8-31-19
Dear Chad Page (Chief of Idaho Prisons):
Jack Fraser mentioned he spoke with you about a disciplinary issue and subsequent transfer from the Eagle Pass Correctional Facility — regarding me personally — in a memo dated 8-27-19, which carbon-copied you as a recipient.
I understand the Idaho Department of Correction’s new position on why my disciplinary issue requires no further attention. I also respect that you’re willing to publicly march the issue through litigation with me — despite having already been provided with, in great detail, an account of my being denied access to disciplinary due process procedures. I’ve written this letter to discuss another matter.
In the interest of a recap: Mr. Fraser informed my transfer was specifically requested by a Texas warden for behavioral concerns unrelated to disciplinary. In contrast with Mr. Fraser’s 6-24-19 memo: “IDOC’s disciplinary procedure is an internal administrative process used to document inmate behavior.” Jack also stated in his recent memo that EPCF is operating under a different set of guidelines, but IDOC Agreement Number A18-002 mandates IDOC’s disciplinary policy be used at EPCF.
So, what was the concern? Was it documented? And, if the behavior didn’t warrant disciplinary or medical, why was it worth the expense of seating me on a charter flight to Idaho?
I find it apparent by the request to remove me from the contract facility: Warden Barry and the GEO Group are intimidated by inmates capable of researching legal requirements, documenting offender concerns and organizing formal complaints.
We’ve seen them neglect to forward to Idaho the official responses to my Texas complaints until I exhausted the grievance process. The time it took my legal work to find me in Idaho speaks volumes — its arriving with contents missing was simply cute.
See: bookofirving82431.com (BOI), Following My Retaliatory Transfer to Idaho.
It is most telling how my transfer came two weeks after my grievances specified which Texas Minimum Jail Standards violations I was pursuing. That I had to petition to get the grievance responses delivered to Idaho isn’t unexpected at this point: I was transferred while they were being processed.
See: BOI, Retaliatory Transfer to Idaho.
My appearing in quotations during media coverage of our Texas situation shouldn’t be overlooked as cause for concern, either.
See: George Prentice, Boise Weekly, The Dead of Winter (Investigation into Idaho inmate’s death at private prison in Eagle Pass, Texas: “Medical response is where the problem lies.”)
It is with pride that I point out my transfer came one week after winning the five-month battle I waged — on behalf of the entire inmate population — to be provided with the option of sanitizing our dining utensils.
See: BOI, Battle for Dish Soap at Eagle Pass.
Now, in addition to the questions you should have from all that is mentioned above, and with respect to the family of the late Mr. Kim Taylor, please consider what is now presented directly to you: Warden Barry provided false information during Steve Darilek’s investigation of a complaint filed with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards during the aforementioned Battle for Dish Soap (i.e. the warden of your contract facility lied to an official while being investigated).
See: BOI, Violations of Texas Minimum Jail Standards.
On current display are documents illustrating his disregard for the truth. Captured is the level of integrity needed to state that I was placed in adseg while submitting the February complaint. In viewing the picture fully exposed: I’m six weeks returned to general population at this point.
Notice how our subject is content to classify this as an isolated incident –affecting me only. He is completely unaffected by the four pages of signatures sitting on his desk supporting an attempt to resolve this issue. Having to mention the notarized affidavits other inmates provided to TCJS becomes redundant at this point. Nonetheless, they too have been made available for public view.
I understand your initial reflex is to mention the grievance process and tell me to burn off. I get it. You’re obligated. However, since your people lost my television during transfer and refuse to replace it, leaving me with a little over two years left at Idaho Maximum Security Institution without much to keep me busy: I’m interested in seeing if you’re willing to respond to the information I’ve made available.
This is less for myself, more for the people that don’t have access to the grievance process. People like the taxpaying families of Idaho inmates being housed in Texas.
What would you like other offenders (who are still people) to know when facing suspicious transfers for “behavior unrelated to disciplinary?” Should they continue to attempt — peacefully and without disruption — to stick up for those surrounding them by holding others accountable? If not, why did my IDOC therapeutic programming teach this?
I don’t understand what benefit it serves not to acknowledge what is well-documented and available for all to see.
I’ve made great efforts trying to have a conversation. It’s odd, the amount of resources your department is prepared to spend on avoiding civil discussions and simple fixes. I’m disappointed that my trying to reason with others at the most human level is being viewed as a behavioral concern.
Your acting as a role model would be appreciated. These other interactions are beginning to make me feel less like a criminal.
I hope we can figure this out for the next thirty-four years. It’s going to be a long time stuck together.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
Patrick Irving 82431