Updates

Previous: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, Jan. ’22

Welcome to the February 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.

Friends and families are encouraged to join the  Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at  idahoinmate@gmail.com.

Those looking to share their experience with Idaho’s justice system are asked to contact Erika Marshall with the Idaho Justice Project.
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EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s okay to acknowledge that Director Josh Tewalt has an impossible position. In essence, he has assumed guardianship of the redheaded stepchild the State of Idaho has allowed to shit in the house for decades. The dysfunction he’s inherited has been passed down for generations courtesy of voters, lawmakers and a number of admins. The outward ripples from his position can be felt by tens of thousands — and not just the families affected by justice, but also by those in our communities that need to feel safe. By many accounts, the man has made changes that will brighten many futures. He is compassionate, educated and possesses many of the leadership qualities I have missed reading about ever since Robertson first banned me from the library.

Do I agree with every move he makes as well as all of his policies? No. But we are both Americans and democracy allows it.

Do I give him an unusually hard time when certain problems present? Yes. Because while not every problem reported here is easy to fix, many of them are fixable with just a few minutes on the phone — and for those of us who present the same issues month after month, frustrations can build up in a ways that need vented. But that doesn’t mean I want people to hate the dude. It just means he’s the dude that once in a while I like to razz when certain shit’s not getting done and other shit just needs improved.

Let’s First Amend This!
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IDAHO WINS THE RACE TO INCARCERATE TRAUMATIZED WOMEN

Rachel Cohen with Boise State Public Radio News is reporting that Idaho incarcerated its women at a rate more than double the national average in 2020. This according to a Bureau of Justice Statistics report confirming the rate at which Idaho incarcerates women is highest of all of the United States.

Deputy Director Bree Derick acknowledges that females imprisoned in Idaho have higher rates of mental health and substance abuse issues, and are more prone to carrying childhood trauma than those in the general public.

Though Governor Little, in his most recent budget proposal, set aside $112 million for a new 848-bed women’s prison in Boise, only $2.5 million has been given to create the pre-prosecution diversion strategies recommended by Idaho’s Opioid Task Force and Behavioral Health Council.

According to IDOC, the $2.5 million will be used to help local governments establish pilot programs aimed at connecting citizens with substance use disorder or behavioral health concerns to community resources.

Source: Rachel Cohen, “Idaho has the highest female incarceration rate in the country,” Boise State Public Radio News. “Idaho Dept. of Correction JFAC Presentation,” 1-18-22.
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OUR FEMALE PRISONERS ARE UNDERFED. THE TRANSPARENCY DEPARTMENT SAYS OTHERWISE.

We first reported on it December, and then we asked IDOC’s Transparency Department to provide us with the savings the Department realizes by serving its female clients, in many cases, half the portions that they serve the men. Our public records request was returned with the statement that we are all fed the same.

The Transparency Department, informed that the information they were supplying was inaccurate, was once again asked by way of public records request to produce the food service menus the Department provides its residents. (Appearing as “MenuJpay.pdf” within the Handbook application of our JPay devices are eight separate menus whose titles begin with “IDOC Food Service Menu 7.0.”) These menus possess the serving-size details for each of the following diets: mainline, healthy choice, ovo-lacto and vegan — men and women, respectively.

Though the issue of disparate serving sizes may seem to some like a trivial matter, for the women receiving them it certainly is not. And if the Department cannot be trusted to return all public records requests with information that accurately reflects their operations, we feel our local press and prison advocates should know.
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GUMSHOE GROUP FUNDS INVESTIGATION INTO IDOC EXECUTION CONSPIRACY

“An investigation into the state’s most recent executions reveals the lengths to which prison officials have gone to withhold documents from the public that disclose their past practices for acquiring the deadly drugs, the associated taxpayer costs and the identity of their suppliers.” — Kevin Fixler

In collaboration with the Idaho Capital Sun, Kevin Fixler with the Idaho Statesman explosively exposes the most censored saga this publication has encountered in all of its coverage.

Covering a story that’s unfolded for almost a decade, Fixler follows up on an incredibly awkward effort to prevent the public release of info that was recently found to contain “the covert ways that prison leadership operated to conceal any information that could reveal their execution drug sources.” His reporting was supported by the Gumshoe Group Investigative Journalism Initiative in the form of a public records grant.

Thanks to their grant and the collaboration of press, last month multiple media outlets presented to the public the code of Omerta adopted within the ranks of our Department of Correction:

” ‘This document is for staff use only. Do not release it to offenders or the general public,’ reads the memo, which includes pointers to prison staff on how to avoid the financial detection that could help identify a source of the execution drugs.”

When attempting to direct a JPay contact to this story, this reporter received notice that his message censored. The censorship notice arrived with an awful accusation: by attempting to share the story I was an advocate for hatred.

“The Department of Correction seems to have very little respect for the law, and certainly almost no respect for democracy and public transparency.” — Ritchie Eppink, ACLU Idaho, Legal Director

It’s a story so explosive we dare not summarize it here, less concerned about our safety than the safety of your drawers.

“When a government responds to a problem by hiding the evidence, that should not give anybody confidence that they’ve addressed the problem. — Dunham, Death Penalty Information Center

Please take your time to visit the links provided and, once you’ve reassembled the fragments that are blown from your mind, remember to come back and read the rest of our humble newsletter!

“Cash buys, private flights, changing rules: How Idaho hides from execution oversight“, Kevin Fixler.
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CENTURION HEALTH IS EXCESSIVELY CHARGING FOR COPAYS

Several who’ve sought the services of Centurion Health in recent months are reporting their trust accounts have been charged multiple times in error.

Upon coming aware of the issue, this reporter submitted several health service requests to see what charges they triggered to his inmate trust account. As those charges began to appear, one was quickly identified as a duplicate error while another was for an appointment that never took place.

In the time of Covid, IDOC clients are typically to be charged no more than two dollars by the prison health provider. The payment, which acts a copay, covers immediate treatment and follow-up care, to whatever extent the provider deems necessary.

Requests to be refunded for erroneous charges have not been enough to elicit a response. Along with several others, this reporter has been ignored while seeking some form of solution. In at least one case, a grievance was finally filed after an client’s trust account was charged as many as fourteen times without explanation.

With ACLU Idaho currently keeping an eye on all Covid concerns within our Corrections, it is recommended that those who’ve seen Medical any time since October review their trust accounts and follow up on questionable charges.

Upon exhausting all relevant grievances, copies should be made using facility paralegals before forwarding those grievances to the following address:

ACLU Idaho
PO Box 1897
Boise, ID 83701
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PASSING OUT PAROLE PACKETS: WHOSE F***ING JOB IS IT?!

Imagine being given approximately two hours to collect a comprehensive personal and family history and then present them both, along with other details of a still uncertain future, within the fields of a packet marked “THIS D***HEAD WANTS PAROLE!” You have zero access to the Internet, you can’t use the phone, and your electronic messaging service can take anywhere from hours up to a week. Should you fail to impress the intended recipients, you’ll be kept in prison for at least another year — possibly three, depending on their mood.

Per policy 607.26.01.014, pre-hearing interview packets are to be passed out four months prior to parole hearings. Yet, somehow in December, my neighbor was given only two hours to collect 16 pages of requisite information and present it as a plan that makes a case for his parole.

For months now we’ve watched parole packets arriving late. The issue was first brought to the attention of management in September. It’s unfortunate they’re comfortable with letting it continue.

If you know someone in Idaho nearing parole, we’ve transcribed the IDOC pre-hearing parole packet and made it available here.
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All OF US GOT COVID, ONLY A FEW GOT TESTED

On January 2 my neighbors got sick, and it quickly spread throughout our whole unit. Coughing and cold sweats, fevers and sore throats, we were in agony and it was apparent. Within a few days a memo was issued, informing us all that Covid was present: masks would be required and some restrictions enforced, but only those who tested positive would be required to quarantine.

The person from my cohort who reported his symptoms immediately tested positive and found himself in quarantine.

His cellies and neighbors weren’t tested behind him. No one was asked to and no one complained. We were more concerned with having access to the dayroom than receiving the level of care our prisons’ medical service provides.

Of the staff that stayed to work, some were symptomatic and made the best they could out of an unusually bad situation. (Kudos to IMSI A-Unit staff for making sure our needs were met in extremely respectable fashion.) After last year’s employee exodus, management’s options were undoubtedly dismal. Forcing all our facility’s workers to quarantine after exposure would have left our facility without any workers.

Unfortunately, for residents housed in Ad-Seg, where, for up to years at a time, one can hardly enjoy any time away from their cell, catching Covid from staff who came to work sick left little in the way of work ethic to be admired.

Back on my unit, two lucky souls, as sick as the rest, were seen rolling their property one morning to be transferred to better facilities. I couldn’t help but wonder how they would be greeted and how long it would take to get everyone sick.

I also wonder how many of us were waiting for booster shots when Covid came through. I asked for my booster with a flu shot back in November and, as this issue goes to print, have yet to receive either.

To be fair, I find myself wondering whether it would’ve even mattered. It was impossible to discern the statuses now issued with Covid among the makeup of my unit and cohort. The only one among us who wasn’t writhing around in agony was boasting of the fact that he’d already caught it twice. Even then, he wasn’t asymptomatic. In fact, the asymptomatic percentages widely presented conflicts with the data now kept in our notes.

As for our restricted housing units — used to isolate residents for extended periods of time — with “preventative measures,” they should’ve been practically impenetrable. Perhaps the protection words alone offer equal null.

Or perhaps it was a matter of decision that was forced upon the guard. Some might understand how one could consciously decide to open up the gates for a formal frontal assault, get the worst of it over and go on with their lives.

