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| State policy lets inmates watch violent movies |
| By news4colorado.com |
| Published: 02/07/2005 |
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A CBS4 News investigation has found Colorado prisoners are able to watch and play violent movies and video games. The state Department of Corrections defends the policy. That information surprised at least two Colorado lawmakers. Recently, the state of Missouri banned video games in its prison system. Colorado lawmakers also said some changes may be needed here, as well. Because of the investigation by CBS4 News, the department is putting the issue of violent movies and video games on its agenda in a meeting this week. The department, however, defends its policy, citing the fact no scientific evidence exists to indicate watching violence causes violence. "Kill Bill Volume 2", is an action-packed movie depicting killing after killing, and it's being shown in some area prisons. The Department of Corrections allows inmates to see that and other movies, such as "Van Helsing" and the assassin-themed "Bourne Supremacy" that contain graphic violence. "The question is, does violence beget violence?" said Allison Morgan, spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections. "When we talked to our chief of Mental Health Services, he does not have serious concerns at all about the video we're being shown to inmates." Morgan said the violent movies prisoners watch are mainstream movies that are on cable, and adds it's an inexpensive way to keep an inmate occupied. "A busy, occupied, tired inmate is an inmate that does not cause problems within the prison system," Morgan said. "20,000 inmates, 4,000 uniformed officers, $3.99 for a movie. It's a cost-effective management tool for us." Some state lawmakers disagree, and say violence in any form does not belong in the state prison system. |
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