Updates

6-1-21

James,

Thanks for the issue of The Old Kinetescope and the subscription you mentioned of something called The Connection. Though I’m unsure of your confusion, I suppose I can make it clear: That $10 I sent was a friendly donation–more or less, James, I was trying to pay it forward.

Now, from what I’m able to decipher of your handwriting, you find mine equally despicable. So I’ve enclosed a few printouts of materials from the blog you had troubles with in hopes the larger font offers a better chance. My materials, you’ll find, are still available for free–of course I say that now knowing sharing’s probably not your thing. I’ll make no attempt here to interpret your awkward mention of games, for you’ve helped me realize the benefit of indifference when dealing with people who think that they help.

Well, then–super busy myself. So I guess I’ll just say, What an absolute pleasure it was getting shit on by libertarians for trying to donate $10 to their vegan support group.

Brilliant model, James. Best of luck with that.

Patrick

encl: First Amend This! (Special Corrector’s Edition), First Amend This! (May 2020), How To Get Evicted From Prison, No. 11

Previous: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, May 2021

WELCOME to the June 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, cut and paste, or print and send a copy to another.
…

GET INVOLVED

IDOC will be holding monthly Townhall With Leadership meetings all through 2021. Submit your 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 interested in networking concerns are encouraged to join the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at idahoinmate@gmail.com.

Know of a resource not listed on this site? Leave the info in the comments and we’ll add it to our directory.
…

EDITOR’S NOTE

Last month it was announced we’d have a scheduled execution, the first to take place in almost ten years. Predictably, our residents heard it from the news and not from the department in charge of their care — and were it not for an arduous battle in the courts, the medicinal executioner and its source would still be rooted in mystery.

For those reasons we feel this issue should contain a detailed rehash and a “Where We Are Now.” But due to the restrictive nature in which we’re allowed to use JPay, we’ve decided only to report the execution has been halted, and to verify that vicariously experiencing a scheduled execution creates ripples through the psyche with residual effect.

Consider the following:

While all of our TVs were blasting the details, family communications discussing the state-ordered death were being censored en masse in accordance with policy. Per policy, staff are to censor messages containing information that could conceivably be used to identify others in custody. (Two policies* actually require staff to censor transmissions with ANY information of ANY person’s crime, including information unrelated to Idaho. Worded to include news of child trafficking charges in Czechoslovakia, they’re nothing less than totalitarian provisions that make our Corrections appear as a regime.) They say it’s a matter of protecting the people in their care, including those whose deaths they’ve been tasked with engineering.

Meanwhile, for residents who struggle to process the complexities of a state-ordered death (and it would be absurd to say there are few), no communication is made to ensure their well-being, no information is offered to assist as they process, and conversations dissecting what’s reported on the news are prohibited between residents and their networks of emotional support.

These few variables are just those that we can mention. Not included are those that affect our friendly staff: like observing monstrosities while wearing state muzzles, or having to justify their actions as a paycheck and a job.

Keeping in mind there’s always more to consider, we start with an article that illustrates how suppression is boss.

Let’s First Amend This!

*Policies 503.02.01.001(Telephones and Electronic Communications) and 402.02.01.001 (Mail Handling In Correctional Facilities).
…

QUESTIONABLE CENSORSHIP: WHO’S PROTECTING WHO?

The following incidents were logged by one resident over a period of just eighteen months. Unfortunately, many residents don’t trust the grievance process, leaving myriad incidents to go unlogged despite the severity and repetition of offense.

Date: 3-27-19

Staff implicated in a claim of retaliation investigate themselves before dismissing the claim. (Grievance: II 190000285.)

Date: 4-22-19

Following the suspicious transfer of an Idaho inmate filing complaints from a Texas facility, Texas agency responses aren’t forwarded as required, leaving inmate unable to issue a timely response. (Grievance: CF 190000104.)

Date: 5-13-2019

Staff refuse to mail parcels addressed to media, legislators and advocates. (Grievance: IM 190000181.)

Date: 6-24-2019

Staff facing allegations of misconduct investigate themselves, and then refuse to forward their investigation to IDOC’s Special Investigations Unit per policy. (Grievance: II 190000578.)

Date: 10-04-2019

Idaho inmate organizing group complaints in Texas is denied access to Texas court materials following an alleged retaliatory transfer. (Grievance: IM 190000387.)

Date: 12-04-2019

Two copies of one tort claim, placed in Legal Mail, correctly addressed to two separate recipients, are both returned twice to the claimant, for a total of four times gone undelivered. One parcel sits in-facility three weeks before it’s returned. Despite both parcels sitting in claimant’s possession, staff maintain they were mailed to the authorities. (Grievance: IM 190000484.)

Date: 01-30-20

Limitations imposed on mailing materials are imposed on the claimant and nobody else. This following another barrage of correspondence with media, lawmakers and advocates. (Grievance: IM 200000050.)

Date: 03/18/2020

Local news articles reporting IDOC public records lawsuit are censored over JPay. (Grievance: IM 200000155.)

Date: 3/26/2020

An attempt to grieve staff retaliation is obstructed. (Grievance: IM 200000170.)

Date: 7/30/2020

A communiqué reporting staff-on-inmate violence is censored over JPay. (Grievance: IM 200000377.)

Date: 8/14/2020

A communiqué reporting sexual misconduct of staff is censored over JPay. (Grievance: IM 200000403.)

Date: 8/18/2020

A communiqué reporting staff-on-inmate violence is censored over JPay. (Grievance: IM 200000411.)

Date: 9/17/2020

News article reporting COVID-related violence is censored over JPay. (Grievance: IM 200000456.)

That question again is: Who’s protecting who?

Source: bookofirving82431.com, “Exhausted Grievances In Summary (for legal and investigative purpose).”
…

$283,100,000 ISN’T ENOUGH TO BUY EVERYONE A WORKBOOK

Knowing a minimum of $27,134 was spent last year to house me in corrections, I set out to discover whether any portion of this year’s budget would be used to assist me in serving my sentence constructively.

My investigation begins six and a half years into my fifteen- to thirty-nine-year sentence, imposed by the State for two counts of arson. Having committed my crime in a drug-induced psychosis — after chemically medicating to cope with some grief — I presumed that the Department possessed the utility to assist me in addressing my addictions, afflictions and deconstructive tendencies.

What I found instead was that despite $283.1M pulled from state coffers this year to fund our Corrections, case managers are still unable to accommodate everyone.

To some extent, the situation is understandable: we lack the staff and instructors to make the most of our classrooms. And classrooms, it’s said, is where the magic happens.

But classes for me were never an option. And not just because I’m Ad-Segged during a pandemic, but because the Idaho Maximum Security Institution only offers treatment and church to select groups of inmates. (See: Grievance IM 190000344.)

Thus I’m found in my cell, prepared to go it alone, but hoping nonetheless for an IDOC workbook.

Workbooks: Often prescribed with a regimen of classes, they’re used to treat everything from sexual deviance to a spectrum of violent tendencies. Workbooks are considered a staple in correctional therapies. So much so that, without completing workbooks, one is unlikely to be granted parole.*

Unfortunately, as most case managers will tell you: “There are only enough chairs in each class for the parole-eligible to participate, and only enough workbooks available to go with each chair.”