Out with the cloud of Covid, in the cloud of confusion…

Authors note: Nothing above is a recommendation or basis from which to argue — it’s just what I experienced.
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COVID NEWS

Everyone is getting sick, not everyone is being tested, some people have died, the numbers can’t be trusted.

Visiting for the South Boise Complex isn’t looking good.

The Idaho National Guard has been brought in to assist with daily operations.

Though the Department is encouraging booster shots, the majority who’ve requested them have yet to receive them.

View the numbers as reported here.
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SEWAGE LAGOONS SET TO BE MODERNIZED

It’s said the doo-doo ponds that make our prison landscape will soon be losing their natural charm.

While $10 million dollars has been allotted to afford them a modern-day makeover, it’s best to taper expectations for that splash of decorations we’ve been waiting on for years of putrid pinkeyes, stink and tears.

On February 15, all residents are asked to place tea lights in their windows and pray to their Higher Powers that $10 million is enough to offer protection from the breeze and the remnants wafting in it.

Source: “Idaho Dept. of Correction JFAC Presentation,” 1-18-22.
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JOURNEYMEN WANTED AT $3 AN HOUR

IDOC is on the lookout for journeymen-level licensed electricians and tradesmen apprentices with a minimum of one year experience working in a commercial or industrial settings. An upcoming project will pay $3.00 per hour plus free food and lodging to qualified applicants. The project is anticipated to last four to eight weeks and a $250 bonus will be offered to selected applicants upon final inspection. After completion, those selected are welcome to remain employed with the Southern Idaho Correctional Institute Maintenance Department at the prevailing wage of $2.00 or pursue other employment opportunities with SICI Vocational Work Projects. To include:

• • • Heavy Equipment Operators
    • Welders / fabricators
    • Concrete workers
    • Plumbers
    • HVAC technicians
    • Electricians
    • Automotive technicians
    • Farming and wastewater

Please send applications and/or concern forms to SICI Maintenance.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE INSIDE-OUT ORGANIZING WORKING GROUP

More than 70 national organizations have launched the #EndTheException campaign to pass the Abolition Amendment. Already backed by 32 members of congress, the amendment simply reads: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as punishment for a crime.”

Though the Thirteenth Amendment is celebrated for abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude, it includes an exception clause that allows both to continue as punishment for a crime. During Reconstruction, the exception perpetuated criminalization, incarceration and re-enslavement. 150 years later, incarcerated and detained people across our country are forced to work for little-to-no pay under the threat of additional punitive measures, such as the loss of family visits and solitary confinement.

Not only does this affect our incarcerated population, but it also hurts the wages set within our local communities.

Those interested in joining the #EndTheException campaign are asked to contact Maddy at:

Inside-Out Organizing
1915 Fulton Street, Unit 563
Brooklyn, NY 11233
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RENICK ON THE RADIO

With over five years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1FM, Saturdays at 12:30 pm.

This month Mark welcomed David Lund from Reentry Idaho, a service arm of Bar None that operates in District 1. David discussed some of the unique challenges faces by the formerly incarcerated in northern Idaho and the services now being offered by his organization. Those interested in reentry services are encouraged to contact him. Bar None 208-900-9075, reentryidaho.org/referral.

Once a reporter for the Idaho Press Tribune, Tommy Simmons is now working with the Center of Fiscal Policy. From there he’ll be educating the public on the costs and effects of incarceration in Idaho. All are invited to follow his work at idahofiscal.org and Twitter @IdahoFiscal.

Longtime organizer and advocate Ronald Simpson-Bey with Just Leadership USA is bringing to Idaho his leadership development training. With two separate formats emerging from his leadership program, there is now talk his of his training being offered in select IDOC facilities. His work can be found on Youtube and by search.
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PROPOSED FOR NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET

Governor Little has released his executive budget recommendations and Director Josh Tewalt has submitted a financial overview to Idaho’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC). Here are some of the highlights:

$339,338,300 has been requested for next year’s operating budget. This represents an 8.3% increase over the current correctional budget.

$10.7 million will be used to pay off the bond for the CAPP building. This will transition the property and facility to state ownership. The facility will continue to be operated by Management Training Corporation.

$7.3 million will be used to annualize the most recent change in pay rates for correctional security while addressing compression in Probation and Parole.

$3.2 million will be used to upgrade institutional radios to a digital ultra-high frequency system.

$1.6 million will be used add 20 new specialists for Probation (amp) Parole and Reentry Services throughout Idaho.

$1.4 million will be used to support the “Reducing Violent Crime” and “Innovations in Supervision” grants.

$1.3 million will be used to add 12 new positions to help support increased vocational work opportunities and expand correctional labor programs.

$500,000 will be used to develop and implement trauma interventions for correctional staff and residents. This program will be one of the first of its kind to pilot interventions to address the underlying trauma for people working and living in correctional facilities.

$67,000 will be used to bring our educators’ pay up to par with their counterparts in public schools.

As part of the Division of Public Works budget, $150 million will be used to build a new 848-bed female facility and add a 280-bed housing unit to ISCI and remodel Unit 7 at ISCI.

Also from Public Works is $12 million that will be used build a new Community Reentry Center in Pocatello.

Sources: Josh Tewalt, “IDOC Budget Details (email),” 1.11.22. Josh Tewalt, “Idaho Department of Correction JFAC Presentation,” 1.18.22.
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RESIDENT AUDITING 101

In regards to the inmate donations they’ve collected for years, the Department is still refusing to provide any proof that their clients’ charitable contributions are actually going to charities. With an estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of prisoner property at stake, the Idaho Center for Fiscal Property and the Department of Justice are soon to be notified.

As already mentioned, the Transparency Department has been observed returning inaccurate information to a public records request made for food service data. They have been notified and asked to try again.

It has been found that IMSI Educator Mr. Robertson’s indefinite library suspensions are a product of his own creativity and not supported by any policy. A grievance addressing the issue is now nearing exhaustion.
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INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

1-31-22

Dear Deputy Chief of Prisons Amanda Gentry,

CC: Janeena White

After three months of patiently waiting for your response to Grievance #IM 210000467, I find myself upset that the concern I presented was not the one addressed. I was simply seeking some form of proof to show our “charitable donations” are going to actual charities.

Throughout the month of December this department touted the cash donations they collected from their inmates to feed families in the community and provide them with a Christmas experience. Were no records kept of these moneys as well?

It should matter little that our year-round donations are made in the form of inmate property. The money coming from our pockets is many times that of anything done around Christmas time. Nearly every time we sign a confiscation/property disposition form, we’re told we’re giving to charities. Certainly you can understand how we would like some proof?

With all due respect, I feel this was an incredibly easy issue to attend to. Because I am extremely disappointed with how it has been handled, along with my previous public records requests and a copy of this communique, I will be forwarding this grievance to the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, as well as the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy. These items will accompany my request that an inquiry be made into how this Department chooses its charities and the reason why signatures of receipt aren’t kept from those that are actively benefitting.

In friendship and incarceration,
Patrick Irving
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SUGGESTION BOX

It is once again worth suggesting that all take the time to read and share Kevin Fixler’s article “Cash buys, private flights, changing rules: How Idaho hides from execution oversight.”
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My cellie deserves a shout-out this month, for enduring an excessive amount of awkward exposure to the emotions and intensity I filter through for weeks, all in an effort to articulate a somewhat presentable offering.

And shout-out from my cellie to his madre in West Covina. Is that all you get for putting up with him for 27 years?!

That’s it for me. See you next month.

“Break My Baby”
— Kaleo

Next: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, March. ’22

For over three years I have diligently documented the experience of living imprisoned in one of America’s most incarcerating states.

Along with my prison journals, articles, collages and creative writing, video of me presenting at the 2021 Idaho Law Review Symposium, over video and in shackles, after more than a year into ad-seg, is available online at bookofirving82431.com.

I am interested in networking with the families and friends of others incarcerated, as well as those who wish to explore the impact of my country’s current carceral state.

I would appreciate my work being shared with journalists, educators, coalitions, prison projects, and anyone who has, either directly or by extension, been affected by matters relating to justice.

It is my intention to further evolve my makeshift prison project and make the most of my time by paving respectable pathways.

Thank you for your interest.

Patrick Irving 82431
IMSI
PO Box 51
Boise, ID 83707
bookofirving82431.com
Messaging via JPay

After spending two years in what the Idaho Department of Correction refers to as “administrative segregation,” I can personally vouch for the horrible, life-changing, long-term effects that accompany excessive confinement and isolation.

In 2018, the Department made a promise with a policy that, to this day, it has never implemented: To allow all clients held in Restricted Housing Units time out of their cells for three hours a day.

For the last two years that policy has been hidden by IDOC’s Transparency Department and substituted with other documents when requested through public records. [Grievances 15 &  20 ]

I was also denied access to library self-help materials during my last six months spent in the black hole where IDOC hides their most problematic inmates.

Our department heads know as well as anyone that these practices are incredibly dangerous. Still, they continue to release their most problematic clients, after compounding their defects with long-term isolation, into Idaho communities without supervision.

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the efforts of Solitary Watch, a watchdog organization out of Washington, DC, that advocates to eliminate the practice of subjecting the incarcerated to long-term isolation.

View my article, “Among the Blood of Last Year’s June” published by solitarywatch.org.

It’s imperative that we all work to shine what light we can on the mental, physical and spiritual torment experienced by those who are “kept in the back”.

Another incredibly informative article detailing court battles and concerns–and possibly uncovering a full-on conspiracy!–with the Idaho Department of Correction’s procurement of execution drugs appears to be making the Department uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, in fact, that the article’s title alone is grounds for immediate mail and messaging censorship, as found out today by our First Amend This! editor, the ever intrepid Patrick Irving Esq., who is unavailable for breeding but maturing like fine wine.

