Previous: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, July ’23
Welcome to the August edition of First Amend This!
This publication provides an insider look at issues affecting the Idaho Department of Correction community. If you wish to assist this effort, share the link, copy and paste, or print and send this issue to another.
Loved ones are encouraged to join the Idaho Inmate Family Support Group (IIFSG) on Facebook or contact the group’s admins at idahoinmate@gmail.com.
Looking to help improve Idaho’s criminal justice system? We ask that you contact Erica Marshall with the Idaho Justice Project. The Idaho Justice Project works to bring the voices of people impacted by the criminal justice system to the legislative table to work on solutions.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
In this issue, the Office of Performance Evaluations analyzes reentry efforts, the cost of capital punishment in Idaho remains unknown, and a public records request reveals that Liberty Ammunition likely lied out of its asshole.
Let’s First Amend This!
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O.P.E. ANALYZES PRE-RELEASE PROGRAMS AND REENTRY SERVICES
In response to alarming trends of incarceration and increasing costs of corrections in Idaho, the Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE), a nonpartisan state agency that performs evaluations for Idaho Legislature, last month released a 130-page report on the state’s reentry programs and the factors most affecting recidivism.
The report shows that understaffing has played a prominent role in hindering the Department’s day-to-day operations, from case management and clinical treatment to reentry preparation and post-release services.
According to Mia Maldonado with the Idaho Capital Sun, 58 percent of probation and parole officers surveyed by the OPE reported having insufficient time to effectively manage their caseload, and only 36 percent of the 90 correctional case managers surveyed reported the ability to sufficiently serve everyone in their caseload.
Maldonado writes that the state’s prison clinicians appear to be struggling as well.
“We are constantly trying to provide the best care possible to our residents, but there are not enough mental health professionals employed here to adequately meet those needs,” an anonymous correctional staff member said in the report. “We do not have the time or resources available to truly address the trauma that the majority of the residents have experienced.”
Work release, education and intensive case management services all appear to be positively influencing the success rates of IDOC clients.
Work Release Programs
Work-release programs provide individuals who meet a criteria the opportunity to work in the community while serving out their sentence.
The Department currently operates five community reentry centers (CRC) and provides reliable transportation for workers to their employers.
According to the OPE report, throughout the fiscal year of 2021, the average daily cost of housing residents in a CRC was $61–roughly 21 percent less than what it costs to house them in prisons.
A significant portion of the income earned by CRC workers is applied to the cost of keeping them incarcerated. A majority of the remainder is placed in an IDOC-managed account until the day of the workers’ release.
The OPE report calculated the average account balance of CRC residents to be $5,605, and $58 the average balance of residents working jobs in traditional facilities.
Education
With prisoners again eligible to receive Pell Grants under the Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell Program, the IDOC has partnered with regional colleges to expand educational programs within select facilities.
In addition to college classes, some residents are provided access to vocational and apprenticeship opportunities. These opportunities can range from construction to business administration and audio-visual tech work.
Post-Release Case Management Assistance
The IDOC has contracted a GEO Group subsidiary, GEO Reentry Services, to provide its probation and parole officers with the option of assigning individuals who are deemed at-risk on their caseload to the company’s intensive case management services.
The services are provided through Connection and Intervention Stations (CIS), operated for a profit by the company in each of Idaho’s seven districts. According to Kaylee Brewster with the Lewiston Tribune, the centers possess the combined capacity to serve up to 700 referrals.
“[The report] found that while some state programs seem to be helping incarcerated people take their first steps back into society, state programs alone are not enough to give formerly incarcerated individuals a smooth transition back into the community,” writes Maldonado.
It’s a finding supported by years of hard work from St. Vincent de Paul of Southwestern Idaho (SVDP), who decided once upon a time that formerly incarcerated individuals were reasonably equipped to develop and provide comprehensive reentry services.
