosting their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
The mission of prisons is going to be changing, for the better. The best way to improve the lives of those returning to society is giving them meaningful programs that translate into real life success.
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