Updates

Previous: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, May ’24

Welcome to the June 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, 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.

***

EDITOR’S NOTE

In this issue:

As Idaho scores another round of lethal injection drugs, Gerald Pizzuto, Jr.’s attorneys file to preserve Thomas Creech as evidence; a former PWCC resident is suing after being sexually assaulted by staff; the family Milo Warnock signals intent to sue over his murder; man’s death at Saguaro Correctional Center is being investigated as homicide; and it ain’t nobody’s business how the IDOC spends its drug money!

Plus: a link to Crystal Avilla’s informative article on how to apply for FASFA from prison, and the Prison Policy Initiative newsletter is a must subscribe for incarcerated researchers.

Let’s First Amend This!

***

IDOC SCORES ANOTHER ROUND OF LETHAL INJECTION CHEMICALS. GERALD PIZZUTO, JR. FILES A MOTION TO KEEP THOMAS CREECH ALIVE.

According to public records obtained by the Idaho Statesman, the IDOC has secured three more doses of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital. A redacted receipt published by the Statesman shows that the agency paid $100,000 for the same amount of the drug it purchased for $50,000 in October, prior to spoiling two doses in the February attempt to execute Thomas Creech.

The Office of the Attorney General, the Ada County Prosecutors Office and the IDOC have yet to indicate whether a second attempt to execute Creech is in the works.

Meanwhile, writes Statesman reporter Kevin Fixler, Gerald Pizzuto, Jr.’s attorneys have filed a motion with U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill to preserve Creech as evidence in Pizzuto’s battle to avoid execution by lethal injection.

With a total of nine separate murder convictions spanning four states between them, Pizzuto and Creech are Idaho’s longest-standing death row residents. Creech has avoided execution at least a dozen times, and Pizzuto’s execution has been postponed at least three times. Both are represented by the nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho.

Pizzuto’s legal team is currently litigating the claim that a lethal dose of pentobarbital could painfully mix with his existing medical ailments — terminal bladder cancer, heart disease and diabetes — for which he has been receiving hospice care the last three years. Such a reaction, they argue, would result in a violation of Pizzuto’s constitutional right to remain free of cruel and unusual punishment.

Pizzuto’s attorneys say that Creech, having survived February’s unsuccessful lethal injection attempt, is now qualified to testify as a material witness in their case.

Creech’s attorney, Deborah A. Czuba, told the Statesman, “Thomas is still struggling with severe mental health trauma due to the botched execution.”

In a response to the unprecedented motion to preserve Creech as evidence, the attorney general’s office inferred that Creech isn’t familiar enough with intravenous catheters to be able to weigh in on the medical conduct of the IDOC’s anonymous volunteer executioners. The office further argues that Pizzuto’s legal team can preserve Creech’s testimony through other means, like a recorded deposition, according to Fixler.

IDOC spokesperson Sanda Kuzeta-Cerimagic told the Statesman via email that the department is close to completing a review of its execution policies and procedures in consultation with its medical team. “There is a legal process that needs to play out,” she wrote, “but our efforts are oriented toward being ready to carry out the sentence of death in a professional, respectful and dignified manner when ordered to.”

Source: Kevin Fixler, “Idaho Buys Another Round of Lethal Injection Drugs. Could Next Execution Happen Soon?” Idaho Statesman.

***

WEEK TWO, DAY SIX BREAKFAST (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]

______________________________
1 pc — Tortilla Frittata
2 lg — Pancakes
8 oz — Milk 1%
1 cup — Oatmeal
10 gm — Margarine
1 1/2 oz — Maple Sugar
2 pkt — Sugar
8 oz — Vitamin Beverage
————————————————

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

FORMER PWCC RESIDENT SUING AFTER BEING SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY STAFF

During an August 2022 interview with Idaho State Police, IDOC Food Service Officer Derek Stettler admitted to sexually abusing a woman who was incarcerated at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center (PWCC).

Months later he committed suicide.

His victim is now suing.

Idaho Statesman reporter Alex Brizee writes, “Police reports filed by Idaho State Police, and obtained by the Idaho Statesman, detailed a months-long investigation into the accusations against Stettler–with several people telling law enforcement that he wasn’t the only employee accused of inappropriate sexual conduct.”

The assault reportedly took place November 2021 in a prison kitchen bathroom. Records reviewed by the Statesman show that Stettler was charged November 2022 with three counts of sexual contact with an adult inmate and one count of rape. By then he was no longer working for the IDOC. The department didn’t provide the Statesman with a reason for his May 2022 departure.