The nonprofit’s approach differs from GEO’s in that it provides its services for free and attempts to preempt crises by placing a focus on immediate needs: food, clothing, personal hygiene, employment, transportation from prison to the first check-in with one’s parole officer. “Survival is what they’re concerned about as they get out and work to establish themselves,” SVDP reentry services director Mark Renick told the Idaho Capital Sun.
The OPE report concluded by recommending 1) that the IDOC establish methods of collecting feedback from program participants; 2) that the Legislature task a committee to identify resource needs while monitoring the effectiveness and formation of policies and programs; and 3) that the IDOC consult with research performed by the National Academy of Sciences to develop additional metrics of reentry success.
Sources: Kaylee Brewster, “Connection, Change and Community,” Lewiston Tribune. Mia Maldonado, “New Report Shows What is Working Well for Idaho’s Prisoner Reentry Programs, and What is Not,” Idaho Capital Sun. Georeentry.com
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WEEK ONE, DAY TWO BREAKFAST (MAINLINE)
[Serving sizes may vary by gender. Fruit and whole grain bread is substituted at facilities flagged for excessive brewing of alcohol.]
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1 pc — Frittata
2 lg — Pancakes
1 cup — Oatmeal
10 mg — Margarine
1 1/2 oz — Maple Syrup
2 pkt — Sugar
8 oz. — Vitamin beverage
8 oz. — Milk 1%
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Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1
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HOW IS IT WE NEVER ESTABLISHED A PREFERRED PRICE POINT FOR EXECUTIONS?
Death Row, Idaho
Population: 8
Idaho is one of 24 states that reserve the right to execute individuals convicted of what are considered to be especially heinous crimes, and one of five that commission a firing squad when lethal injections aren’t in stock.
With a trifecta of horrific criminal cases now working their way through Idaho courts, the state could soon be adding three new faces to death row.
Should it matter what it costs to afford them their Constitutionally protected rights and keep them alive for decades while they work to exhaust their appeals? If so, how much capital are we comfortable spending before sentencing someone to death is no longer considered a viable option?
The Office of Performance Evaluations, in 2014, attempted to put a price on Idaho’s use of the ultimate penalty. But the agency’s director, Rakesh Magan, said that the agency lacked the data needed to conduct a complete analysis.
According to Kevin Fixler, in an article published by the Idaho Statesman, in 2015 and 2016 studies published out of Seattle University uncovered what Washington and Oregon–two of Idaho’s neighboring states–were paying to keep their capital punishment programs alive.
Both studies found that pursuit of a death sentence on average cost taxpayers $1 million more than when prosecutors sought life imprisonment in aggravated first-degree murder cases.
Both states, for separate reasons, have since suspended the practice…
View Fixler’s full article: “Price of Death: What We Know About Execution Costs as Idaho’s Firing Squad Law Takes Effect,” Idaho Statesman.
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WEEK ONE, DAY TWO LUNCH (MAINLINE)
[Serving sizes may vary by gender. Fruit and whole grain bread is substituted at facilities flagged for excessive brewing of alcohol.]
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1 each — Fresh Fruit/Apple
1/2 cup — Turkey Salad
2 oz — Whole grain Bread
10 mg — Margarine
1 1/2 oz — Tortilla Chips
1 each — Cookie #1: Blondie Bar
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Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1
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LIBERTY AMMUNITION’S CHARITABLE OFFER LOOKS REMARKABLY LIKE SPAM
A few months back, Guns.com published a story written by Chris Eger, in which Liberty Ammunition was touted to have reached out to the IDOC with an unusual form of sponsorship.
[F]lorida-based Liberty Ammunition this week made no bones about the fact that it “has offered to donate ammunition to the firing squads of the great state of Idaho, assisting them in a time of budget constraints and increased violence in our nation.”
Well–this reporter’s public records request for all communications between the IDOC and employees of Liberty Ammunition was finally filled on July 31.
The only communication from the company in IDOC records was an email sent April 21 to Deputy Chief of Prisons Amanda Gentry with the subject line “Get 25% OFF All Products!”