My case manager provided no exception. Regretfully, she informed me, her stock of supplies were shy of nonexistent. The only therapeutic materials she had to offer me were skeletal printouts available online.

Sympathetic to the limits imposed on her abilities, I asked if something was available for processing grief and for something, if they had it, along the lines of future-thinking.

At my window arrives, a few days later, one mental health clinician, excited to be of service.

And as seven fresh printouts were passed through the seams of my steel door, I credited he and my case manager for the sheets and their warmth.

Fresh cup of coffee, it was time to start my treatment.

Complicated Grief: Sometimes, the symptoms of acute grief never seem to go away. They can last for years. The loss of a loved one continues to feel unreal and unmanageable. You might constantly yearn for the deceased, or experience guilt about the idea of “moving on” and accepting the loss.

Of the five paragraphs found on page one, that diagnosis best suited my condition.

Tasks of Mourning: 1) accept the reality of the loss, 2) process the pain of grief, 3) adjust to a world without the deceased and, 4) find a way to remember the deceased while moving forward in life.

Twenty-three sentences later, page two complete, I remedially realized I had let go of a monster: The recommended internal, external and spiritual adjustments were taking. Only two more pages and I’d transform my whole being.

My Stages of Grief: Describe in a few short lines how the stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance have affected you.

Page three? Shit — I murdered that f*ckin’ page, and wasted no time filling out the Goodbye on page four.

To: Dominic, You Dead Sonofabitch
CC: Terry, Don, Jolene, Melissa, Sue, Heath

I am saying goodbye because……………….it’s been almost a decade.
Saying goodbye makes me feel……………like feelings are intruders.
I remember a time when we…………………………pleaded many Fifths.
You taught me……………………………………….righteousness is awesome.
Something I want you to know is……I’m still performing numbers.
I will always remember………………that we’re the kind to not forget.

From: Therapist Pat

At this point, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that I was gifted a miracle. It was like I had been touched by the compassion, grace, and sensitive understanding one only expects from a weird distant uncle.

That horrible chapter closed, I was ready to tackle cognition.

Socratic Questions: Thoughts are like a running dialogue in your brain. They come and go fast. So fast, in fact, that we rarely have the time to question them. Because our thoughts determine how we feel, and how we act, it’s important to challenge any thought that causes us harm.

Interesting, how all one needs to checkmate their thoughts is two greasy elbows and four stupid questions.

Decatastrophizing: Cognitive distortions are irrational thoughts that have the power to influence how you feel. Everyone has some cognitive distortions–they’re a normal part of being human. However, when cognitive distortions are too plentiful or extreme, they can be harmful.

Page two’s questions came at me a little rougher. Fortunately for me, I was already rushing from huffing humanity’s finest.

Naked on the shitter, I continued pressing on.

1) What are you worried about?
2) How likely is it your worry will come true?
3) If your worry comes true, what’s the worst that could happen?
4) If your worry comes true, what’s most likely to happen?
5) If your worry comes true, what are the chances you’ll be okay?

Third and final page, time to slay the dragon.

Thoughts and Behaviors (Cost/Benefit Analysis): List the costs and benefits of seven thoughts or behaviors. Rate the importance of each from 1-10. After reviewing the costs and benefits of the current thought or behavior, develop a more adaptive alternative.

Tens across the board and I believe that I’ve evolved.

The feeling, unreal, is something I suspect is worth informing the others – once I’m done screaming to the fiends that are weening in the vent, asking all and any if they’ll double-check my work.

*When COVID arrived and closed all our classrooms, the Department continued issuing thousands of certificates, presumably based on workbook participation alone. These are the same certificates required to meet criteria for parole.

So even if each workbook costs north of $20 — which would be unlikely considering they’re purchased in bulk — why not distribute them to everyone willing to treat their behaviors, and give our case managers something more to work with?

[Materials from Therapistaid.com. If you enjoyed this article, we recommend viewing “IDOC Now Hiring: Alchemist Wizards Wanted.“]
…

CONFLICTING STORIES EMERGE: THE ISCC DISTURBANCE

[This story has been formatted for transmission over JPay.]

Regarding thy disturbance that thou shall not mention over JPay
Thy disturbance that hath been reported by local news
Thy disturbance that thy Department hath reported on thou’s website
But doth not allow families to forward their loved one’s
Possibly because thy Department doth not wish to be fact-checked

Of such disturbance, it hath been said,
Not by one but more and possibly all,
Unnecessary use of force by staff was thy culprit
And thy video thou holds is thy knower of truth

And we shame thy heathens that so flagrantly sin
For the pain they inflict on the people they oppress
Regarding all matters of staff-on-inmate violence
Regarding all matters of sexual misconduct on the afflicted,
The afflicted in their charge that they often do touch
Regarding all matters of obstruction to thy courts
Regarding all matters of censoring thy loved ones

God doth damn thy heathens,
Thy weasels,
Thy maggots,
Thy watchers complicit
Who know but do naught

And forever we find them
Logged in our good book
Thus no one forgets
For thousands of years

And that book’s name is
Exhausted Grievances In Summary
(for legal and investigative purpose)

Lord, let it not be a product of waste

Amen.
…

COVID NEWS

[As of May 22,] over 34,00 tests have been administered to IDOC residents in three states. More than 4,390 have identified positive and a total of six deaths have been reported as COVID-related.

Among residents, over 2270 vaccinations have been fully completed, and at least 696 have received their first shot.

Despite facility staff having early access to vaccinations, PrisonPolicyInitiative.org reported on April 21 that the percentage of IDOC’s vaccinated prison staff was only 28%.

It appears residents with Hepatitis C were not prioritized as having an underlying medical condition. Inquiring into this matter, an IMSI Hep-C resident was returned this response by Will Wingert R.N.: “[W]e already did 65+. When we get them, they will be offered to all, regardless of health conditions.”

Despite Governor Little’s promise that eligible Idahoans would be vaccinated immediately upon request, many inmate requests have gone unanswered for months.

Fact sheet for vaccines can be found at:

www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua
www.janssencovid19vaccine.com
www.cvdvaccine.com

Rumors that all three vaccines add several inches to the penis have yet to be confirmed, but the odds are pretty good.

ACLU Idaho and the law firm Shearman & Sterling are in it for the long-haul. They will remain in close contact with IDOC while monitoring all issues related to COVID. Those with concerns are invited to forward their COVID experiences to:

ACLU Idaho
PO Box 1987
Boise, ID 83701

View IDOC’s COVID numbers here.
…

FAT! BOOK DRIVE

This month we pay it forward by highlighting our book-driving friends at Rogue Liberation Library. Having massively expanded their outreach, they could use a little help covering increased mailing costs. We sent them $10, can anyone match us?

RLL
PO Box 3418
Ashland, Or 97520
rogueliberationlibrary@gmail.com
peacehouse.net/RLL/

This month’s contributions came from friends of Jesus! and the FAT! family:

The Everything American Government Book by Nick Ragone
Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics by Richard A. Thaler
The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
Miracles by C.S. Lewis
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Surprised By Joy by C.S. Lewis
Through Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel
Piercing The Darkness by Frank E. Peretti
This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti
God Will Use This For Good by Max Lucado
Serving Productive Time by Tom & Laura Lagana
Unlocked: Keys to Getting Out & Staying Out by Chance A. Johnmeyer
…

IDOC PREPARES TO RESUME VISITATION

The Department is preparing to resume in-person visitation on a facility-by-facility basis. The vaccination rate of residents, results of recent COVID testing, and facility locations have been offered as factors. The vaccination rate of facility staff have not.

