Patrick Irving

The Appeal Launches New National Database for Prison Commissary Pricelists, Cory Doctorow Shines Light on Securus’s Potential Bankruptcy

Thanks to Cory Doctorow for bringing to our attention in the “Greedflation, but for prisoners” issue of his daily newsletter that The Appeal has unveiled a new national commissary pricelist database, which can be used to compare how items are priced across 46 states. Kudos to Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Ethan Corey and everyone else who contributed … Continue reading “The Appeal Launches New National Database for Prison Commissary Pricelists, Cory Doctorow Shines Light on Securus’s Potential Bankruptcy”

First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, April ’24

Previous: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, March ’24 Welcome to the April edition of First Amend This! This publication provides an insider look at issues affecting the Idaho Department of Correction community. If you wish to assist this effort, share the link, copy and paste, or print and send this issue to another. Loved ones … Continue reading “First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, April ’24”

Another Esoteric Birthday Wish Granted for the Amazing Peachworm

[WriteAPrisoner.com, 2021] Alien observer, tasked with providing the Galactic Cooperative with a few good reasons to leave your Earth alone. So far, it’s not looking good. Were it not for “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas“, “The Big Lebowski” and oatmeal cookie dough, I would have already rendered your dimension on compassionate grounds. Seeking: Verification … Continue reading “Another Esoteric Birthday Wish Granted for the Amazing Peachworm”

Notice of Intent: IDOC Proposal 82431-002 — Idaho Foodbank Fundraiser (I’ll go it alone if I have to)

This proposal was initially submitted February 29 and, in the absence of response, again with minor revisions April 10 using the channels of communication made available to me at the Idaho State Correctional Institution. Proposal 82431-002 — Idaho Foodbank Fundraiser The Idaho Foodbank recently collaborated with a local news station to raise funds for food-insecure … Continue reading “Notice of Intent: IDOC Proposal 82431-002 — Idaho Foodbank Fundraiser (I’ll go it alone if I have to)”

A Brief Overview of Education Technology and Vocational Training Within the Idaho Prison System

This is an informal report compiled in response to questions from a man who is currently incarcerated within the Wisconsin prison system. “I am collecting information on how computer technology is being used in prisons of the United States, specifically, but also interested in other countries. How are tablets being deployed? What are the policies? … Continue reading “A Brief Overview of Education Technology and Vocational Training Within the Idaho Prison System”

First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, March ’24

Previous: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, Feb. ’24 Welcome to the March issue of First Amend This! This publication provides an insider look at issues affecting the Idaho Department of Correction community. If you wish to assist this effort, share the link, copy and paste, or print and send this issue to another. Loved … Continue reading “First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, March ’24”

He’s a 69-year-old, partially paralyzed, diabetic amputee. DOC staff say he’s a faker. What say I split the (in)difference?

The original version of this complaint, sent 3.11.24 via snail mail to the local Area Agency On Aging (with additional copies sent over JPay to an Idaho Statesman reporter, the Idaho Prison Project and House Minority Speaker Ilana Rubel), lists the subject’s age at 72 and neglects to mention that he also takes insulin. The … Continue reading “He’s a 69-year-old, partially paralyzed, diabetic amputee. DOC staff say he’s a faker. What say I split the (in)difference?”

First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, Feb. ’24

Previous: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, Jan. ’24 Welcome to the February issue of First Amend This! This publication provides an insider look at issues affecting the Idaho Department of Correction community. If you wish to assist this effort, share the link, copy and paste, or print and send this issue to another. Loved ones … Continue reading “First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, Feb. ’24”

Idaho Prison Censors Research On Recidivism Rates for People Convicted of Sex Crimes (and other news)

Feb. 6, 2024 — Today, an unknown staff member at the Idaho State Correctional Institution censored the following items, sent to me over JPay. 1) A message including the text of both “New Report from The Sentencing Project Reveals Low Rates of Recidivism Among People Convicted of Crimes of a Sexual Nature,” January 30, 2024; … Continue reading “Idaho Prison Censors Research On Recidivism Rates for People Convicted of Sex Crimes (and other news)”

ISCI Unit 14 Quarantined for a Minimum of 72 Hours

January 26 — ISCI Captain Gibney has informed Unit 14 residents that an individual who recently passed through the unit is exhibiting symptoms that require testing for tuberculosis. All non-essential movements from Unit 14 have been canceled for a minimum of 72 hours as a precautionary measure until the test results return. This includes movements … Continue reading “ISCI Unit 14 Quarantined for a Minimum of 72 Hours”