LIBERTY AMMO FEATURED IN
The Well Armed Woman
Liberty Ammo is gaining a lot of press as the premier USA self-defense ammunition brand. The Well Armed Woman recently wrote about Liberty ammo as a “game changer.”
It appears as though the company’s noble offer to help Idaho uphold justice was delivered as a targeted advertisement with the discount code SPRING 25*.
God bless America.
*excludes blemished ammo
Ref: Chris Eger, “Ammo Maker Offers Donation for Idaho Firing Squads,” Guns.com.
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WEEK ONE, DAY TWO DINNER (MAINLINE)
[Serving sizes may vary by gender. Fruit and whole grain bread is substituted at facilities flagged for excessive brewing of alcohol.]
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1 cup — Spaghetti Sauce
1 1/2 cup — Pasta All Shapes
1 cup — Garden Salad #2
1 oz. — Vinaigrette
2 pc — Garlic Bread
1 pc — Cake #6 — Marble
8 oz. — Vitamin beverage
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Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1
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IDOC STAFF JOIN ADA COUNTY SHERIFFS AS ESCORTS FOR LITTLE ONES GEARING UP FOR SCHOOL
by Idaho State Correctional Center Sgt. Joshua Rankin
[Originally published by the IDOC. Shared here in compliance with the Idaho Public Records Act.]
On July 15, 2023, IDOC staff, once again in force, assisted Ada County community families as part of the Ada County Sheriff Employees’ Association’s (ACSEA) annual Shop with a Sheriff Back to School Event in Meridian.
Staff from District 3, District 4, and South Boise prisons participated, including, Probation & Parole officers, a reentry specialist, prison security, food service, case managers, an instructor and a nurse. There were a lot of smiles and a lot of fun as we engaged with the children, families and other agencies.
ACSEA is always happy with our involvement and our staff are always excited to participate in these events. Thank you all for helping with this important community event as these children prepare to return to school.
Source: Idaho Department of Correction on Facebook
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P&P WORKERS HONORED IN JULY
The Department took a week in July to celebrate its workers in Probation & Parole (P&P).
The IDOC posted online that Olympic medalist Kory Puderbaugh appeared as a guest speaker to help kick off the week: “[He] spoke about the tremendous impact probation and parole officers can have on lives of people they supervise.”
Board of Correction member Dodds Hayden and P&P Chief Brian Underwood were reported to have spoken as well, about how the hard work being performed every day by P&P workers is helping to increase the success of their clients.
The following employees were presented with certificates as nominees for the division’s employee of the year.
Christine Juvan, Sr. PPO D1
Shane Quinn, Sr. PPO, D2
Vito Kelso, Sr. PPO D3
Matt Gambell, Lead PPO, D4
Julie Taylor, Lead PPO, D5
Cliff Cumming, Sr. PPO, D6
Kasey Champion, Lead PPO, D7
Dusty Orr, Clinician SUD
Tina Reay, MA, Central Office
Management assistant Tina Reay was later honored with the award.
District 3 staff celebrated with snow cones and a dunk tank, complete with District Manager Cory Barrier and Chief Underwood as accoutrements.
Video of the week’s events can be found on the IDOC’s Instagram.
Sources: Idaho Department of Correction on Facebook
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RENICK ON THE RADIO
With six years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1FM, Saturdays at 12:30 pm. The program, funded by an advocacy arm of https://www.svdpid.org, shares what it’s like to live incarcerated in Idaho and then come out of incarceration to live on parole.
7.8.23. As a volunteer chaplain for Ada Country Jail, Cliff Silvers, who twice was incarcerated himself, describes how most people will be released from jail and prison through one of two exits: either the revolving door or a robust commitment to self.
7.22.23. Recovery advocate Jim Ash opens up about his humbling experience of finding hope through the New Life Program at the Boise Rescue Mission, and how losing his brother to fentanyl has impacted his work as an advocate.
Contact Mr. Renick at 208-477-1006 or visit https://www.svdpid.org for more information on reentry resources in Southern Idaho.