Stettler killed himself December 2022, and his victim filed the lawsuit nearly one year later. Stettler’s estate, the IDOC, PWCC and a corrections officer accused of failing to file timely reports of allegations made against Stettler are listed as defendants in the lawsuit.

Police reports reviewed by the Statesman say that at least two other employees–both no longer with the department for unspecified reasons–were accused of having sexual contact with PWCC residents.

IDOC public information officer Sanda Kuzeta-Cerimagic told the Statesman that the agency has zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment, and investigates all claims. “These investigations are important to uncover wrongdoing and/or exonerate individuals who are wrongfully accused,” she said.

The IDOC didn’t respond to the Statesman’s request to comment on the lawsuit, though it did say that it was taking steps to improve security for residents and provide more guidance to staff.

Source: Alex Brizee, “An Idaho officer was charged with rape, died by suicide. Now the victim is suing,” Idaho Statesman.

***

WEEK TWO, DAY SIX LUNCH (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]

______________________________
1 ea — Fresh Fruit/ Apple
3 oz — Deli Meat Pastrami
1 pkt — Mayonnaise
1 pkt — Mustard
1 1/2 oz — Tortilla Chips
2 oz — Wholegrain Bread
1 ea — Cookie
————————————————

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

FAMILY OF THE LATE MILO WARNOCK SIGNALS INTENT TO SUE OVER HIS MURDER

The family of Milo Warnock last month filed a tort claim (used as a precursor to lawsuits) listing the IDOC, Centurion Health and several state employees as defendants over Milo’s Dec. 10 murder.

Milo was killed while locked in a shared close custody cell at the Idaho State Correctional Center. His family is asking for roughly $465,000 in damages. They are also seeking explanations surrounding his death, including why criminal charges have yet to be filed.

Idaho Statesman reporter Nicole Blanchard writes, “The tort alleges that prison guards were more than 30 minutes behind on patrols when Warnock was attacked–a symptom of understaffing. Warnock had no way to communicate to staff that there was an emergency, the claim said.”

According to Blanchard, the tort says that Centurion Health and IDOC employees refused to provide Warnock with emergency treatment after he was discovered mortally wounded in his cell.

It is the IDOC’s policy to not discuss matters that are actively being litigated.

Those listed in the claim as defendants have until August to respond.

Sources: Nicole Blanchard, “An Idaho Prisoner was Killed by His Cell Mate. His Family is Pursuing Lawsuit Against IDOC,” Idaho Statesman. Morgan Romero, “Family of Milo Warnock, Idaho Inmate Killed in Prison, Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit,” KTVB.com

***

WEEK TWO, DAY SIX DINNER (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]

______________________________
1/2 cup — Burrito Filling
1 ea — Flour Tortilla (large)
3/4 cup — Vegetables #4
1/4 cup — Salsa
1/2 cup — Mexican Rice
1/2 cup — Refried Beans
1/2 oz — Cheese
1 pc — Cake #4 (chocolate)
8 oz — Vitamin Beverage
————————————————

Click here for video of the Justice Alito Burrito.

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

SAGUARO RESIDENT DIES FROM SUSPECTED ASSAULT

Anton Myklebust, 46, was pronounced dead May 4 at a hospital after being found injured and unresponsive in his at cell Saguaro Correctional Center (SCC) in Eloy, Ariz.

According to Civil Beat reporter Kevin Dayton, Myklebust was scheduled for release in October after serving 20 years on charges of kidnapping, trafficking methamphetamine to a minor, credit card theft and second degree robbery.

SCC is owned by CoreCivic, a private prison corporation that operates for a profit. The facility currently manages prison overflow for Idaho, Montana and Hawaii. Myklebust was one 1,036 people sent by the Hawaii Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (HDCR) to serve time at SCC.

HDCR Director Tommy Johnson released a statement saying that the Eloy Police Department and Hawaii corrections officials are investigating the incident as a homicide.

Sources: Kevin Dayton, “Hawaii Inmate in an Arizona Prison Dies After Apparently Being Attacked,” Civilbeat.org. HNN Staff, “Hawaii Inmate Dies After Apparent Assault at Arizona Correctional Center,” HawaiiNewsNow.com

***

AIN’T NOBODY’S BUSINESS HOW THE IDOC SPENDS ITS DRUG MONEY!