According to IDOC’s website: “People who can show proof of vaccination may be allowed to visit their loved one with fewer restrictions, like the requirement they wear a mask, and, in some cases, be separated by a plexiglass barrier.”

For those whose visiting applications expired during COVID, now is the time to see them renewed.
…

DAY ONE PROGRAM RECEIVES $250,000 FROM IDOC CARES GRANT

An IDOC CARES grant has been awarded to the PEER Wellness Center in Boise. The $250,000 grant will be used to help returning citizens “face the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to ISCI Case Manager Tony Arruberrera.

The funding will be applied towards the Center’s Day One Program, which is described in an IDOC article written by Arrburrera as “a collaborative and community-based approach to re-entry support services for individuals transitioning from an institution to our communities.”

The program helps new releases meet their immediate needs by providing transportation to community resource centers and to first-day check-ins, as required by Parole. In addition to a heavy focus on the first 48 hours — which includes obtaining the client a bus pass, cell phone, peer support, group schedules, clothing vouchers, hygiene bags, a food box and bedding (for those who are halfway-housed) — PEER Wellness volunteers also offer assistance on an individual basis for as long as one returning feels that they may need it. That assistance arrives in the form of peer support: resource referrals, check-up calls and texts, encouragement, mentoring, and various support groups.

Developed and led Mark Person, the Day One program reports multiple requests for assistance every week. As a fellow returning citizen, veteran and brethren in recovery, Person is a perfect ambassador for the service he’s established to welcome back members of the community with love and support.

The PEER Wellness Center is just one of many community partners providing Idaho Corrections a helpful assist.

Residents are hopeful that IDOC’s community-partners will start working their way through the Department’s facilities, where peer support and mentorships are direly needed.
…

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With over 100 episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on KBXL 94.1FM, Saturdays at 12:30 pm.

This month Mark welcomed Evette Navedo, the programming director for GEO Group Re-entry Services. Evette shared with Mark and his audience the contractual nature of the community services that IDOC has employed GEO to provide.

Kourtney Stafford, GEO’s transitional housing manager, also joined Mark to discuss her interests and background, as well as her history with Idaho and how GEO’s tiered housing options will assist returning citizens as they make their move forward.

Off-air, Mark works with a re-entry effort under an advocacy arm of St. Vincent de Paul. He and his team are in the process of expanding their services throughout southern Idaho. Learn more @ svdpid.org and imsihopecommunityphaseii.com.
…

IN THE FORUMS

It’s being reported that approximately sixty have returned from Saguaro in Arizona.

Persisting rumors with the Arizona contract imply the Saguaro population may soon be moved to a different facility.

Many are upset that IDOC disabled their comments on Facebook. The action is described as an affront to transparent communication. Choice words are also being offered for the new Facebook Q&A format — specifically, over the Department cherry-picking questions. Those who participate would like to return to the format Kempf used.

Folks still dealing with stimulus issues are encouraged to view “Missing Stimulus Payments For the Incarcerated? Questions and Answers“.
…

INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

5-17-21

Dear Mayor McLean,

Greetings, Mayor! I come to you with a network of justice-involved interests I found actively orienting in civic pursuit. All of which won’t approve of this segue, but because you must be busy, I offer you my spiel:

While it’s realized that correctional matters are delegated to State, it’s members of localities that the State affects with its decisions — in the case of Corrections, the amount of local resources allotted for institutional aftercare, the training and skill sets we afford our incarcerated to be released with, and whether intervening in a crisis is worth more money than preventing one — and it’s also local communities Corrections depends on to provide returning citizens with humble opportunities.

Therefore I find it makes sense to establish local forums for law enforcement professionals, behavioral health specialists and community helpers to exchange insight and experience with justice-affected families — those with convictions and victims alike.

Having already engaged our Idaho lawmakers, I’m now intent on approaching city leaders and councils. But this has proven for me a difficult task, as their various associations are somewhat unresponsive to old-fashioned deliveries marked “Inmate Correspondence.”

Thus I find myself in your office with minimal ish, asking the following questions: Might you be willing to share pertinent information and suggestions to help me proceed with my most lawful quest? And might you also be willing to share my project among your network of aforementioned that would presumably share an interest in participatory discussion?

Included are links to materials I’m sending around. I’m told that they offer much-needed perspective.

Forever grateful for thoughtful assists,
Patrick Irving 82431
IMSI
PO Box 51
Boise, ID 83707
…

SUGGESTION BOX

We suggest these additional sources of intel for our audience:

idahoprisonproject.org
idahoprisonblog.blogspot.com
jailmedicine.com
prisonpolicyinitiative.org
…

Amber waves of grain, y’all! See you next month.

“All the Trees of the Hill Will Clap Their Hands”
–Sufjan Stevens

Next: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, July ’21 (Si Kahn Tribute Issue)

It’s been brought to my attention that, of my letters to editors now coursing through Idaho, one printed in the Lewiston Morning Tribune has been considered among my contacts as a little too alarmist.

The feedback is noted and very much appreciated. It’s helpful when I hear back on my efforts, and always a win when others are involved.

Especially because I’m neither qualified nor able to represent everyone’s viewpoint. Nor am I capable of pretending the solutions are all known. I’m just a firm believer that more conversations are needed. And that being able to act obligates me to try.

But if my letters this month turned you off from discussion, it’s an obvious failure that needs publicly recognized.

So how about some suggestions on how I can improve?

And is it inappropriate of me to ask: Will you consider following up my letters to your local representatives and media with a letter of your own that expresses your concerns?

Please know that I’m not trying to ruin anything for anybody. I’ve sent over six hundred letters to our focalists in Idaho–which requires some time and a bit of expense–all in the interest of improving one forgotten piece of desert that many families find themselves now unwillingly a part of.

Of those letters, I’ve heard back from ACLU Idaho, Senators Burgoyne, Winder and Wintrow, Representative Moon and Lt. Governor McGeachin. But I really haven’t heard back from anybody else. And that includes multiple requests for information and assistance from all six Idaho chapters of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (which, if I’m being honest, rEally KinD oF sTingS).

So, yeah–this time I tried a little something different, hoping to inspire enough curiosity for folks to take a chance on an eye-opening speech or the newsletter that I use to help present some thought.

Here’s how it worked in my mind:

Dear Reader,

I recently presented at the U of Idaho Video Law Symposium. The audience appeared shocked to learn that IDOC’s most problematic inmates are being released back into their communities without programming or supervision. This after compounding their defects with extended periods of isolation. One must simply watch as I unravel while speaking before a small nationwide audience to understand the effects our correctional deficiencies place one one’s being–effects that, left unaddressed, pose significant danger to your local community. The video is available; I’m the second speaker.

@https://youtu.be/7i4o5T55jAc

Thank you,
Patrick Irving 82431
—

With any luck, I figured, because it’s worked for me before, at least a few dozen will click on the video or the visit site where I prepared for them this:

WELCOME to the May edition of First Amend This!