The following message, sent 1-18-22 over JPay, was ominously censored with no explanation:

Want to see something crazy?

“Cash buys, private flights, changing rules: How Idaho hides from execution oversight“

–Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman

And then try a search for “Is Director Josh Tewalt the Angel of Death?”

😀

This isn’t the first time transparency battles have been forbidden from discussion by the Powers That Be. For years we’ve taken issue with the censorship, misinformation and other creative means used by the Department to coverup misconduct.

Learn more by viewing “Exhausted Grievances In Summary (for legal and investigative purpose)” and our First Amend This! archives.

We also encourage you to shine YOUR light on THEIR lack of transparency by sharing relevant articles and personal stories wherever and whenever you can.

This has been a First Amend This! “F*** You.”

Come get some, Censorship!

UPDATE

1-26-22

Almost a week later, in response to an Inmate Concern Form questioning the Department’s reason for engaging in censorship, I finally received notice back from Investigations. It is their position that the contents of the message sent on 1-18-22 “advocates hatred” and “encourages violence.”

A grievance has been submitted. It reads as follows:

The problem is: A JPay message referring my contact to two published local news stories was censored for “advocating hatred” and “encouraging violence.” Both articles did neither. They presented legitimate concerns with IDOC transparency, specifically regarding their methods of execution. I wrote one of the articles myself and had no problem sending it out over JPay, because it encouraged a higher level of accountability, not hatred or violence.

I suggest the following solution for this problem: Release the email or make a case in detail as to how accountability seekers are advocates of hate. I will be happy to publish this grievance with all related articles as an exercise in courtesy and example of civil discourse.
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I look forward to sharing the discussion that follows, but at the same time remain disappointed that the only way I am able to engage in civil discourse is by forcing my captors to play using forms.

The following memo was distributed to IMSI residents today, following infections among facility food service workers and staff. I credit IMSI leadership with distributing this memo as many residents showing symptoms have been hesitant to present them or communicate them to their families, for fear of initiating a quarantine and ruining phone, shower and dayroom access for everyone.

IDAHO MAXIMUM SECURITY INSTITUTION MEMORANDUM

Date: 1/5/2022
To: IMSI’s Resident Population
From: IMSI Leadership
RE: COVID at IMSI

COVID has found its way to our staff and resident population here at IMSI. Please stay diligent in washing your hands, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, and social distancing.

Effective immediately, all tiers with residents quarantined due to possible COVID exposure will still have scheduled dayroom and recreation times under the following conditions (residents who have tested positive for COVID will not be included in dayroom and rec times):

• • • Residents will be required to wear an N95 mask upon exiting their cell.
    •  Residents will be required to wear an N95 mask over their nose and mouth for the entirety of their out-of-cell time.
    • Cleaning supplies will be available and residents will be required to disinfect all areas they use.
    • Residents will not be allowed to visit at the cell doors of other walks. they will be required to stay at least 6 feet away. Unit staff will determine if a resident is too close to cell doors.

Any violation of these guidelines will result in the resident being immediately returned to their cell. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Our goal is to keep dayrooms and rec opened and operating, if possible.

There is a likelihood that IMSI will experience dark days if we do not have the staff to safely run the units and the required ancillary posts. Staff who are exposed to COVID or test positive for COVID are required to quarantine. It is our goal to keep dark days as few as possible.

Thanks for your help and cooperation!

Previous: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, Dec. ’21

Welcome to the January 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.

Friends and families are encouraged to join the  Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at idahoinmate@gmail.com.

Those looking to share their experience with Idaho’s justice system are asked to contact Erika Marshall with the Idaho Justice Project.
…

EDITOR’S NOTE

New Year resolutions:

1) Eliminate lifetime library bans at IMSI.

2) Civilly speculate as to why a grievance requesting some form of record be kept to prevent more charitable donations from going unaccounted for is now three months overdue in its return from Central Office.

3) Continue revisiting the fact that one box of betterment books donated from Idaho communities last year couldn’t be found in all of Deputy Warden Wessels’ prison.

4) Send one newsletter a month to an Idaho legislator and ask that they consider following up on a few issues.

5) Offer the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau more reasons to fine JPay for ripping us off in the millions.

6) Maintain my boyish charm.

Let’s First Amend This!
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DEATH AT IDAHO STATE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

It was reported last month that an ISCI resident was beaten to death overnight in his cell. With respect to Department policy, all parties involved and their families, we ask that you view this story at the links provided below.

[kivitv.com, ktvb.com, Idahostatesman.com]
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STATISTICAL ANALYSIS CENTER RELEASES REPORT ON IDAHO RECIDIVISM

In collaboration with the Idaho Department of Correction and the Idaho Supreme Court, the Idaho State Police’s Statistical Analysis Center (ISAC) recently compiled a report to illustrate Idaho’s recidivism problem.

Author Thomas Strauss, MPA, pieced the report together using data from 2017 — three years after the Idaho Legislature passed a justice reform initiative in effort to reverse the state’s increasing incarceration rate.

The 2014 JRI bill targeted at-risk individuals with various forms of programming, mandated the use of Evidence Based Practices (EBP) in community supervision, and created a Limited Supervision Unit within Probation and Parole while adjusting the way they responded to technical violations. It also required the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to report regularly on the state of IDOC programming and the needs of their clients.

Despite the efforts put forth in this bill, Strauss found that in 2017 Idaho had the highest rate of citizens under supervision in the Western United States, with 1 in 25 adult Idahoans in jail or prison or managed by the state on probation or parole. The same year, in the face of one of the lowest violent and property crime rates in the West, Idaho’s prison incarceration was found to be second in the region, behind Arizona’s.

According to Strauss’s findings, the rate of Idaho citizens under punitive supervision remains one of the highest in the western United States.

IT FIGURES…

In 2017: 1 in 148 adult Idahoans were in prison, 1 in 102 adult Idahoans were incarcerated in either jail or prison, 1 in 48 adult Idahoans were under supervision for a felony conviction, and 1 in 25 adult Idahoans were were under supervision following some form of conviction.

Regional rates of imprisonment per 100,000 residents:

Arizona — 599
Idaho — 500
Nevada — 456
Wyoming — 427
Oregon — 367
Colorado — 356
Montana — 352
New Mexico — 348
California — 331
Washington — 265
Utah — 208

Based on the results of Strauss’s report, the ISAC recommended that Idaho adopt a broader definition of recidivism to “allow researchers the flexibility to evaluate many different contexts and research questions, which will give policymakers much more detailed and complete information about patterns of reoffending in Idaho.” It was also recommended that efforts to improve data collection and data sharing be continued and prioritized, and that additional research be granted to help fill in missing data sets and determine effective interventions for those who are reoffending.

Source: Thomas Strauss, MPA, “Recidivism Rates Among the Idaho Department of Correction’s Supervised Population,” Idaho Statistical Analysis Center.
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HOUSING PROBLEMS: A MESSAGE FROM REENTRY MANAGER TIMOTHY LEIGH

Currently, housing in Idaho is in very short supply; and that includes transitional housing for people leaving prison. This means returning citizens could face delays in their release if they are planning to utilize IDOC transitional housing. While we are working hard to find solutions, we ask that safe alternatives to transitional housing be considered, such as the possibility of living with friends or family.

Below is additional information about the housing shortage in Idaho right now.

• • In the most recent census (2020), the state of Idaho grew by 17.8%, making it the second fastest growing state in the country. Out of that growth, around 70% flooded the Treasure Valley area.
  • The average rent in the treasure valley is up 30.8% since 2020, which equates to the average rent in Boise being around $1650.
  • The current vacancy rate of rental properties in the treasure valley is less than 1%. This makes renting a very challenging and competitive process for the average adult and even harder for people coming out of prison.
  • A few transitional housing providers have been forced to reduce the number of houses they had available for transitional living due to the owners of the homes choosing to sell the home instead of renting it to our provider.
  • There are very few options for low-income rentals and housing, which in turn makes it hard to transition out of transitional or sober living homes.
  • Returning citizens are staying in the transitional homes much longer, and in some cases have lived there upwards of 7 years. This long-standing issue has compounded over the years.

Case managers are working very hard to find their clients transitional homes, but supply is extremely limited. Again, it’s recommended by IDOC to their caseload that all options be considered and case managers be kept aware
….

CASE MANAGERS AND PRE-HEARING INVESTIGATORS NO LONGER ALLOWED TO PROVIDE PAROLE HEARING INPUT

Sources from within the Department have confirmed the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole is no longer accepting parole recommendations made by correctional case managers (CCMs) and pre-hearing investigators (PHIs).

The reason, they say, is that CCMs and PHIs can be too easily manipulated into providing favorable recommendations.

It’s a decision that’s confusing for all, and any evidence it’s based on has yet to be provided: Examples where there have been recommendations being made for inappropriate reasons have not been discussed openly.

Thus, we find ourselves questioning if the decision was ill-founded, and wondering if disheartening effects have been felt among the staff who are best equipped to gauge to the potential of their caseloads.
…

CLEMENCY HEARING FOR DEATH ROW RESIDENT

In early December the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole was still deciding whether to proceed with the execution of Gerald Pizzuto.

Where the Board ended up ruling in 4-to-3 favor of allowing Pizzuto to painfully perish of natural causes, Gov. Little overruled them in favor of execution.

What comes next is currently unknown. Pizzuto, terminally ill, on hospice care and suffering from brain damage and mental disabilities, has had several court challenges filed on his behalf, including a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.

While the Supreme Court petition focuses on his abated mental capacity, federal court challenges take issue with the excessive amount of suffering he may experience should the lethal injection drugs inimically mix with his existing health conditions.

