Category: Dispatches
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!”
Could Body Cameras Prevent Prison Abuse?
Idaho prisons are in the midst of a three-year pilot program that some believe could curtail abuse and promote accountability. [Originally published by Prison Journalism Project.] By James Mancuso Idaho state prisons are piloting body cameras on guards, which some believe will increase safety and accountability. Last year, the Idaho prison system instructed guards at some … Continue reading “Could Body Cameras Prevent Prison Abuse?”
What Happens to Prisoners When Substantive Due Process Disappears?
[A version of this story was previously published at MeisterArchive.com] By David J. Meister When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, headlines centered on abortion rights. But buried in the decision was a legal shift with consequences far beyond reproductive freedom. In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), the majority not only rejected … Continue reading “What Happens to Prisoners When Substantive Due Process Disappears?”
No Recourse: How Prison Medical Providers Avoid Liability
[A version of this story was previously published at MeisterArchive.com] By David J. Meister By the nature of incarceration, U.S. prisoners are totally reliant on facility officials to provide adequate medical care. That is a major operational expense. An industry of private healthcare providers has emerged to fill a need traditionally—if reluctantly—filled by government, offering … Continue reading “No Recourse: How Prison Medical Providers Avoid Liability”
The best way to help people in Idaho prisons? Give them work.
Incarcerated labor can reduce the burden on taxpayers, improve the prison system and prepare people like me for life after prison. [Originally published by Prison Journalism Project.] By James Mancuso Idaho spends almost $75 a day to house me and every other person in its prisons. At around 8,000 people incarcerated, that’s nearly $220 million a year. Imagine … Continue reading “The best way to help people in Idaho prisons? Give them work.”
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!!”