Brought to you by The Captive Perspective and made available at bookofirving82431.com. This publication provides an insider’s 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.
…

GET INVOLVED

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

Offender friends and families interested in networking concerns are encouraged to join the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at idahoinmate@gmail.com.

Our legislature is interested in hearing from you. Did you know they answer their own calls and open their own letters? View their contact info here.
…

EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s important to acknowledge that there’s progress in Corrections, that the current administration is exploring new ideas, and that the community is becoming much more involved with citizens able to return from their Sentencing.

But we can’t let that distract us from where there are still deficiencies. The fact is, for too many residents living in our facilities, corrective opportunities are often nonexistent. The majority of our programs are only offered in a rush to the few we’re permitted to cram through the gate. The others, ineligible for parole, are lucky to find a seat in the classes prescribed for reform. And when their sentence expires we release them unsupervised, all our resources invested in their parole-eligible counterparts.

One has to believe there are better uses for our facilities, more ways to engage our residents and offer them reform. Our problematic inmates need more healthy opportunities, not more time in isolation to amplify all their defects.

We can’t keep treating these ideas as inimical concepts. Our residents need processed in ways that better utilize their time.

In addition to the assets on the street being added for reentry, we need more counselors, teachers, and mentors in our facilities. More efficient use of our existing structures, more classes and training for those with and without parole.

We must also consider how punishing those who engage in nonconstructive behaviors when they’re placed in facilities that offer nothing constructive only exasperates the need to continue building prisons.

I bring these issues to your attention not as an employee of the Department, but as one of many residents the Department’s hopes have passed.

For those of you new, we thank you for joining us, and we hope that if you haven’t yet viewed the video of Chris Shanahan and myself speaking at the U of Idaho Video Law Symposium, you’ll find some time in your week to try and fit it in.

We appreciate your audience.

Let’s First Amend This!
—

And that’s the thing with theories: sometimes their flaws aren’t realized until they’re put into practice.

So let me just assure you, I understand that more work on me is needed. And, halfway through the 2010 college textbook “Introduction To Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture,” I’m sure that you’ll now be able to rest comfortably knowing the matter has been taken into my own hands.

Allow me to also just mention again that a little assistance fixing my deficiencies would be incredibly appreciated at the level of human.

A point I’ll reinforce with an excerpt from today’s correspondence, before thanking all again for the time that they give me:

Speaking of concerns, I want to acknowledge your concerns with my letter to the editor. I realize yours may be a reaction felt by others. Which is why the broken link was so frustrating. Because when one unpacks the information the video provides, the feeling runs contrary to that of the initial shocker. Though I have to admit, I didn’t expect that instead of considering the benefits of parole (the benefits of supervision), people would prefer just holding others for forever. Makes sense, I guess. Because it’s Idaho. Again, I do appreciate that feedback.

It’s awfully difficult working in the dark. And trying to approach Conservatives and measure their response can be quite a chore. I’m of the mind to think you need to make Idahoans consider the financial and not the human aspects of our incarceration problem: “Either better utilize your systems of Corrections and Parole, or build more prisons that we can’t even staff. How should we spend your dime? By making people more ruined, desperate and dangerous, or by salvaging what we can of the repairable human resource?”

The abolitionist approach is just a nonstarter here. And I have to come from weird angles so as to not appear angry or entitled and indifferent to my crime. So many variables. Ugh.

One of the things I’ve run into, with letters like those, is that, like this time, I had to handwrite 200 in the hopes of reaching just a couple lawmakers and one editor and being able to convert their curiosity towards the video or my newsletter, where I go into more detail to address that initial shocker.

Obviously it takes a lot of time, and the objective is to inspire discourse or redirect their attention to other resources, points, logical trains of thoughts, etc. Improving my system is always my goal.

Previous: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, Apr. 2021

WELCOME to the May edition of First Amend This!

Brought to you by The Captive Perspective and made available at bookofirving82431.com. This publication provides an insider’s 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.
…

GET INVOLVED

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

Offender friends and families interested in networking concerns are encouraged to join the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at idahoinmate@gmail.com.

Our legislature is interested in hearing from you. Did you know they answer their own calls and open their own letters? View their contact info here.
…

EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s important to acknowledge that there’s progress in Corrections, that the current administration is exploring new ideas, and that the community is becoming much more involved with citizens able to return from their sentencing.

But we can’t let that distract us from where there are still deficiencies. The fact is, for too many residents living in our facilities, corrective opportunities are often nonexistent. The majority of our programs are only offered in a rush to the few we’re permitted to cram through the gate. The others, ineligible for parole, are lucky to find a seat in the classes prescribed for reform. And when their sentence expires we release them unsupervised, all our resources invested in their parole-eligible counterparts.

One has to believe there are better uses for our facilities, more ways to engage our residents and offer them reform. Our problematic inmates need more healthy opportunities, not more time in isolation to amplify all their defects.

We can’t keep treating these ideas as inimical concepts. Our residents need processed in ways that better utilize their time.

In addition to the assets on the street being added for reentry, we need more counselors, teachers, and mentors in our facilities. More efficient use of our existing structures, more classes and training for those with and without parole.

We must also consider how punishing those who engage in nonconstructive behaviors when they’ve been placed in facilities that offer nothing constructive only contributes to the need to continue building prisons.

I bring these issues to your attention not as an employee of the Department, but as one of many residents the Department’s hopes have passed.

For those of you who are new, we thank you for joining us, and we hope that if you haven’t yet viewed the video of Chris Shanahan and myself speaking at the U of Idaho Video Law Symposium, you’ll find some time in your week to try and fit it in.

We appreciate your audience.

Let’s First Amend This!
…

GEO GROUP REVEALS RANSOMWARE ATTACK

The GEO Group, a private prison company that operates 123 facilities with a total of around 93,000 beds and 23,000 employees in the U.S., U.K. and South Africa, has acknowledged an August 2020 ransomware attack that exposed sensitive personal information of prisoners, employees and immigrant detainees.

At the time of the attack, approximately 500 IDOC residents were being housed in GEO’s Eagle Pass Correctional Facility on the Tex-Mex border.

Among the data that was stolen: names, birthdays, medical histories and Social Security numbers.

GEO is said to have waited to send notification to all individuals whose data was compromised until 76 days after suffering the breach. IDOC residents were reportedly not among them.

[Source: Matt Clarke, “Ransomware Attack on GEO Group Exposes Sensitive Information,” Prison Legal News (Apr. ’21)]
…

DISTURBANCE AT ISCC

[The following story, regarding an April 10 incident, originally appeared April 12 on the IDOC website. As of April 26, no further updates have been given.]

The Idaho Department of Correction continues to investigate the disturbance Saturday at the Idaho State Correctional Center.

The incident began about 4:30 p.m. as security staff were responding to a report of an assault on H-block, Tier 1. Residents on the tier began destroying property and ignited a fire in a trash can.

The fire prompted staff to evacuate the tier. Two adjacent 96-bed tiers were also evacuated.  The entire facility was placed on secure status to ensure the safety of everyone living and working at the facility.  IDOC’s tactical team, the Correctional Emergency Response Team, was activated.

Per IDOC’s emergency response protocol, a request for assistance was made to area law enforcement,  fire and emergency services.  State and area law enforcement partners maintained a presence around the secure perimeter of the institution while IDOC staff cleared the affected housing unit. Order was restored by late evening.