According to the Idaho Statesman, “One court challenge in Pizzuto’s case argues that the state formed its lethal injection execution protocols without the proper public input and notification.”

It isn’t the only time the public has been shielded from the means that Idaho uses to implement the ultimate penalty. Not so long ago University of Idaho Professor Aliza Cover successfully sued the Department for refusing to release information pertaining to drugs purchased for executions. Cover’s initial request was made after a separate court complaint alleged now-Director Josh Tewalt purchased lethal injection drugs with a suitcase full of cash in a Tacoma, Washington, Walmart parking lot in 2012.

In a discussion on the Idaho Matter’s Reporter’s Roundtable, it was learned that this was the second clemency review since 1977, when Idaho reinstated capital punishment.

Sources: Ktvb.com. 12-03-21 Idaho Matters broadcast. The Editorial Board, “Lack of Transparency, History of Errors Means Idaho Should Hit Pause on Executions,” Idahostatesman.com.
…

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENSE CENTER SUES TO PROTECT “PRISON LEGAL NEWS” FROM CENSORSHIP IN IDAHO

The Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1990, is suing Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue for censoring, among other things, Prison Legal News, a monthly legal publication that reports on prison, jail and criminal justice-related news and court rulings.

HRDC asserts through the court that Sheriff Donahue’s ongoing practice of rejecting their materials violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.

In addition to publishing Prison Legal News, books about the criminal justice system, legal references and self-help books for prisoners, HRDC also leads the Stop Prison Profiteering Campaign and the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice, as well as the Prison Ecology Project and the Freedom of Information Act Project.

An avid subscriber and supporter of Prison Legal News, this journalist finds himself uncontrollably delighted every time he opens the publication to discover new actions taken (usually in the form of lawsuits) by HRDC to protect the imprisoned and their supporters from having their constitutional rights siphoned away.

Their list of wins is long and growing, with their most recent lawsuits mentioned by Newsweek: HRDC vs. Indiana Department of Corrections, Lincoln County in Wisconsin, Sherburne County in Minnesota, Johnson County in Kansas, Vermont Department of Corrections…

Those interested in learning more about HRDC efforts are encouraged to visit the following links:

www.humanrightsdefensecenter.org
www.prisonlegalnews.org
www.criminallegalnews.org
Stop Prison Profiteering Project
Prison Ecology Project

Source: Erin Brady, “Publisher of Prison Legal News Magazine Sues Idaho Jail for Allegedly Censoring Mail,” Newsweek.
…

BOARD OF CORRECTIONS VICE CHAIR SPONSORS HUMAN RIGHTS CLASS
by Education Manger W. Charles Durrant

On Tuesday, November 30th, Vice Chairman and local businessman Dodds Hayden visited Idaho State Correctional Institution’s education department and Robert Janss School to participate in a weekly session of the Boise State University course, Intro to Human Rights, taught by Dr. Susan Fry.

The seven-week course, offered to fifteen residents of ISCI, was paid for by Mr. Hayden as part of a donation designed to provide educational opportunities to incarcerated citizens. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the class sessions have taken place remotely over Zoom, with Dr. Fry at her home and the students in a classroom. This was the third such BSU course at ISCI sponsored by Mr. Hayden, with the previous courses consisting of a Civil War comparison/contrast of General Robert E. Lee and Joshua Chamberlain, taught by BSU Professor Emeritus Dr. Todd Shallat(,) and Navigating Difficult Conversations, an offering of the Department of Conflict Management, taught by BSU Adjunct Instructor David Nichols.

Mr. Hayden was welcomed by the students, who were excited to meet their benefactor. He spent the next couple of hours with the students, the faculty and attending leadership. He took no part in the class discussion and later answered questions related to future courses as part of the same program. Mr. Hayden received a formal Thank You from the students and was presented with drawings and a plaque bearing each of the students’ signatures.

[This story originally appeared on the IDOC website.]
…

ANOTHER JPAY CHRISTMAS: RIPPING INMATES IN THE NAME OF BABY JESUS

The media provider for Idaho prisoners has no problem ripping them off to celebrate Jesus’s birthday. Following the release of a promotion for upcoming discounts, JPay rescinded their offer after funds were already transferred from prisoner trust accounts into the JPay media system.

From the miniscule wages they make by the hour to the funds from their loved ones that keep them in contact, JPay took their consumers for a still unknown sum on the heels of being fined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to tune of $6,000,000 for consumer abuse of apostate proportions.

ACTUAL COMPLAINT TO JPAY CUSTOMER SERVICE

12-24-21

You recently sent an email to your entire consumer base encouraging them to prepare for a “humongous” 10% discount on [email] stamps.

It was for no other reason than your sending this email that myself and many others who are currently incarcerated transferred what limited funds we have to our JPay accounts to prepare for purchasing discounted stamps. Unsurprisingly, another email showed up this very morning, informing us all you will not honor this discount unless it’s redeemed by our friends and our families. Which means the money we transferred is now gone to waste. That you were recently fined over $6M dollars for abusing your consumers and managed to learn nothing suggests that your company deserves to sit where I sit: in a systemically dysfunctional, backwoods Idaho prison.

In complement to this most recent scheme of fraudulent advertising, I will soon be presenting to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau communications from your company acknowledging that prepaid replies are not being redeemed past 30 days. A caveat your consumers have never been advised of.

Make no mistake, your raping and pillaging of vulnerable populations has me sharpening my pitchfork and praying you burn in hell.

This communique has been selected for publishing in the Idaho Department of Correction monthly newsletter. [sic]
—

JPAY’S RESPONSE

Hello Patrick. Thank you for contacting JPay Support. Our customer’s thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated. Please understand that grievances are handled by staff members at your correctional facility and we encourage you to reach out [to] the proper channels at your disposal to ensure your issue receives the appropriate level of attention.

Kind Regards,
Jpay Support
—

FOLLOW UP

Dear Jesus Almighty,

As if their swindling consumers on your birthday wasn’t enough, this prison profiteer is now directing those affected to seek refunds from this Department as though it were involved in their scam. I kindly ask that you consider smiting these sodomite bastards and imploding whatever reality has allowed them to so brazenly sin.

Thank you for allowing me to reach you through this channel. I trust Your Holiness will ensure this complaint receives “the appropriate level of attention” when I send 100 copies to the friends that I’ve made in the press.

Amen.

Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Patrick Irving, “JPay Support Ticket, Ref #CCI-IMSI342870.” Patrick Irving, “JPay Support Ticket, Ref #CCI-IMSI339627.”

…

COVID NEWS

Since the start of COVID, over 52,285 tests have been administered to IDOC residents housed in-state, with over 5,100 returning some form of positive.

For over a year no testing has taken place for the hundreds of Idaho prisoners housed by CoreCivic in Eloy, Arizona. Thus we’re to believe that no symptoms — including those of seasonal colds — have presented among the prisoners housed out-of-state and -mind.

All residents who have received their initial vaccination are encouraged by the Department to sign up for a booster vaccination shot. The booster is recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Anyone who has received a Johnson and Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster whenever Medical gets around to it. Please submit a concern form to medical if you would like to receive the booster.

Anyone who has not yet been immunized against COVID is highly encouraged by the Department to take advantage of immunization now.

Those with COVID concerns are invited to forward their grievances to:

ACLU Idaho
PO Box 1897
Boise, ID 83701

View COVID numbers here.
…

ANOTHER INSIDE-OUT COMPLETION AT ICIO
by Lt. Greg Heun

Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino recently had another Inside-Out completion ceremony, an event that was met with big smiles and a sense of accomplishment.

In the beginning, ICIO teamed up with the University of Idaho to offer the fist college class ever presented inside an Idaho prison. This recent class included a University of Idaho professor, a teacher’s assistant, 6 resident students and approximately 12 U of I students. Due to COVID-19 their class was held on Zoom, where together they studied the history of justice for three sociology credits.

Inside-Out has been around some 23 years and started in Idaho in 2018. It is represented in over 40 other states and 7 different countries, and while it comes with explicit security protocols, it is very effective in creating opportunities for people to have transformative learning experiences that emphasize collaboration and dialogue.

[This story first appeared on the IDOC website.]
…

EAST BOISE CRC RESIDENTS ADOPT A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS
by Sgt. Michelle Juarez

East Boise Community Reentry Center residents are giving back to the community. With the help of Education Director Leah from Interfaith Sanctuary, EBCRC was able to participate in adopting a family for the holidays.

It was a special time getting to see the residents shop for clothes and toys and wrap gifts for their adopted Christmas family. You could just see the compassion, happiness and excitement in their faces.

Just knowing that what these ladies are dong will bring a smile to the family’s faces makes us super proud of our EBCRC residents.

[This story first appeared on the IDOC website.]
…

TFCRC DONATIONS
by TFCRC Manager Pamela McCarrol

Twin Falls Community Reentry Center residents got together and donated $1265 to South Central Community Action (SCCA). SCCA will use the money donated to purchase holiday meals and assist with heating and electric bills. TFCRC residents help SCCA weekly with unloading trucks and assembling food boxes for families in need FTCRC also assists SSCA with snow removal when needed.
[This story first appeared on the IDOC website.]
…

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With five years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1Fm, Saturdays at 12:30 pm.

This month Mark welcomed Darrell Taylor from the Urban Ministry Institute. Darrell, a former IDOC educator and religious activities coordinator, assisted last month with Cookies for Corrections and discussed upcoming seminary programs that he’s hoping to roll out in corrections in 2022.