In January I submitted a public records request to determine whether the IDOC is seeking to apply any portion of the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund towards opioid overdose prevention and mitigation.

The state is projected to receive $218 million of the $54 billion national settlement that is scheduled to be paid out over the next 18 years by pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers found responsible for America’s opioid crisis.

My public records query returned documents showing that the IDOC requested $600,000 from initial settlement payments “for purposes relating to opioid abuse or recovery programs.” The same documents show that Idaho Gov. Brad Little responded to the department’s request with an adjusted recommendation of $597,100.

In an effort to follow the money, I submitted another public records request for all IDOC-involved memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and proposals to treat people in the agency’s custody for opioid use disorder. The IDOC refused to fulfill my request, stating that all related records contain trade secrets, and per Idaho, are exempt from public disclosure.

I responded to the agency’s refusal by submitting another request, this time for the contact information of the entity whose trade secrets are being protected. “At this time,” I wrote, “I also wish to request all information not defined as ‘trade secret’ — operational standards and guidelines, approving signatures, projected timelines and budget, etc. — within any MOU or proposal for IDOC-involved opioid use disorder treatment/medication pilot programs. Per Idaho Code 74-107(1), the department is only allowed to redact information defined as ‘trade secret,’ not entire contracts or arrangements containing trade secret information.”

This request, too, was denied, again citing trade secret exemptions.

Per the secrecy law passed by the 2022 Idaho Legislature, the IDOC is only allowed to cloak the names and contact information of those with whom it’s doing business when their business is to help execute people who are sentenced to death in Idaho.

And according to Idaho Code, any writing that “(1) contains information relating to the conduct or administration of the public’s business and (2) was prepared, owned, used or retained by a government agency” is subject to public inspection.” This includes memos, unfinished documents, emails and handwritten notes.

That the agency is unwilling to share any information on the people with whom it’s partnering to spend the funds is unfortunate. Along with Idaho’s press, public and lawmakers, those of us who fell under the foot of Big Pharma would like to know if the department intends to return the money to the companies responsible for helping to propel the opioid crisis.

Click here to view the public records requests and responses mentioned in this story.

***

CRYSTAL AVILLA EXPLAINS HOW TO APPLY FOR FAFSA FROM PRISON

Crystal Avilla has published an article in Prison Journalism Project Inside explaining how to apply for federal aid to participate in select prison education programs.

“As a college clerk,” Avilla writes, “I have witnessed the confusion and panic in the eyes of many potential students when they are handed the FAFSA. I don’t blame them. The 10-page form, which asks 100 questions about your personal finance and background, is intimidating if you’ve never seen it before.”

Click here for Avilla’s article “Completing the FAFSA from Prison.”

***

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With over six years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1FM on Saturdays at 12:30 pm. The program, funded by a Southwest Idaho advocacy arm of https://www.svdpid.org, shares what it’s like to live incarcerated in Idaho and then come out of incarceration and live on parole.

5.4.24 St. Vincent de Paul reentry specialist Daniel Stoddard picks up people who are being released from prison and prepares them to reenter the community. He discusses his personal journey and the challenges of his job.

5.11.24. Michael Richardson, the executive director for the Idaho Prison Arts Collective, and Jenny Hardcastle, a drug and alcohol counselor for Probation and Parole, announce a series of art programs made available to supervised individuals in District 4.

5.18.24. Treasure Valley artist Misty Monster knows some people who have experienced incarceration. She discusses her passion for painting and how it keeps her closely tied in to the community.

Contact Mr. Renick at 208-477-1006 or  visit https://www.svdpid.org for more information on reentry resources in Southwestern Idaho.

***

RECENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED

Graduates of IDOC Academy 5.24. Vanessa Day as Class President; Sage Moore with the Top of Class Award; Brandon Andrade with the Tactical Edge Award.

Graduates of Probation and Parole Academy No. 37.

Two unnamed ICI-O residents with a commencement ceremony celebrating the associate degrees they earned from Lewis-Clark State College.

Ofc. Emeron Geiser for fulfilling the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements for the basic correction training certificate set.

South Boise Women’s Correctional Center residents for nursing sick cats and young kittens back to health with around-the-clock care in the the Women Inmate Social Kitty Retreat (WISKR) program.

All IDOC staff with celebrations, games and early bedtimes for residents during Correctional Professionals Week.

