Category: Dispatches

Contaminated water causes rashes, pain & deteriorating health at Arizona private prison

By David J. Meister [This article was originally published at the MeisterArchive.com and appears here with author’s permission] For years I’d heard rumors about the terrible water at Saguaro Correctional Center (SCC) — the private CoreCivic prison in Eloy, AZ where I was transferred on September 9, 2025. I finally got a taste of it myself. … Continue reading “Contaminated water causes rashes, pain & deteriorating health at Arizona private prison”

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!!”

In between prison fences, dogs get a second chance at life.

Spared from euthanasia, these pups patrol a strip of prison land in Idaho to keep people from escaping. By James Mancuso [This article was originally published at the Prison Journalism Project and appears here with author’s permission] Around nearly every prison is a fence topped with razor wire. Just beyond that fence is often another … Continue reading “In between prison fences, dogs get a second chance at life.”

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.”

Mission Impossible: Exposing Private Prison Failures at Saguaro Correctional Center

by David J. Meister Roughly an hour’s drive southeast of Phoenix, Arizona, in remote Pinal County, several sprawling complexes of concrete blocks and razor-wire-topped fences mar the desert landscape. One of them is the Saguaro Correctional Center (SCC) — a private prison facility operated by CoreCivic, the latest incarnation of the infamous Corrections Corporation of … Continue reading “Mission Impossible: Exposing Private Prison Failures at Saguaro Correctional Center”

A toss of oatmeal draws a feeding frenzy at this Idaho prison.

I enjoy watching the antics of the birds and rabbits that arrive for the feast. By James Mancuso [This article was originally published at the Prison Journalism Project and appears here with author’s permission] Every morning, I toss a large handful of dry oatmeal flakes onto the prison’s recreation yard to feed the animals. Some … Continue reading “A toss of oatmeal draws a feeding frenzy at this Idaho prison.”