Dr. John Greenley, author of “A Christian Approach to World Religions,” announced that he’ll soon be holding an open class that goes over the basics of world religions. The first of a twelve-week course begins January 9 @ 4:30 pm in the Ten Mile Christian Church. Those interested are asked to sign up at TenMileCC.com.

Learn more about Mark’s advocacy projects @ svdpid.org.
…

RESIDENT AUDITING 101

Last month we requested information pertaining to all public records requests submitted since June 2021. Unfortunately, requests for these records only yielded invoices, as the labor required to fill the requests was more than expected by at least two hours. The Department is estimating that two hours of labor are needed to produce records requests from any given month. Because requests that exceed two hours of labor begin to get billed at an hourly rate hour, and because our requests were made by three separate auditors for two months of records apiece, we will now resubmit our requests for one month at a time to avoid being billed while continuing our audit.

A request related to food service costs has gone unfilled since November.

A grievance addressing the complete absence of records pertaining to charitable resident donations, though due back in early November, has still not been returned.

It was discovered JPay is unable to redeem prepaid messaging replies 30 days after they’re forwarded. As JPay has failed to inform their consumers of this glitch, a complaint highlighting this and other deceptive practices is scheduled to be forwarded to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in January.

A grievance has been lodged to disrupt the unwritten policy of lifetime library bans at IMSI.
…

INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

12.12.21

Dear Vice Chairperson Hayden,

When’s the last time you received a fan letter from inside one of your facilities? It might not mean much but I wish to commend you for the seven-week Human Rights course you sponsored for fifteen very lucky ISCI residents, recently. This, my friend, was an extremely classy maneuver. As a journalist that is often times critical of the practices put in place within the department you chair, I hope you’ll not mind me publishing this missive as an exercise in humility and example of civil discourse.

Enclosed is the program I developed this year in Ad-Seg. It could still use a little tuning, but for the most part it’s ready to go.

I hope our efforts can meet one day. There’s so much potential still yet to be tapped.

In friendship and incarceration,
Patrick Irving 82431
…

RECOMMENDED

Executive director of the Idaho Prison Arts Collective, Michael Richardson, appeared in the Idaho Statesman with a very insightful piece this month: “Painting, Writing and Ukuleles. Idaho Prison Arts Collective Seeks to Improve Lives.”

Please take the time to check it out.
…

Happy New Year everybody!

And watch out for the fuzz, we’re completely out of room.

“The Outsider”
— Ben Miller Band

Next: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, Feb. ’22

The media provider for Idaho prisoners has no problem ripping them off to celebrate Jesus’s birthday. Following the release of a promotion for upcoming discounts, JPay rescinded their offer after funds were already transferred from prisoner trust accounts into the JPay media system.

From the miniscule wages they make by the hour to the funds from their loved ones that keep them in contact, JPay took their consumers for a still unknown sum on the heels of being fined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to tune of $6,000,000 for consumer abuse of apostate proportions.

ACTUAL COMPLAINT TO JPAY CUSTOMER SERVICE

12-24-21

You recently sent an email to your entire consumer base encouraging them to prepare for a “humongous” 10% discount on [email] stamps.

It was for no other reason than your sending this email that myself and many others who are currently incarcerated transferred what limited funds we have to our JPay accounts to prepare for purchasing discounted stamps. Unsurprisingly, another email showed up this very morning, informing us all you will not honor this discount unless it’s redeemed by our friends and our families. Which means the money we transferred is now gone to waste. That you were recently fined over $6M dollars for abusing your consumers and managed to learn nothing suggests that your company deserves to sit where I sit: in a systemically dysfunctional, backwoods Idaho prison.

In complement to this most recent scheme of fraudulent advertising, I will soon be presenting to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau communications from your company acknowledging that prepaid replies are not being redeemed past 30 days. A caveat your consumers have never been advised of.

Make no mistake, your raping and pillaging of vulnerable populations has me sharpening my pitchfork and praying you burn in hell.

This communique has been selected for publishing in the Idaho Department of Correction monthly newsletter. [sic]
—

JPAY’S RESPONSE

Hello Patrick. Thank you for contacting JPay Support. Our customer’s thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated. Please understand that grievances are handled by staff members at your correctional facility and we encourage you to reach out [to] the proper channels at your disposal to ensure your issue receives the appropriate level of attention.

Kind Regards,
Jpay Support
—

FOLLOW UP

Dear Jesus Almighty,

As if their swindling consumers on your birthday wasn’t enough, this prison profiteer is now directing those affected to seek refunds from this Department as though it were involved in their scam. I kindly ask that you consider smiting these sodomite bastards and imploding whatever reality has allowed them to so brazenly sin.

Thank you for allowing me to reach you through this channel. I trust Your Holiness will ensure this complaint receives “the appropriate level of attention” when I send 100 copies to the friends that I’ve made in the press.

Amen.

Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Patrick Irving, “JPay Support Ticket, Ref #CCI-IMSI342870.” Patrick Irving, “JPay Support Ticket, Ref #CCI-IMSI339627.”

See also:

• • • New Complaints Filed Against JPay Prison Service Provider: Three Abusive Practices You Probably Ought to Know
    • Patrick Irving Sits With Employees of JPay, Showcases How the Company Sh*ts On Its Consumers (Round 1)

Previous: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, Nov. ’21

WELCOME to the December 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.

Friends and families are encouraged to join the  Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at idahoinmate@gmail.com.
…

EDITOR’S NOTE

This month we celebrate our two-year anniversary with the very first issue to be presented from population.

No longer broadcasting from that ornery orifice once optioned in Ad-Seg, we’ll now be able to more easily collect the experiences of others and promote civic engagement while expanding our auditing crew–or so we’d like to think.

Not to be limited to those serving sentences, we’re hoping to offer a bit more from our staff and the families and friends that serve our time with us.

Those looking to get involved are encouraged to contact our recorders or other friendly organizers, like the Idaho Justice Project.
…

CELEBRATING TWO YEARS WITH AN ANNIVERSARY RECAP

In 2007, I was one of many who participated in a private prison program under the purview of IDOC. Every day for nine months they drilled into my head that the purpose of life is to hold others accountable. The program, called Lifeline, worked better than it should; I felt myself transformed into a hybrid auditing cyborg who’d go on to commit more crimes and then come back to continue his passion.

Eleven years later, outsourced to a corporate confinement center located on the Mexican border, I found myself battling with capitalist killers in a cell that went dark after someone pulled the power. Double-dipping in the darkness that week in segregation, I fashioned a foot that was fated for ass by crafting new gospel in the form of the Book of Irving.

It was around the same time that I heard they killed Kim Taylor, that those hired to handle our medical emergencies knew not how to use their life-saving equipment and Warden Waymon Barry couldn’t care less about an autopsy. Surrounded by negligence, I took it upon myself to begin auditing from the inside and prepare some presentations for media and oversight.

But mine was a behavior that was not to be tolerated; it quickly became apparent that holding others to account was no longer an exercise then-Department heads found welcome.

Flown back from Texas on inflated punitive charges, I watched as those responsible for my retaliatory transfer investigated themselves for misconduct and then ruled in their own favor. My legal work was pilfered, my property was accosted, and I was told that I could sue if I had not yet learned of caution.

So I tried; and from that process I developed an intimate understanding: in order for a prisoner to file a claim in the courts, they must first convince their prison staff to see their claim gets mailed.

Twice I discovered that my claims had not. Still in my possession–my twice-sent claims unopened; they sat in my facility on somebody’s desk for weeks before returning to my cell in what I presume was an accident.

Hundreds of letters to lawmakers were next, with hundreds after that to media and advocates; and for over eighteen months I diligently documented the very creative ways that my freedom of speech of was annulled.

While all this was enough to really set a feller off, it wasn’t until the Office of Professional Standards refused to acknowledge the concerns later presented in our first issue that we decided to launch from an Ad-Seg cell in December 2019.

And here we are now…

Let’s First Amend This!
…

DEAR DEPUTY WARDEN NICOLAS BAIRD

I have now been banned from studying self-help materials from the library for over six months. This over a book that was returned through my Ad-Seg door. (See: First Amend This!, July ’21.) I filed a grievance and was told my library privileges would return after 90 days, despite the fact that one could’ve confirmed I returned the book by searching my cell. Is it now this Department’s position that I am not to be able to better myself for up to 32 more years because either the staff or the librarian made some kind of error, or is it possible that you might be able to assist me?

Please consider.
…

THE POWERS THAT BE ARE UPSETTING OUR MOTHERS

The loved ones of prisoners at IMSI have not been able to visit for two years of holidays.

For the duration of COVID-19, the Idaho Maximum Security Institution has been fortunate to report minimal cases. Likely due to the fact that those imprisoned at this facility are offered minimal time out of their cells and contact with others.

With all visits taking place behind plexiglass partitions, visiting sessions at this facility are restricted in such way that sharing oxygen isn’t possible and minimal staff are needed to supervise. And yet this desolate depression of modern convention holds the only visitation room that has yet to reopen since the start of COVID.

Frustration is felt among facility residents. For the second year in a row, Idaho’s close custody prisoners have found themselves informing their families that no effort’s been given to allow them to visit.

Facility staff, aware of this issue, aren’t excited about it either. They understand the benefits of in-person visits with families and are “hoping something will happen,” but what that something is isn’t made clear. A concern form inquiring didn’t yield a concrete answer.

As this issue is goes to press, we are also hearing that ISCC has been unable to provide visitation since September .

Those interested in seeing visits return are encouraged to contact the administration and request immediate action.
…

LAWMAKERS UNDER FIRE FOR FAILING TO ADDRESS IDAHO’S PRISON PROBLEMS

The Idaho Statesman Editorial Board isn’t pulling any punches. In an editorial titled “Prison Problems Are the Latest Sign of Dereliction of Duty of the Idaho Legislature,” the majority makeup of Idaho lawmakers were roasted for cutting $400M from the Gem State’s budget while watching prison staffing shortages perpetually worsen.