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RECENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED
Statewide — 29 graduates of Correction POST Academy 93. Mark Young as class president and recipient of the Tactical Edge Award; Hannah Fear with the Top Student Award; Chris Ackerman with the Top Instructor Award.
Central Office — P&P management assistant Tina Reay as Employee of the Year.
District 4 — Ofc. Derek Austin with the High Liability Instructor Endorsement
District 5 — Ofc. Sonia Rico with basic certification from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
NICI — Lacey Graham as Employee of the Quarter.
ICI-O — Lt. Nick Dobler for 25 years of service; Ofc. Karen Millage with basic certification from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
St. Anthony Work Camp — Ofc. Spencer McMasters and Ofc. Sara Carter as Employees of the Quarter.
TVCRC — Residents for their weekly volunteer work at the Idaho Humane Society.
TFCRC– Resident James Crabtree as Restore’s volunteer of the month, logging over 200 hours since June at the nonprofit home-improvement store.
Sources: Idaho Department of Correction on Facebook
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RESIDENT AUDITING 101
The following public records requests have yet to be filled:
Our April request for 1) the sum housing capacity of Idaho prisons; 2) the number of residents currently housed in Arizona; (3) the number of individuals on probation and parole; (4) the number of females in Idaho prisons; (5) the date the CoreCivic contract ends; (6) the estimated date the new women’s prison is expected to become operational.
Our June request for the June log of Public records requests.
Our July request for July’s log of public records requests.
Our July request for the complete list of all IDOC facilities, wardens, deputy wardens, deputy chiefs and chief of prisons, and deputy directors.
Our July request for all IDOC food service menus currently in use.
Our July request for all End of Pilot reports submitted by the trauma service providers selected this year to provide services to staff and residents.
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RESOURCES FOR THE INCARCERATED
The California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) is an advocate organization that provides support for its community members by working with a wide range of entities.
To support or request a copy of the coalition’s The Fire Inside newsletter:
(414) 255-7036 x4
CCWP
4400 Market St.
Oakland, CA 94608
www.womenprisoners.org
info@womenprisoners.org
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INMATE SERVICES AT WORK
Date: 7.31.23
To: IMSI Leadership
From: A-Block Representatives
Re: Parole-Required Programming, Religious Services, Education and Incentives
WE, the residents of the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI), propose a meeting between IMSI leadership and representatives selected from the general population, to discuss the ongoing absence of parole-required programming, religious services and behavioral incentives; and to mutually outline and commit to the steps that must be taken to see them return.
We understand that this facility struggled to maintain safe and orderly operations throughout the course of COVID-19, due in large to understaffing and a lack of available resources.
But we have also documented understaffing being used to excuse the absence of religious services, programmimg and ad-seg reform since before COVID-19 came into existence.
Having observed a surplus of new staff working our units, we have collectively concluded that understaffing is no longer the issue it was once presented to be.
We understand the part that violence has played in preventing us from receiving the same meaningful opportunities and programming options as those currently offered to residents of other facilities.
Because we also understand how meaningful opportunities and programming options are proven to improve our rate of success upon reentry, we have come to agree that all IMSI residents–including those who remain here despite being classified at lower security levels–deserve safe and equitable access to programming, spiritual services and visits with loved ones.
READ: Our resident population has taken the necessary steps to ensure a higher level of safety for all staff, residents, volunteers and visitors.
We, the residents of IMSI, diverse in our interests, ethnicities and religions, implore IMSI leadership to match our initiative by meeting with our representatives to explore in what ways we can commit to reaching solutions together.
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SUGGESTION BOX
I suggest acknowledging patient and articulate efforts with timely and receptive responses.
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Thanks to everyone who continues checking in on us. Please continue sharing us with others and remember to subscribe for free.
Shout out to Erica Marshall with the Idaho Justice Project!
“Respect”
— Aretha Franklin (with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)
Next: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, Sept. ’23