Residents of the two unaffected tiers in H-block were returned to their living areas late Saturday night.

The men who were living on H-block, Tier-1 have been relocated to other facilities in the South Boise Correctional Complex pending the outcome of the investigation. Those residents will be given opportunities to contact their families soon. The Ada County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating the incident. The tier remains closed as a crime scene.

Four residents who were hurt during the incident were evaluated and treated at a Boise hospital and returned to IDOC custody. A fifth resident was evaluated at a hospital today for an injury he apparently suffered during the disturbance. No staff were hurt.

The IDOC refers to Saturday’s events as a “disturbance” to not prejudice the outcome of any investigation.  The facts gathered through the investigation will determine what, if any, crimes took place.

…

COMMISSARY PRICES INCREASING AGAIN

On March 31, Keefe notified residents of a 1.8% price increase, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index, scheduled to start at the beginning of May.

While Keefe professes to “understand the strain that this puts on [their] customers” and “[take] every step to identify new items from producers to decrease [their] cost and maintain [their] pricing,” we actually have a list of the Arizona prices our out-of-state population is contractually paying. And though we can’t yet say for sure who, we suspect someone’s abusing their ability to markup.

Prices: Idaho (with 1.8% increase) / Arizona (prices include a 20% markup)

AMP’D 15″ TV $264.91/ 220.97
Remote for TV $12.72/ 3.14
Rawlings shoes $56.33/ 33.55
Boxer Briefs $8.59/ 4.28
Keefe Coffee $4.08/ 3.26
Flavored creamer $1.70/ 1.03
Sliced Pepperoni $4.88/ 2.44
Cheese sticks $2.36/ 1.66
Starlite Mints $1.27/ .56
Ramen $.41/ .29

To be fair, when it comes to confronting oppressive desert heat or whipping up a dish of black beans and squeeze cheese, folks in Arizona are paying a little more.

8″ Massey Fan $21.19/ 28.31
Sqz cheese $.32/ .49
Black beans $.80/ 1.49

[Keefe’s Arizona prices as listed on IDOC Invitation To Negotiate 19000793. Idaho’s Keefe prices as listed by Keefe and Access Securepak.]
…

FOLLOWING UP ON THE VERA INSTITUTE

For those who don’t remember, back in January we began asking to what extent the Vera Institute of Justice was involved with the Department. With neither taking the time to issue a response, we took it upon ourselves to submit a public records request. Earlier this month that request came back.

According the IDOC/Vera Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), recently extended until March of next year, the Vera Institute is looking to introduce their Restoring Promise model to select young adults incarcerated in our facilities.

The project includes repurposing units and identifying strategies that can be tailored as needed, possibly scaled. Assuming both parties move forward with the arrangement, the Vera Institute will work in partnership with MILPA to offer the Department multifaceted support. Which includes but isn’t limited to: analytics, training, messaging and communications.

Within the MOU, the Restoring Promise initiative requests the Department adhere to two core principles by: 1) suspending or replacing their disciplinary process with Restoring Promise’s methods of conflict resolution, and 2) recognizing the importance of family and refrain from restricting family involvement with program participants using disciplinary sanctions or relationship criteria.

Along with residents targeted by age (18-25), the initiative will also involve an older group of mentors.

As this proposal was made prior to pre-COVID adjustments, it’s unclear what, if anything, has changed of their goals.
…

COVID NEWS

Over 31,600 tests have been administered to IDOC residents in three states. More than 4,350 have identified positive and a total of six deaths have been reported as COVID-related.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has published a report suggesting several facility outbreaks may have been seeded by our residents working in food processing plants.

Though all Idaho residents have been eligible since early April, and though Idaho has had a three-week vaccine surplus for most of the month, as of April 26, only 1520 residents have been fully vaccinated. Another 82 received their first shot, with 23 of those housed in Arizona. When compared to Idaho’s fully vaccinated population of almost 32%, Idaho’s prison vaccinations were sitting close to half that.

Priority has been placed on residents that interact with the community.

Those diagnosed with Hepatitis C are apparently not of any priority.

Fact sheets were distributed for each make of vaccine prior to Janssen’s issues with blood clots. Revised versions have not been distributed.

www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua
www.janssencovid19vaccine.com
www.cvdvaccine.com

Warden Barlow has issued a memo stating: “The mail room in the South Boise Complex has been negatively impacted by COVID 19. We anticipate that all incoming and outgoing mail services will be delayed until May 10, 2021.”

Extrapolation: While Department employees had the opportunity to vaccinate long before residents, those in the mailroom decided not to opt-in–so there goes our mail while they quarantine paid.

ACLU Idaho and the law firm Shearman & Sterling are in it for the long-haul. They will remain in close contact with IDOC while monitoring all issues related COVID. Those with concerns are invited to forward their COVID experiences to:

ACLU Idaho
PO Box 1987
Boise, ID 83701

View IDOC’s COVID numbers here.

[Sources: IDOC. KBOI Channel 2 News. Audrey Dutton, “Idaho inmates worked at food plants. They got COVID. So did their bunkmates,” Idaho Capital Sun.]
…

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS

Our request for the Board of Correction Meeting Minutes from Feb. ’20 to Feb. ’21 was “lost in the mailroom.” It was then refiled with the timeframe expanded from Aug. ’19 to present. Though filled in a timely fashion, it arrived without the minutes for Sep. – Dec. of 2019. 2021’s meeting minutes were also not included. The reason given: they have yet to be posted.

A request to uncover whether the Department has received or allotted any funds over the last four years for Ad-Seg reform was denied in its entirety for “No Records Found.”
…

NEW RESTRICTIONS ON INCOMING BOOKS

Starting June 1, 2021, all books and magazines must come from either one of the approved vendors listed below or directly from the publisher.

After May 31, all incoming books from outside these vendors, and books not containing a receipt or invoice, will be returned to sender in accordance with SOP 402.02.01.001 Mail Handling In Correctional Facilities, Section 18.

Edward R. Hamilton
Thrift Books
Discover Books
More than Words
Prison Book Program
Books to Prisoners

Note: All books being sent through a religious ministry must have the ministry listed as the publisher of the book.
…

FAT! BOOK DRIVE

In lieu of the new restrictions on books, institutions of higher education are no longer allowed to ship us outdated course materials from their campus book stores to help with our mission of improving our prison library.

For all others interested in contributing and able to abide by policy:

Patrick Irving 82431
IMSI
PO Box 51
Boise, ID 83707

This month’s contributions came from friends and family:

• • We Are The Ones We Have Been Waiting For: The Promise of Civic Renewal in America by Peter Levine
  • Social & Cultural Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction by John Monaghan & Peter Just
  • Anthropology for Dummies by Cameron M. Smith, Ph. D.
  • Algorithm by Fiction International (vol. 53)
  • Silo by Hugh Howey
  • Shift by Hugh Howey
  • Dust by Hugh Howey
  • Silo Stories by Hugh Howey
  • The Complete Works of Andrew Vachss (32 books)
  • The Girl in My Wallet by Teresa Nickell
  • Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

Regrettably, the book Civic Activism Unleashed: New Hope or False Dawn for Democracy? (Carnegie Endowment for Intl Peace) by Richard Young was confiscated as contraband as it came through the mailroom. If we find ourselves unable to release it from captivity, we’ll forward it to our friends in the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group, who will surely give it the loving home it deserves.
…

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With over 100 episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on KBXL 94.1FM, Saturdays at 12:30 pm.