In the same period which Idaho’s budget surplus ballooned from $800M to $1.5B, Idaho’s leading Republicans continued to ignore concerns of safety and burnout presented by prison employees amid multiple violent, newsworthy incidents.

In attempt to mitigate the employee shortage, along with a variety of new-hire and retention bonuses, IDOC implemented a pay increase in September to push starting wages from $16.75 to $19 an hour. The incentives, financed using federal CARES ACT funding, will require the approval of Legislature to continue into the long-term.

It’s a budget request that may face scrutiny as the pay raises and bonuses have yet to achieve their desired effect. Pointing to figures from the Idaho State Correctional Center, the Statesman confirmed that employee openings rose from 38 in April to 75 in September, with only two positions being filled by November.

Per the Statesman’s editorial board, “If the state is going to take people into custody and put them in prison, the state has a constitutional obligation to keep them safe and keep the people who work there safe… Unfortunately, the situation of the state prison is yet another indication that the Idaho Republican Legislature is falling down on the job of providing proper funding for basic government services.

Sources: Idaho Statesman Editorial Board, “Prison Problems Are the Latest Sign of Dereliction of Duty of the Idaho Legislature.”
…

FORMER PRISONER SEEKING $2.8M IN LEGAL FEES

A former client of the Idaho Department of Correction is suing the State to recoup the cost of legal fees for a battle that was fought all the way to the Supreme Court.

Diagnosed in 2012 with gender dysphoria–a condition in which the dissonance between a person’s gender identity and gender assigned at birth is significant and hurtful–Adree Edmo filed suit in 2017 after being refused the means to conform to her gender identity. Her complaint asserted the State was violating her Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment by refusing to provide her with adequate medical treatment .

At Governor Little’s direction, Idaho spent $456,738.80 in legal fees attempting to avoid the $75,000 gender confirmation surgery that, covered by insurance, was of no immediate cost to the state.

In 2020, as the Department was waiting for the Supreme Court to decide if the case would receive their attention, local media covered Governor Little’s staunch opposition the idea that such surgeries should be provided to those incarcerated.

Edmo’s case is still the subject of national attention as the first surgery of the sort ordered by the court.

The Department was given until Nov. 22 to file a response to the request for legal fees. Should reimbursement be ordered in full, Idaho Conservatives will be able to boast of spending $3.25 million to set a progressive precedent for gender-related surgeries.

Sources: “Former Idaho Inmate Who Sued for Gender Surgery Seeks 2.8 Million In Legal Fees, Rebecca Boone, Associated Press. Betsy Russell, “US Supreme Court Rejects Idaho’s Appeal in Transgender Inmate Surgery Case,” Idaho Press.
…

NEW INFORMATION EMERGING FROM THE APRIL 10 INCIDENT

The ISCC incident that erupted in April is again receiving attention from prominent members of Idaho media. Jacob Scholl with the Idaho Statesman shared new details this month, obtained by public records requests and interviews with staff.

In addition to the fire, the fights and the hospitalizations we heard about, we now learn that H-Block residents left the unit clear long before staff were “prompted to evacuate them.”

In effort to escape smoke from the fire, they took to the yard through a wall that belonged to a bathroom, and kinda just hung out until the corral team came and collected them.

Prison staff in Scholl’s article expressed their dismay over how a call for backup yielded one lonely straggler. This to a living area with 304 residents who, according our sources, were allegedly upset by the amount of force used to remove one of their own from the unit .

As of the publication of Scholl’s article, the Ada County Prosecutor has yet to press charges.

Source: Jacob Scholl, “Details Emerging About April Prison Disturbance,” Idaho Statesman.
…

IDOC SERVINGS SIZED SMALLER FOR VAGINAS

Sunday is Starve Day at Idaho prisons. Between breakfast and dinner lunch is limited to muffins, bagged up at breakfast to munch on at noon. The men  all receive two every week, which is twice the number served to the Department’s female clients.

The men also receive more of following, often with the same ratio in serving sizes: Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, French toast, Farina, pancakes, hash browns, breakfast hash, roast beef, bread, cornbread, vegan bread, hamburger buns, vegan buns, ketchup, peanut butter, potato chips, corn dogs, turkey, tuna salad, ham salad, peanut butter, margarine, rice, refried beans, 3-bean salad and baked fries.

When asked to speculate as to the reason, IMSI residents and staff were quick to point out that men are required to carry the massive weight of a penis and well-fed women tend to have themselves a hard time finding husbands. Their logic continues: husbands for the ladies will be required for their survival, as minimal effort is given to prepare them for the workforce and good housing is impossible to come by as a felon.

We disagree with their reasoning, but when no other food service is capable of rationing the portions of convalescing female patrons without drawing the kind of scrutiny that changes a regime, then what kind of sense can be made of this, really?

It is easy to imagine the cascade of cancelling that would occur were a school to serve the girls a little less than all the boys–or were nursing-home grandmas to be served less oatmeal than male counterparts on the advice of a professional with an interest in saving some money.

SUBTLE ASIDE: Perhaps the women would do better by switching to Common Fare meals: prepackaged meals, provided by a vendor, indiscriminate in serving sizes, they’re the costliest option.

Sources: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.0
…

JPAY FINED FOR CONSUMER ABUSE

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has taken action against JPay for violating the Consumer Financial Protection act by siphoning tax-payer benefits from the formerly incarcerated.

As reported by the CFPB in October, a consent order was issued after it was concluded that JPay engaged in unfair, deceptive and abusive practices by conditioning the receipt of government benefits upon opening an account with a particular financial institution.

Within several violations outlined by the CFPB, the agency found that JPay abused its market dominance by forcing the imprisoned to submit to contractual fees in order to access their own moneys using prepaid debit cards. According to the CFPB, “Consumers could not protect their interests in the selection and use of JPay’s cards because they were denied a choice on how their own money would be given to them upon release.” This practice lead to over 1.2M release cards being issued to consumers who were unable to view their accounts or close them without accruing fees.

The CFPB also found that consumers were charged unauthorized fees when debit release cards were loaded with additional funds.

Per the consent order, JPay must eliminate the majority of fees on their prepaid release cards, refund approximately $4M to the consumers they abused and pay $2M in civil penalties to the CFPB’s Civil Penalty fund.

Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the CFPB has the authority to take action against institutions that violate federal consumer financial laws.

JPay was founded in 2002 as an electronic money transfer service company for the incarcerated and their families. Before being acquired in 2013, they reported turning a profit of more than $500M. Their parent company, Aventiv, currently profits directly off of over one million imprisoned by charging for telecommunications, money-wiring and media services in over 3,500 correctional facilities across North America.

While JPay currently contracts with IDOC to provide multiple services, it’s Access Corrections who provides the Access Freedom card to those fortunate enough to return to their communities with cash in their accounts.

According to IDOC’s website: “Access Freedom debit cards allow newly released individuals to have immediate access to their funds in real-time, at ATMs, banks, and through most point-of-sale (POS) retailers. Access Freedom cards have several free-use options, including POS transactions and cash-out options.”

But for those who search further and find the FAQs: “Account Closure Fee for a cash-out of balance of card paid out by check……..$10”

Sources: Aaron Greg, Washington Post. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Alexandra Marinez, “As the Holidays Approach, Incarcerated People in Florida Say Goodbye to Physical Mail,” Prismreports.org. www.idoc.idaho.gov.
…

COVID NEWS

Since the start of COVID, over 49,374 tests have been administered to IDOC residents housed in-state, with no testing taking place throughout 2021 for Idaho prisoners outsourced to Arizona. A majority of those housed in-state have caught COVID.

The visiting solution remains fluid. Please view the IDOC website for cancelations and closures.

All residents who have received a COVID vaccination are encouraged by the Department to sign up for a booster vaccination shot. This booster is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Anyone who has received a Johnson and Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster at this time. Please submit a concern form to medical if you would like to receive the booster.

Anyone who has not yet been immunized against COVID is also highly encouraged by the Department to get the initial immunization now.

Those with COVID concerns are invited to forward their grievances to:

ACLU Idaho
PO Box 1897
Boise, ID 83701

View COVID numbers here.
…

COOKIES FOR THE INCARCERATED!

Time is running out to assist Mark Renick in gifting the Kuna Idaho prisons’ population with big, welcome bags of beautiful holiday cookies. If you would like to assist the effort, please contact Mr. Renick or St. Vincent de Paul and ask how you can help.

This is the first year Mark has targeted all Kuna Idaho prisons with his notorious act of kindness, appreciated by everyone. Formerly known as Cookies For Max, the event was previously limited to IMSI.

If you wish to assist, please contact:

208-477-1006
svdpid.org
systemicchangeofid@gmail.com
…

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With five years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1Fm, Saturdays at 12:30 pm.

This month Mark welcomed Erica Marshall with the Idaho Justice Project. Erica forming a state-wide coalition to present our lawmakers with solutions to Idaho justice problems. She is calling out to all justice-affected families to ask that they share their stories. Visit Idahojusticeproject.org for updates and details.

Ryan Hertling and German Robies from IDOC’s One Stop Reentry Shop in District 4 appeared in a two-part episode (part 1, part 2) to discuss the services and partnerships available through their workplace, as well as some of the challenges the newly released face. There was some mention about the Department moving forward with plans to help those attempting to successfully reintegrate into their communities by putting the formerly incarcerated to work, and to have them be recognized as community assets.

Learn more about Mark’s advocacy projects @ svdpid.org.
…

RESIDENT AUDITING 101

Public records requests have been made for following: the Keefe commissary contract, meal costs, the list of all public records requests submitted within the last six months.

