Patrick Irving

Idaho’s New Firing Squad Prepares to Fire

After years of controversy surrounding lethal injections, the state looks to automate the process of shooting people sentenced to death. [This article was originally published at the Prison Journalism Project] Come July, a new Idaho law will require the state to prioritize use of the firing squad when performing executions. It will become the first … Continue reading “Idaho’s New Firing Squad Prepares to Fire”

Probe into Idaho Prison [REDACTED] Reaches Fahrenheit 451

Embedded in this post are two documents. The first is a page from the log of public record requests submitted to the Idaho Department of Correction in December. The second lists the Idaho codes used to justify redactions made to the first. Requesting the agency’s monthly log of public record requests is something I’ve done … Continue reading “Probe into Idaho Prison [REDACTED] Reaches Fahrenheit 451”

Patrick is a Stillwater Award finalist, Best Op-Ed category!

Hey folks, Remember that op-ed I published last year, “Who Should Care for the Elderly in Prison?” Well, to my surprise, a panel of professional journalists, editors and journalism educators recently selected it as a finalist for the third annual Stillwater Awards. The Stillwater Awards are a national awards program that seeks to honor journalism … Continue reading “Patrick is a Stillwater Award finalist, Best Op-Ed category!”

Journal entry 1-16-26, Letter to my future parole officer

Had a tumor removed from my nose 1-14-26. I stayed awake for the procedure, cracking all of the appropriate jokes. The doctor and his assistants were nice. They gave me Funions, a juice box, yogurt bites and a granola bar between cutting sessions. The transport officers were empathetic and professional, only tasing me once while … Continue reading “Journal entry 1-16-26, Letter to my future parole officer”

My annual letter to the Honorable Judge Steven Hippler, who sentenced me to 40 years in prison.

On October 05, 2015, the Honorable Judge Steven Hippler handed me a 15-to-40-year prison sentence for two count of arson. During my sentencing hearing, he said it wasn’t clear from what affliction I suffered and whether I was capable of responding to treatment. Starting in 2021, I began writing Hippler on an annual basis to … Continue reading “My annual letter to the Honorable Judge Steven Hippler, who sentenced me to 40 years in prison.”

All I want for Christmas is to have my face cancer removed and my nose restored to 3/4 its original splendor.

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION Resident Concern Form Resident: Patrick Irving IDOC Number: 82431 Institution, Housing Unit, & Cell: ISCI 13A-12B Date: 12/21/25 To: Health Services Administrator Russell Hill Issue/Concern: “I first reported a disturbing growth on my nose 1/8/24 during a routine physical. A biopsy performed 5/13/24 failed to confirm it was cancer. The provider … Continue reading “All I want for Christmas is to have my face cancer removed and my nose restored to 3/4 its original splendor.”

Patrick profiled by PEN America’s Incarcerated Writers Bureau, mentioned by People Magazine

It is my absolute pleasure to introduce to you some of the most dedicated writers working from within U.S. prisons today! I couldn’t imagined when I started this blog that I would be profiled among them by PEN America’s Incarcerated Writers Bureau. According to pen.org, [The IWB] “is a digital resource that will make professional … Continue reading “Patrick profiled by PEN America’s Incarcerated Writers Bureau, mentioned by People Magazine”

Behold! Cookies for Corrections is here!!

It’s that time of year again, folks! The 2025 Cookies for Corrections drive is wrapping up. And according to my favorite radio host, Mark Renick, the goal this year is to hand-deliver holiday warmth and cookies to at least 6,000 Idaho prisoners. It’s a logistical feat that rivals nearly everything the Romans accomplished! The cut-off … Continue reading “Behold! Cookies for Corrections is here!!”

The value of mentors in prison.

I’m learning skills that will help me after I leave here. [This article was originally published at the Prison Journalism Project] The day I was processed into prison 10 years ago was the lowest point in my life. After setting fire to two houses in a drug-induced psychosis, I had lost everything and fractured all of … Continue reading “The value of mentors in prison.”

Is your loved one serious about earning parole and succeeding up on release? Check out my two new favorite, free resources.

[Behold! I give you my testimonial, to bring light into your life and strengthen ongoing efforts in criminal justice reform!] A great man once tapped with his thumbs on a frustratingly expensive prison messaging device, “When confronting a bureaucratically driven machine designed to further break down broken people, it helps to clog the cogs with … Continue reading “Is your loved one serious about earning parole and succeeding up on release? Check out my two new favorite, free resources.”