This month we tuned in to meet Chris Mecham with the Recovery Advocacy Project. He offered his history with substance abuse and discussed how his project is looking for 10-15 grassroots organizers to help make recovery information more accessible in Idaho. To learn more, visit www.recoveryvoices.org

From Twin Falls, Director John Brannen of Recovery In Motion (RIM) discussed the work his organization is doing, and their relationship with the Idaho Association of Recovery Centers. According to RIM’s website, “RIM exists to remove the barriers to recovery by providing free peer-based recovery support services to individuals and families in our communities who live with substance abuse and/or metal health challenges.”

Lisa and Taylor Gonzales also stopped by for some enlightening conversation. They shared experiences with prison, recovery and faith, and provided an example of how lives can turn around with a little exposure to healthier elements (in their case, JESUS!). It deserves a mention how Taylor described the setting of Ad-Seg in prison: “It’s the exact opposite of love”–if love were human needs met by the connective nature of humanity. Taylor can be found on YouTube with a search for Brother Taylor.

In addition to his radio show, Mark Renick works with a reentry effort under an advocacy arm of St. Vincent de Paul. He and his team are in the process of expanding reentry services throughout southern Idaho. Learn more about their efforts @ https://svdpid.org/advocacy-systemicchangeofid/ and imsihopecommunityphaseii.com.
…

IRS PHONE NUMBERS NOW AVAILABLE

For those still experiencing filing issues or waiting on checks, the following IRS phone numbers can now be called from all facilities.

800-830-5084 Verifying Identity -IRS
877-777-4778 Taxpayer Advocate Service
800-829-3676 Low Income Taxpayer Clinics
…

INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

[Variations of the missive that follows have been launched, handwritten, over 200 times.]

Dear Idaho Editors, Legislature, Mayors and Judges,

I recently presented at the U of Idaho Video Law Symposium. The audience appeared shocked to learn that IDOC’s most problematic inmates are being released back into their communities without programming or supervision. This after compounding their defects with extended periods of isolation. One must simply watch as I unravel before a small nationwide audience to understand the effects our correctional deficiencies place one one’s being–effects that, left unaddressed, pose significant danger to your local community. The video* is available; I’m the second speaker. Sharing among your network is appreciated.

Thank you,
Patrick Irving 82431

*From the symposium mentioned in our Editor’s Notes. For those who have time, it’s definitely worth a view.
…

SUGGESTION BOX

With so many university lectures made available for free, I suggest designating one room and one channel in each of our facilities for intellectual pursuits beyond the realm of GED. A variety of educational lectures from a variety institutions could inspire a variety of new interests and new means for critical thinking–all for the cost of absolutely nothing.

It’s really kind of weird that you don’t do this already.
…

Notch another month, we’ll see you in June!

This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
— The Lumineers

Next: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, June 2021

4-20-21

Dear Crystal S.,

I sent you a letter that wasn’t very nice. I was upset because I was attempting to communicate with the judge as an elected member of the judiciary, not as an adjudicator of any case that I’m involved with, and I felt that you prevented me from doing so in a manner rather unwarranted.

As you may have noticed from that letter, I have some technique. That’s because, from where I sit, I seem to write an awful lot of them. Yours is one of the very few I’ve allowed to spend any duration of time with my conscience, and together we’ve decided that I owe you an apology.

Forgive me,
I’m broken,
and such a big fan of The Notebook…

Whoever would have thought
that this is how we’d fall in love?

Gentilities,
Patrick

I’m of the impression that I’ve received some assistance, and I’m sorry to do this here but I’m unsure from who. The name that was given happened to be my own, and while I’ve always trusted Future Me’s ability to manipulate time, that’s not the signal we’ve agreed to exchange.

So please accept the sincerest of my gratitude, and know that I’ve fashioned your generosity into 200 charges aimed to Einstein-Padolski-Rosen a bridge to an adequate future. (Translation: I’ve converted your assistance into another round of letters that will reach local Legislature, national advocates, and all of Idaho’s District Court Judges.)

Thank you, again. You are very much appreciated.

–Patrick of the Now

Update: This mystery has been solved. Let’s hear it for my mom! I bet Cupid and Santa will get a kick outta this.

Previous: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, Mar. 2021

WELCOME to the April edition of First Amend This!

Brought to you by The Captive Perspective and made available at bookofirving82431.com. This publication provides an insider’s 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.
…

GET INVOLVED

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

Offender friends and families interested in networking concerns are encouraged to join the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact them at idahoinmate@gmail.com.
…

EDITOR’S NOTE

On December 07, 2019, I presented a letter to the IDOC Office of Professional Standards, in which I voiced concerns of employee misconduct and how staff facing accusations from IDOC residents are allowed, per policy, to investigate themselves.

That letter appeared in our very first issue (Dec. ’19).

It has yet to be answered.

Much more recently, following my participation at the U of I Video Law Symposium–where I spoke of being obstructed from protected communications, and being retaliated against for presenting group concerns–limits were immediately re-imposed on my communications with legislators, legal professionals, media and advocates.

Because grievances have long been exhausted addressing the above issues, and because of the obvious nature in which these issues are recurring, I suspect that the Department may have just extended the statute of limitations on the First Amendment violations that were the raison d’être for this newsletter.

Which incites me to apprise my new audience of scholarly professionals: If at any time you find yourself able, you’ll be more than welcome to take up the case.

Let’s First Amend This!

[Ref. Exhausted Grievances In Summary (For Legal and Investigative Purpose), Grievances 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13]
…

IDOC RESIDENTS SPEAK AT U of I VIDEO LAW SYMPOSIUM

On March 24 residents Chris Shanahan and Patrick Irving shared correctional experience and insight at the U of I Video Law Symposium with an audience of justice professionals, legal scholars and advocates.

The two presented over Zoom from their respective facilities– Shanahan from Southern Idaho Correctional Institution, Irving from Idaho Maximum Security Institution (Administrative Segregation Unit).

Both residents were chosen for writing submissions soon to appear in the Idaho Law Review.

The event holds significance as an Idaho first.

View the video of the two speaking here.

MORE ON THE ARIZONA CONTRACT

For those currently under the care of CoreCivic, we’d like to introduce you to their Quality Assurance.

QA is a division of CoreCivic that reports directly to the company’s Office of General Counsel. The reason, roughly stated: to operate independently (from the Operations Division ) and eliminate conflicts of interest that arise during audits. Headquartered in Brentwood, TN, the QA Division is referred to internally as the Facility Support Center (FSC).

QA is responsible for the following:

1) Identifying noncompliance in contractual obligations, including deficiencies in health, safety and security.

2) Assuring that operations and programs comply with contracts and performance standards, policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

3) Identifying fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement and criminal acts–for reporting and prevention.

4) Assuring that financial and administrative controls are in place.

Don Murray, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Quality Assurance. He oversees all of CoreCivic’s Quality Assurance Policies. Therefore we recommend that families contact him directly when experiencing issues their DOC contract monitors show little-to-no interest in addressing.