A grievance pursuing the absence of records pertaining to charitable donations has stalled in the appeal process without notice or explanation. To date, no records have been kept to confirm where the charitable donations we make as prisoners have been going.

A public records request asking for the number of parole-eligible  who are filling our facilities has informed us that 1,872 prisoners are being held past their fixed-time.

The public records custodian is now attaching the following statement to all public records requests:

“Any release of public records (textual, audio, graphical, pictorial, digital, or otherwise) in response to a public records request is not permission from the IDOC to allow you to republish or otherwise make use of the records in violation of relevant state or federal law, including but not limited to, privacy, trademark, and/or copyright law.*

“IDOC is dedicated to transparency. If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact your Record Custodian.”

*According to our understanding of federal law, IDOC is not eligible for trademark or copyright protection. Public records are considered public domain works, therefore, permission need not be asked and allowance need not be given to “republish or otherwise make use of the records.” But do your own research, of course.
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AND NOT FOR NOTHIN’

Want to know why IDOC didn’t reclassify a significant number of those who accrued Class A disciplinary charges in Texas?

Because the Texas Commission of Jail Standards never approved the Eagle Pass Correctional Facility to hold close-custody prisoners. Were IDOC and GEO to reclassify all those who accrued severe disciplinary charges (per policy), they would’ve had to pay to bring quite a few back home. It was an intentional misdirection, one that jeopardized the safety of staff and our out-of-state residents. Had the Texas Commission of Jail Standards been aware, they would have taken action.

The reason I didn’t tell them? I had friends in Texas that didn’t want to come home to Max.

Unfortunately for those of ours housed in Arizona, Arizona is lacking in private prison oversight, leaving it nearly impossible without the courts to hold facility heads to account.
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INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

Dear Jaime Calderon,

We spoke in September when you toured Ad-Seg to collect suggestions and feedback for possible programs. It was then that I passed you an outline for a reflective reading program I had taken the initiative to implement alone. You asked that I follow up with you in a month, which I did by way of concern form around the end of October. I’d still like to discuss my proposal’s potential. As promised, the program has already proven to attract participants from general population, whom I’ve been encouraging to consider an adaptation of their own.

While I’m happy to inform you that I’m receiving nothing but very good feedback, I’m having a hard time understanding why this effort has been ignored.

On behalf of others interested in contributing to programs, please acknowledge my effort so others know that theirs are welcome.

Regards,
Patrick Irving 82431
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SUGGESTION BOX

It is no small violation of Idaho family values to prevent loved ones from visiting during the celebration of Jesus. We suggest IDOC put forth a little extra effort and reconsider their commitment to honoring Baby Christ.
…

Aggressively salutated merriment to the lot of you!

See you next month.

“Cien Kilos de Reyna”
— Los Originales De San Juan

Next: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, Jan ’22

Previous: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter Oct. ’21

WELCOME to the November 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, cut and paste, or print and send a copy to another.
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GET INVOLVED

IDOC will be holding monthly Townhall With Leadership Meetings all through 2021. Submit you questions to brightideas@idoc.idaho.gov using the subject line “Q’s for leadership,” and be sure to attend to keep the conversation going.

Offender friends and families are encouraged to join the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at idahoinmate@gmail.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTE

It pains me to have issues with presenting the news lately. Creating and editing is taking a week longer. I have to purge through several pages just to whittle a few paragraphs, talk myself out of the F-bombs and dial down the tone. If I could sum it up sweetly I would say this: Continuing to watch all our efforts be ignored is like a slap in the face with a splash of saliva.

And so some of you may notice this issue is different. That’s because I did what I could to paint a picture I could publish without seeding anger and going too far rogue.

With the editing process done, I think it might actually work–but I’ll thank you nonetheless for bearing with me another month while I do what I can to work out my disgruntlement.

Let’s First Amend This!
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DEAR DEPUTY WARDEN SUSAN WESSELS,

We are all very frustrated by the lack of effort you’ve been making when it comes to reviewing grievances and policies and answering questions. Though you have asked us to pursue our issues proactively, it seems as though the only effort you are making is to see that the lot of us feel we’ve been ignored.

We have been very clear in communicating that this a problem. And yet you insist on assuming an adversarial position and reiterating inaccuracies while wielding your power.

It is almost as if you believe you’re incapable of mistakes, and able to decipher our concerns without reading them as presented.

To show you precisely the way that this frustrates: Please click on this link to Policy 319.02.01.001. Pleeeeease, Susan. For the love of Christ and all that is holy! All you have to do is click! One miniscule movement! Minimal effort, Susan! Two seconds and you will see the problem we’ve identified and attempted to present to you several times before! Pages 14-21 don’t seem to exist! The link connects to idaho.gov! The policy is dated 2018. Where the **** have you been getting all your information from!?

Susan, please stop ignoring our efforts and put aside some time to review our concerns. I am a firm believer it would do us all some good.
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WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE VRC IN OROFINO?!?

Future family mates with loved ones in Orofino have found themselves infuriated over a counseling curriculum that is allegedly being forced onto couples before they can marry.

According to IDOC Policy 311.02.01.001, “IDOC does not provide marriage counseling” and “marriage must conform [only] to the laws of the State of Idaho.”

Among the reading purportedly required by Orofino’s Religious Activities Coordinator (VRC) is a text that has many uniquely enraged.

The following review of Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ “Love and Respect Workbook (The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs)” was forwarded from the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group.

“[T]his whole book is built around the idea that all problems in a marriage are because a woman won’t have enough sex with her husband. If a woman would just have more sex with her husband, all problems will be magically fixed… According to this book, a husband has a God-given right to rape his wife anytime he wants. According to the author, that’s what the Bible says…a wife should sexually fulfill a husband anytime he wants, but the Bible doesn’t say anything about how the wife should be sexually fulfilled, so that doesn’t matter. The author is very focused around the topic of sex, and it’s very strange… If you don’t like people suggesting your wife is the source of all problems and the fix is to rape her because God says so, then I don’t recommend this book”

According to an IDOC post titled “October is Domestic Awareness Month,” 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking during their lifetime.

Learn more about domestic awareness @ https://www.thehotline.org/resources/healthy-relationships
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DID YOU KNOW>>>

For decades, the FBI has refused to include prison-based rapes in their crime statistics.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, roughly 200,000 prisoners are victims of sexual assault every year. But according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, only 139,380 rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2018.

Source: Paul Wright, Prison Legal News, Oct. ’21.
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DEAR DEPUTY WARDEN NICOLAS BAIRD

Thank you for taking the time process my concerns this month, for providing constructive feedback, and for clarifying which criteria and procedures you’re using for your Ad-Seg decisions.
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REINTRODUCING JASON HODGE

Before we’re split up for all our proclivities, I’d like to thank Jason for his recent assistance. Together we’ve shared a interest in civic engagement from the most, backwards, assumptive, disappointing example of what’s expected to suborn a human’s healthy transformation–aka administrative segregation, aka restricted housing, aka intensive management, aka solitary confinement.

Those interested in helping network his concerns are invited to reach him through snail mail or JPay.

Here’s another look at the man hard at work.

—

To: Sandi Frelly, Transparency Manager 10-13-21

I put in a public records request to the public records custodian on 10-4-21. I haven’t gotten a response back or request for an extension. The request was for information on how many inmates are currently being held in IDOC custody (to include county and out-of-state placement) that are passed their fixed time and eligible for parole. Please help me with this request. Thank you for your time and consideration.
—

To: Correctional Case Manager Hottinger 10-15-21

Ms. Hottinger, according to policy 607.26.01.014, bullet 14-9, you are to review the parole hearing officer’s recommendation and inform me of the recommendation so I can have the option to respond to the recommendation or not. I would like to respond to the recommendation.

Re: Policy needs to be updated. Pre-hearing investigarors do not give recommendations any more and have not for over a year.
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To: Grievance/Apppeals Coordinator 10-17-21

I respectfully request a 30 day extension (or however long you deem appropriate) on my appeal deadline for Grievance #IM210000456. My current deadline is 10-21-21. Thirty days is the amount of time it will take me to ascertain where the criteria Deputy Warden Wessels used to satisfy her Level 2 response came from, as it’s currently not found in the scope of the policy cited… Thank you for your time and consideration.

Re: After confirming with the appellate authority, Warden Richardson, your request for an extension is approved.
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To: Chief of Prisons Chad Page 10-17-21

I was informed you are in charge of SOP management and content. I have a question about the criteria and scope of published SOPs. If the criteria for an SOP is clearly outlined, like for an assessment, can for any reason criteria outside the SOP be used? Thank you for your time and consideration, sir.
—

To: Warden Richardson 10-18-21

I just received my appeal back, sir, and I find it concerning that you didn’t address the body or points within. The Violent Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) assessment and its scope of criteria is a part of policy. …The whole SOP would have to be revised and published in accordance with SOP 103.003.01.003 to see VRAG applied as it was in my case. To apply it any other way violates Idaho Administrative Code and IDOC’s policy regarding policies. Per existing policy, I do not meet the criteria for a VRAG assessment.
—

“Parole Hearing Interview Packet, Concluding Statement” 9-27-21

[I]t sets a horrible example when those in charge of our corrections can’t even abide by their own rules. The problem has gotten so bad, we are down to just one level of review for our appeals–the warden. We use to have multiple levels of review, one of which was outside the facility in the downtown, central office. Why everything is now only handled in-house and kept from the outside is no mystery…

…That day cost me visibility in my eyes. I have to wear glasses to read now, and my mental health has never been worse! This is a very tense and stressful environment–people are dealing with serious issues–that’s why it’s important for staff to stay calm and professional, and follow policy and procedure. It just happened so fast. I was caught completely off-guard. It has me seriously reevaluating my mental health. These conditions make it hard to focus on healthy transformation.