Sources: Idaho Department of Correction on Facebook

***

RESIDENT AUDITING 101

The following public records requests have yet to be filled:

1) January’s request for all memorandums of understanding (MOUs), or agreements, and policies for the All American Publishing call center now operating in Idaho prisons. (Submitted to Idaho Correctional Industries.)

2) March’s request for any MOUs, contracts or proposals between the IDOC and Day One Plus, the organization working with department officials and residents to create a facility-wide standardized peer mentor program.

3) March’s request for the materials used to train residents participating as mentors for the forthcoming Restoring Promise Program at ISCI.

***

RESOURCE FOR INCARCERATED PERSONS

The Prison Policy Initiative’s quarterly newsletter lists its most recent reports and shares available resources. Those interested in criminal justice reform will find value in its accurate data/analysis. To subscribe for free from incarceration, write:

Prison Policy Initiative
PO Box 127
Northampton, MA 01061
www.prisonpolicy.org
www.prisonersofthecensus.org

Prison journalists who wish to sign up for regular PPI reports may ask to be placed on the journalist mailing list.

***

INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

Scott McIntosh is the opinion editor for the Idaho Statesman.

[This message forwarded from a resident of the Idaho State Correctional Institution.]

5.28.24

Hi Scott,

Almost a year since your series on Idaho’s opioid settlement–how do you feel about the Idaho Department of Correction now refusing to disclose its plans to spend nearly $600,000 from the state’s settlement fund? Maybe it’s just me, a former interstate drug trafficker turned aspiring solutions-oriented journalist, but I find it irksome…

Below are a few works that I’ve recently published, intended to provide you with additional context. I am now looking at the potential costs and methods available to me to petition for the release of records. Thought you might be interested.

1) “Idaho refuses to disclose spending proposals/pilot programs for Idaho Opioid Settlement funds” — bookofirving82431.com.

2) “Both Prisons and the Public Rely On Incarcerated Writers” — prisonjournalismproject.org.

3) “How To File Public Records Requests from Prison” — prisonjournalismproject.org

Cheers,
Patrick Irving

***

SUGGESTION BOX

Call your ma and grandma.

***

Shout out to my big fathead brother at Space-X!

“Overlord”
— Irving Force

Next: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, July ’24

Keefe Commissary has again increased its rates. This time by 3.2%, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.

Download the new IDOC commissary pricelist

Those interested in comparing the commissary prices in Idaho prisons with prisons in 45 other states can do so by visiting the newly unveiled national commissary database created by The Appeal.

The database was made public following the nonprofit news organization’s nine month investigation into prison commissary prices.

While Idaho’s prison system received notable mention for the price residents must pay to enjoy the luxury of denture adhesive, Georgia prisons were reported to be marking up denture cups by 600%.

The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), like other carceral agencies, receives a share of Keefe’s profits by guaranteeing the company exclusive access to the Idaho prison marketplace.

The money collected from these types of arrangements is often funneled through inmate welfare funds.

Idaho’s Inmate Welfare Fund is described in documents that I obtained through a public records request as a fund used to promote the welfare of residents through programs and activities. But when I attempted to follow up in accordance with Idaho’s sunshine laws, the IDOC was unable to produce policies and balance sheets detailing the fund’s use.

A 2024 Prison Policy Initiative report describes how inmate welfare funds are commonly used by U.S. jails and prisons. “In reality, poorly written policies and lax oversight make welfare funds an irresistible target for corruption in jails and prisons: in many cases, corrections officials have discretion to use welfare funds as shadow budgets for subsidizing essential facility operations, staff salaries, vehicles, weapons and more, instead of paying for such things out of their department’s more transparent and accountable budget.”

Ever wonder why people complain about the cost of commissary when prison food is free?

Exhibit A

Most Disturbing Meal That I Have Ever Been Served In Prison

Exhibit B

Had New York Focus reporter Chris Gelardi last year not exposed a directive issued by New York corrections department to severely inhibit the flow of art and writing leaving its facilities, the department may have inspired carceral agencies across the U.S. to adopt its short-lived blueprint.

To view the potential dangers created by such directives, look no further than the federal Bureau of Prisons, where incarcerated individuals are prohibited from acting as reporters. (See: “At BOP California ‘Rape Club’ Prison: Historic Ruling, FBI Raid, Warden Removed,” Prison Legal News.)

To understand the public safety benefits of encouraging incarcerated artists and writers to work with the organizations that support them, view my May 20 op-ed, “Both Prisons and the Public Rely On Incarcerated Writers,” published by the award-winning Prison Journalism Project.