CoreCivic
5501 Virginia Way, Ste. 110
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-263-3000
corecivic.com

If you’re unable to reach Dr. Murray for assistance, try Corecivic’s Brian Ferrel @ brian.ferrell@corecivic.com, or State of Idaho’s Jason R. Urquhart (CPPO, CPPB) @ Jason.urquhart@admin.Idaho.gov. Because Brian and Jason were responsible for negotiating the contract, one can hope they’ll have an interest in seeing it upheld.
…

ANOTHER NEGLIGENCE SUIT FOR CORIZON HEALTH

An ISCI resident has filed a claim of medical negligence against Corizon Health Services for failing to conduct medical tests and treat chronic pain. The suit alleges a misdiagnosis and takes issue with psychiatric meds being prescribed for pain–a common complaint among IDOC residents.

It hasn’t yet been a year since IDOC successfully moved to terminate the Balla class-action lawsuit, brought in 1984 over inhumane treatment and conditions at ISCI. While Balla was active, residents had access to court-ordered health services monitors, but with Balla’s termination they are no longer accessible. Which makes it much harder for those in need to receive adequate treatment: because there’s a lot less pressure for Corizon to behave.

Corizon currently provides services for 180,000 incarcerated patients in 17 states, and was recently sold to the Flacks Groups, which specializes in purchasing poorly functioning companies and making improvements to upgrade their financial performance. As reported in last December’s issue, Corizon has faced 660 malpractice lawsuits in the last five years alone.

According to Matt Clarke of Prison Legal News, “Corizon’s business plan [seems to be] write off the fines and court awards as business expenses but spend nothing to correct the problems.”

Among prior suits brought against Corizon in Idaho: untreated infections that led to amputation.

It will be interesting to watch how Corizon handles COVID long-hauler care, considering how the virus coursed through our prisons like a no-limit smorgasbord.

[Sources: Erin Sheridan, Idaho Inmate Alleges Negligence by Corizon Health, Idahopress.com. Matt Clarke, “Investment Firm Buys Corizon,” Prison Legal News, Nov. ’20.]
…

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS

A request for all Board of Correction Meeting Minutes from Feb. ’20 to Feb ’21 was submitted to Interim Records Chief Cindy Lee on February 27, along with a voucher to cover expenses (#56626). As of 3-31-21, the request has yet to be answered.

On March 15 a request for documents pertaining to the Vera Institute’s involvement with IDOC was submitted to the Records Custodian, along with Voucher 163211. This request also has yet to be answered.

According to the Disclosure of Idaho Department of Correction Records Under the Idaho Public Records Act:

The [public records] custodian can respond to the request by 1) fulfilling the request in full, 2) denying the request in full, or 3) denying the request in part. A denial is based upon the exemptions provided by statute or Board rule.

Upon receipt of a written request, a response must be made within three working days. If a response cannot be completed within three working days, an extension notice must be completed.

The extension notice must be sent to the requestor within the original three working days, to fill the request.
…

MORE STIMULUS PROBLEMS

As discussed in March, millions of folks still waiting for their 2020 stimulus checks were asked to file for the Rebate Recovery Credit on 2021’s return.

This reporter, having filed as requested, encountered the same complications now being experienced by others: An IRS notice was delivered to his last-known, 2014 address, and he was given 30 days to confirm his identity or else his return would not being processed.

The letter instructs its recipient to call 800-830-5084 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 PM and verify their identity using its contents, along with copies of multiple tax returns and the documents needed to support those returns.

Those unable to verify their identity over the phone are required to schedule an in-person appointment at their local IRS office.

The letter suggests that one can file a Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) if they have contacts available to offer an assist.

It is unfortunate that many will not receive the notice, and of those that do, many will have neither the assistance of an acting representative nor the documents requested to verify their identity.

It is also unfortunate that many DOCs (mine included) are not informing their facility residents that the government may have already requested they follow up on their checks.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

For those unable to proceed with Form 2848 in the timeframe offered, we recommend contacting the Taxpayer Adocate Service (TAS).

The TAS, an independent organization within the IRS, is there for those who’ve been unable to resolve problems with the IRS, or those who believe an IRS system, process, or procedure isn’t working as it should. TAS assistance is free, and they will do everything possible to help you. Go to www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 877-777-4778.

Tax professionals independent from the IRS may also be able to offer assistance.

Low Income Tax Payer Clinics (LITSs) can represent low-income persons before the IRS or in court. LITCs can also help persons who speak English as a second language. Any services provided by an LITC must be free or [provided] for a small fee. To find an LITC near you:

— Go to www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/litcmap;
— Download IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, available at www.irs.gov/forms-pubs; or
— Call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-3676 and ask for a copy of Publication 4134.

State bar associations, societies of accountants or enrolled agents, or other nonprofit tax professional organizations may also be able to provide referrals.

Click here for more questions, answers, and forms to assist.
…

COVID NEWS

Over 28,800 tests have been administered to IDOC residents in three states. More than 4,350 have identified positive and a total of six deaths have been reported as COVID-related.

Governor Little has expanded the current eligibility for the COVID vaccine to include all IDOC residents currently housed in Idaho. Approximately 600 have received their first shot and IDOC is working to obtain enough vaccine to provide immunization to any resident who wants it.

Because IDOC is unable to forecast which vaccine(s) will be delivered, they’ve provided residents with fact sheets for Moderna’s, Janssen’s, and Pfizer-BioNtech’s.

www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua
www.janssencovid19vaccine.com
www.cvdvaccine.com

Regrettably, we’re not informed of the progress Saguaro Correctional Center has made. If you have questions regarding those housed in Arizona, we recommend that you contact the IIFSG.

ACLU Idaho and the law firm Shearman & Sterling are in it for the long-haul. They will remain in close contact with IDOC while monitoring all issues related COVID. Those with concerns are invited to forward their COVID experiences to:

ACLU Idaho
PO Box 1987
Boise, ID 83701

When asked about returning to the pre-Covid rec schedule, Lt. Gibney stated that the Department will remain under cohort regulations until otherwise instructed by the state epidemiologist.

View IDOC’s COVID numbers here.
…

WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU

Last month, while visiting family in Utah, NICI Deputy Warden Brad Lutz passed away unexpectedly following a medical emergency.

Warden Lutz’s career in public service started with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, where he worked for three years before moving to Corrections in 1999. In addition to serving as NICI’s deputy warden, Brad also acted as the program manager.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

We join the Department in expressing their deepest sympathy for Warden Lutz’s family, as well as in asking that thoughts and prayers of strength and comfort find their way to those suffering from Brad’s untimely loss.
…

A LOOK AT IDOC’S AD-SEG REFORM (BY WAY OF GRIEVANCE)

Location: IMSI
Grievance Number: IM 210000080
Category: Conditions of Confinement
Offender: Irving 82431
Date received: 02/19/21

The problem is: Policy 319 (Restrictive Housing) requires “guidelines to ensure that inmates placed in restrictive housing (short-term or long-term) for a period in excess of 15 days will have opportunities for three hours or more per day time spent out of their cell.” These guidelines were never established.

I suggest the following solution: Please establish the guidelines that Policy 319 mentions so that your facility residents know what they have to look forward to in the future.