My mental health is my biggest concern right now. When I got to prison, July of 2017, I was told by IDOC medical provider Corizon that the combination of medications I was placed on at State Hospital South (SHS) isn’t available to me here. So they were discontinued, due to cost constraints–or so I was led to believe. I have to start all over now, settling for whatever the provider can afford. I am actively talking to the B-Block clinician, Mr. Baumgarter, about options for future treatment. He can’t find records or reports from SHS, or any information confirming the medications they put me on. This has me concerned because I would like the use of those medications to be reevaluated in future assessments to see if they may still be an option–or if a generic substitute can be provided–because those medications worked very well, and I just don’t see why I’d have to become a guinea pig again.

Upon release I will be working in recovery and on the board of my family’s nonprofit, Soldiers of Hope. My main focus will be on treating my dual-diagnosis. I have learned I have mental health issues and drugs aggravate my conditions, causing drug-induced psychoses–and so I wish to remain drug free and get my mental health figured out. I want to be as stable as possible, and with all my mental faculties.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
sincerely,
Jason Hodge
…

DEAR DIRECTOR JOSH TEWALT,

Our thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your recent experience. We wish you all the best as you work towards convalescence and we hope that you’ve been able to take all the time you need.
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IN AD-SEG NEWS

The Ad-Seg Step-Down Program, a program used to prepare long isolated residents for general population, has been terminated over an incredibly, horrific and brazen [censored per IDOC policy. If I were to say it, they’d likely censor this transmission, as that has been the case when reporting prior incidents. Though it’s never been hard to fix it in editing, maybe this way you’ll make a few calls.]

Staff have been working hard to see that B-Unit rec cancellations happen less frequently.

Without the staff needed to perform in-person quarterly hearings, case managers have resorted to using the the following questionnaire:

Notice of Hearing

Your are scheduled for an Administrative Segregation hearing this month. Due to the recent COVID-19 concerns and staffing levels, I wanted to give you an opportunity to give me your comments on paper instead of coming up to the office to have a hearing. If you choose to provide me with your comments, you will not be invited to attend the hearing. If I do not hear back from you, it will not be marked as a refusal and an officer will ask you to attend you hearing when we are able to schedule them.

What brought you to Ad-Seg?

What do you hope to happen at this hearing? Where is the best place to house you?

If you were released to general population, would others be safe from you? Would you be safe from others?

Additional comments that you would like us to know:

…

RESIDENT AUDITORS TO PUSH FOR AN OMBUDSMAN

With policies still being used to prevent families from exchanging reports following disturbances and incidents, and the Office of Professional Standards continuing to delay their response to our concerns of misconduct*, our resident auditors have decided to lobby Legislature for an ombudsman.

What they’ll be presenting in addition to the above:

— Disciplinary hearings and appeals aren’t being processed according to policy. For years, residents have been complaining that those who are required to deliberate impartially have openly stated that their practice is not to–that it’s simply not an option to rule against staff. Recorded in hearings and outlined in appeals, this dereliction of duties must come to an end.

— The Department’s ongoing refusal to file signatures of receipt for charitable donations. To file a signature that verifies a charity has been donated to, they say, amounts to an incredibly impractical and monumental task. An estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars have been made in donations, with not one signature filed to show where they went.

— Concerns with public records request. Discrepancies have been identified so frequently that our residents auditors have taken it upon themselves to review all public record requests made by other entities, and share with those entities their questionable findings. Such as this response to a request that returned from Central Office:

“At this time, all facilities have opened up their visiting departments since the Governor Order in March 2020, with the exception of St Anthony Work Camp. St. Anthony Work Camp Visiting Department has been closed since March 2020 and is only remaining closed due to construction. Temporary facility closures can occur due to a variety of health and safety reasons, but visiting has opened in all other facilities.”

What about this response is questionable? It has been confirmed many times over that IMSI has not opened visiting once since the beginning of covid. (The response was returned in such a manner that it couldn’t be sourced. Another request had to be made to identify its origins. We are still waiting for that request to be filled.)

It is also the case that the same public records request, made three different times, is capable of returning three different sets of records. And that specific documents requested have a way of being withheld without the mandatory notice that states they’ve been denied. (Requests for unimplemented versions of policy, for instance, have returned with peripheral information substituted instead.)

If you support the call for a DOC ombudsman, please click here to contact your district reps.

*Ref: Exhaustive Grievances In Summary, FAT Dec. ’19.
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DEAR CHIEF OF PRISONS CHAD PAGE

Many of your staff go out of their way to treat us with dignity. If you could convince those that don’t to give it a shot once in a while, I’m sure we all would find ways to appreciate it.
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COOKIES FOR THE INCARCERATED!

For several years fan favorite Mark Renick has worked with St. Vincent de Paul and Team to bring big bags of holiday cookies to those currently residing in the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.

In an extremely classy maneuver, this year Mark and friends have decided to expand Cookies For Max and deliver cookies throughout all Idaho prisons!

With the logistical difficulty of this feat still unknown, we ask that you join us in supporting Mark and his team in whatever way possible.

While volunteers will likely be needed to sort, pack, and deliver bags of cookies, we suspect those unable to physically assist will still be offered the opportunity to transform loose change from their pockets into cheer for our holiday bellies!

Having taken some liberties with this promotion, I must ask that you contact Mark and crew yourself to uncover the means by which this is done. Though I am able to offer to the following contact information, you may also wish to check in with IDOC’s Central Office and ask for recommendations on how to assist this project.

Mark Renick’s Cookies for the Incarcerated (formerly Cookies for Max)

208-477-1006
svdpid.org
systemicchangeofid@gmail.com
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COVID NEWS

Since the start of COVID, over 48,000 tests have been administered to IDOC residents housed in-state, with no testing taking place throughout 2021 for Idaho prisoners outsourced to Arizona.

Roughly 5,000 residents (a large majority) have tested positive. Some have died–the number is debatable.

Those who missed the first round of vaccinations have been offered another chance. Booster shots are now also being offered, but only for those match a criteria.

The visiting situation remains fluid. Please view the IDOC website for cancellations and closures.

Those with COVID concerns are invited to forward their grievances to:

ACLU Idaho
PO Box 1897
Boise, ID 83701

View COVID numbers here.
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A MESSAGE FROM KEEFE COMMISSARY NETWORK

We apologize for not getting property orders out to ISCI, NCRC, EBCRC, IMSI, ISCC, SCC, SAWC, NICI AND ICIO.

Like all companies, COVID-19 struck our resident labor force and we had to make the tough decision of whether property was more important than commissary. In the end, we decided that it was more important to process commissary orders than it was property items.

Thank you for your patience as we work through this pandemic together. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
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RENICK ON THE RADIO

With almost five years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1Fm, Saturdays at 12:30 pm.

This month Mark welcomed Cindi Real, a reentry advocate working out of the District 3 office with St. Vincent de Paul’s RECON team and Day One Services. Cindi is now coordinating employment opportunities with several businesses suffering from staffing shortages. Those planning on returning to District 3 in the near future are encouraged to contact her through their case managers.

St. Vincent de Paul’s Marketing and Communications Director Mareesa Rule joined Mark to discuss lasting acts of kindness and the importance of listening to people’s experience. Mareesa is looking forward to educating others with informative presentations and a wonderful team.

Learn more about Mark’s advocacy projects @ svdpid.org.
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INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

10.31.21

Dear Representative Monks,

Trick or treat? I am among the thousands counted as constituents in your district without the right to vote, serving some time in an Idaho prison. Though I am without the ability to mark up a ballot, I happen to be resourceful enough to pursue logical solutions by organizing others within the community. It is with this talent that I appear before you now, to ask as the editor of our Idaho Department of Correction newsletter: To what extent are you interested in the concerns of our corrections community? And, given the opportunity to message our prison families and workers, what would your message be?

Your response will be appreciated.

Thank you for serving Idaho,
Patrick Irving 82431
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SUGGESTION BOX

I suggest implementing a COVID-proof reflective reading program. One that could be launched for less than a few hundred dollars. One that allows community participation, encourages resourcefulness and rewards critical thinking. Much like the one that I recently designed.
…

Shout out to all our turkeys in Berlin and Frankfurt!

Never again!: “All the Leaves are Brown: A Thanksgiving Origin Story”

“Fortunate Son”
— Creedence Clearwater Revival

Next: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter Dec. ’21

For several years now, fan favorite Mark Renick has worked with St. Vincent de Paul and team to bring the holidays to Idaho’s maximum-security prison with big-a** bags full of beloved Christmas cookies. In an extremely classy maneuver, to be enjoyed by all involved, this year Mark and friends have decided to expand Cookies For Max and deliver cookies to all Kuna Idaho prisons!

With the logistical difficulty of this feat still unknown, we ask that you join us in supporting Mark and his team in whatever way possible.

While volunteers will likely be needed to sort, pack and deliver bags of cookies, we suspect those unable to physically assist will still be offered the opportunity to transform loose change from their pockets into cheer for our holiday bellies!

Having taken some liberties with this promotion, I must ask that you contact Mark and crew yourself to uncover the means by which this is done. Though I am able to vouch for the following contact information, you may also wish to check in with IDOC’s Central Office and ask for recommendations on how to assist this project.

Mark Renick’s “Cookies for the Incarcerated”

208-477-1006
https://svdpid.org/advocacy-systemicchangeofid/
systemicchangeofid@gmail.com
svdpid.org

Thank you for assisting this effort and sharing the link!