FAT LEVEL 1 — INITIAL RESPONSE by Lt. Justin Gibney

In response to Policy 319, IMSI introduced our Ad-Seg reform program. Initially IMSI introduced the use of programming chairs on the tiers. Residents were offered 1 hour out-of-cell time for recreation, as well as 1 hour in the programming chairs. However, this program was suspended shortly after its introduction, due to the increase of violent acts from the resident population while they were in the programming chairs.

IMSI looked at several other options including a table enclosure, on-the-tier enclosures, and the reintroduction of the programming chairs. However, shortly after these were completed, IDOC, and the world, was affected by COVID-19.

IMSI is still committed to Ad-Seg reform. However, at this time we still have positive cases of COVID-19 in our institution, and we are unable to implement these changes. I do not have an answer of how long COVID-19 will impact our daily operations, or the future of IMSI.

LEVEL 2 REVIEWING AUTHORITY RESPONSE by Captain Klinton Hust

Lt. Gibney is correct in his response. We are unable to accommodate this due to COVID-19 and practices that were put in place got people hurt rather than helped. Unfortunately the RHO states the time allotted, but we are unable to accommodate this right now.

OFFENDER APPEAL

Lt. Gibney states that only two hours out-of-cell time have ever been planned, yet the policy calls for three. A full year passed without mandate being put in place prior to COVID ever entering Idaho. Where some enclosures were installed months before COVID, they were never used, and there was time to install more. COVID simply does not excuse the full year pre-COVID that IDOC failed to abide–the policy was publicly approved in March of 2019. Policies exist to establish the rules, not to display the Department’s wishful thinking.

It should also be noted that this grievance intended to address the failure to provide reliable policy, not complain about Conditions of Confinement. That said, I consider myself at fault for the miscommunication, and ask that this grievance finish its process in the category it started, with the understanding that my issue will need to be refiled in the future.

LEVEL 3 APPELLATE AUTHORITY RESPONSE by Warden Tyrell Davis (3-12-2021)

I have reviewed the grievance and concur with the Level One and Two responses. We are currently in the process of assessing and reviewing Policy 319 as an agency.
…

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With over 100 episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on KBXL 94.1FM, Saturdays at 12:30 pm.

This month we were introduced to Deputy Director Bree Derrick, who offered some background on her education in psychology and holistic counseling, and touted the current administration’s commitment to exploring new approaches.

Local author Teresa Nickell, who wrote the “The Girl In My Wallet,” appeared on the show and opened up a bit with some of her history. From incarceration, through healing, to success as a business professional, Teresa’s story is one you can look forward to reading.

Michael Perry from St. Vincent de Paul’s Southwest Idaho advocacy arm stopped in to discuss his involvement in rolling out reentry services to Canyon County. Mike is available as a recovery coach/advisor–not a mentor or sponsor but a friend in transition. He will be opening an office in Region 3 this month, inside Canyon County St. Vincent de Paul’s thrift store. Region 3 residents are invited to stop by.

Speaking of new offices, those released from the Kuna desert are encouraged to stop by Mark and friends’ new office at 3217 W. Overland Rd. in Boise, M-F between 9-12 in the morning, and get set up with vouchers and information to help with their transition.

Those in the desert needing a lift can ask their case managers to call Renick’s team ahead their release date, so that they can pick you up and help you find their office.

Learn more about Renick and his efforts @ imsihopecommunityphaseii.com.
…

CPOF HELPS ICIO OFFICER WHOSE HOUSE WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE
by ICIO Lt. Greg Heun

Recently ICIO Officer Julia Senior receive a $500 check from the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPO) to help repair fire damages to their home. The money came from the CPO Catastrophic Assistance Program for those in the correctional profession and their families in time of emergency, crisis, or other dire need.

This past New Year’s Eve, the Seniors’ motorhome, parked next door to their home, caught on fire. The radiant heat caused severe damage to the side of their house. The Seniors were thankful their neighbors and the fire department responded quickly to the emergency and were able to help them save their home, but, unfortunately, their motorhome was a total loss. The money will go towards repairing the fire damage to their home.

Special thanks to Sergeant Kristi Parker from NICI and Corporal Lacy McClintock from ICIO. Both are IDOC representatives for the CPO foundation and submitted to the Foundation for the needed relief. The CPO Mission Statement reads: The purpose of the [CPO] is to operate and maintain a general fund for the perpetuation of the memory of those Correctional Peace Officers killed in the line of duty; to provide for their spouses, children or other beneficiaries; and to promote and project a positive image of the Corrections profession, both internally and to the general public. As one can see by their help to the Seniors, they go well beyond this in helping correctional staff in need.

I have been a member of the CPO for over 20 years and do a simple payroll deduction every month. As a member you receive a quarterly CPO magazine covering the work CPO is doing across the nation–especially for families of fallen corrections staff.

I encourage all correctional officers to contact their facility’s CPO representatives today!
….

FAT! BOOK DRIVE/REVIEW

For the last few months we’ve been promoting our book drive. Our goal this time? Persuading institutions of higher education to try and write off their outdated course materials as donations that help to improve their local prison libraries.

That said, we’ll welcome contributions from anyone, so long as they are sent from a retailer or publisher in accordance with IDOC’s mail policy.

To contribute to IMSI’s library, ship to:

Patrick Irving 82431
IMSI
PO Box 51
Boise, ID 83707

This month’s review was made possible by our friend Diamond Guitar-Judd with the IIFSG.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
by Michelle Alexander

“Because mass incarceration is officially colorblind, it seems inconceivable that the system could function much like a racial caste system.” Which is why Alexander’s profoundly engaging, well-researched presentation is so incredibly important for understanding how it does.

From a justice system that disproportionately processes a very specific demographic, to the tactically implemented barriers preventing reintegration and reentry, Alexander offers more than just history but a course of in-betweens, and helps to evolve the reader’s understanding of how heinous systematic undertakings require tacit participation in ways that aren’t always understood.

Alexander successfully presented without emotional calls, which allowed this reader to easily digest her correlations and logic.

Following this review, this book was donated to the IMSI library, where we believe it will make a fine edition.
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A RESPONSE TO INMATE SERVICES

[The 1-26-21 Inmate Services request appeared in our February Issue]

3-15-21

Mr. Irving,

I received your letter on 3-14-2021 regarding your “quest to uncover programs and resources” and I apologize that it has become somewhat of a frustrating process. I am not sure exactly what you are looking for but it seems like some pre-release programming and resources that might be available after your release.

Information regarding resources from the One Stop Reentry Center will need to be provided by the staff at the facility. As far as pre-release programs, those are facilitated by facility case managers and instructors. It looks like from the last part of your letter you are requesting information for becoming a Shaman for the Cult of Sexual Anarchy but I do not know to what you are referring. Perhaps you could discuss this with the VRC, Rob Wright for a bit more clarification.

Jeff Kirkman,
Program Manager
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SUGGESTION BOX

Prior to spraying the next group of offenders for “refusing to return to their cells,” it is suggested that you first check to see if their cell doors are open. This might help eliminate any confusion over whether they’re defending themselves or trying to attack you.

This publication does not encourage violence.
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Thank you for your audience. See you next month!

“Sure Shot”
— Beastie Boys

Next: First Amend This!: An IDOC Newsletter, May 2021