[Revised June 20, 2024]

In January I submitted a public records request to determine whether the IDOC is seeking to apply any portion of the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund towards opioid overdose prevention and mitigation.

The state is projected to receive $218 million of the $54 billion national settlement that is scheduled to be paid out over the next 18 years by pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers found responsible for America’s opioid crisis.

My public records query returned documents showing that the IDOC requested $600,000 from initial settlement payments “for purposes relating to opioid abuse or recovery programs.” The same documents show that Idaho Gov. Brad Little responded to the department’s request with an adjusted recommendation of $597,100.

In an effort to follow the money, I submitted another public records request for all IDOC-involved memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and proposals to treat people in the agency’s custody for opioid use disorder. The IDOC refused to fulfill my request, stating that all related records contain trade secrets, and per Idaho, are exempt from public disclosure.

I responded to the agency’s refusal by submitting another request, this time for the contact information of the entity whose trade secrets are being protected. “At this time,” I wrote, “I also wish to request all information not defined as ‘trade secret’ — operational standards and guidelines, approving signatures, projected timelines and budget, etc. — within any MOU or proposal for IDOC-involved opioid use disorder treatment/medication pilot programs. Per Idaho Code 74-107(1), the department is only allowed to redact information defined as ‘trade secret,’ not entire contracts or arrangements containing trade secret information.”

This request, too, was denied, again citing trade secret exemptions.

Per the secrecy law passed by the 2022 Idaho Legislature, the IDOC is only allowed to cloak the names and contact information of those with whom its doing business when their business is to help execute people who are sentenced to death in Idaho.

And according to Idaho Code, any writing that “(1) contains information relating to the conduct or administration of the public’s business and (2) was prepared, owned, used or retained by a government agency” is subject to public inspection.” This includes memos, unfinished documents, emails and handwritten notes.

That the agency is unwilling to share any information on the people with whom it’s partnering to spend the funds is unfortunate. Along with Idaho’s press, public and lawmakers, those of us who fell under the foot of Big Pharma would like to know if the department intends to return the money to the companies responsible for helping to propel the opioid crisis.

The public records requests and responses mentioned in this story are found in the downloadable PDF below.

References:

IDOC Public Records Request numbers R017548-012824, R019828-042324, R020308-051624.

FY 2025 Idaho Legislative Budget Book (pg. 3-38)

Idaho Office of the Attorney General, “Wasden: Idaho Opioid Abatement Funds Now Exceed $26 Million,” www.ag.idaho.gov.

Idaho Behavioral Health Council (IBHC), Idaho Opioid Settlement Fund.

Fullscreen Mode

Previous: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, April ’24

Welcome to the May 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.

***

EDITOR’S NOTE

In this issue:

Idaho edges towards the end of an archaic era in modern medicine; a downward trend in death penalties indicates more high-road traffic; the Idaho Innocence Project is suspending legal services; JPay and Securus get banned from church and school; the Keefe Commissary Network’s annual price increase continues; Sean Carnell makes the dean’s list for two semesters in row; four easy steps to in-person visits in Idaho prisons; and one chapel worker’s request to procure a Satanic bible.

Let’s First Amend This!

***

THE END OF AN ARCHAIC ERA IN MODERN MEDICINE

Idaho Gov. Little last month signed a bill into law that will allocate $25 million for the state to construct a new 26-bed secure forensic mental health facility.

What this means for Idaho is that individuals who are deemed by the court to be dangerously mentally ill will no longer be sent to prison without an arrest or conviction. The Idaho Security Medical Program for the last five decades has used state prisons to restore Idaho’s most problematic psychiatric patients back to health in a process called civil commitment.

Despite last year working with a $1.4 billion record-breaking surplus, Idaho’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) refused Little’s 2023 request to fund the facility.

ProPublica reporter Audrey Dutton in December wrote that state officials and lawmakers have been notified a minimum of 14 times since 1954 that Idaho needs a secure mental health unit apart from its prison system. “They have also been told publicly at least eight times since 1974 that Idaho may be violating people’s rights by locking them away without an arrest or conviction, and that the state could be sued for it,” Dutton wrote.

Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, co-chairs the budget committee. She credits Dutton and ProPublica with bringing attention to the problem and influencing her vote to fund the new facility.

Idaho Department of Correction Director Josh Tewalt, too, acknowledged Dutton and ProPublica’s impact on state lawmakers. “The reporting seemed to create among policy makers almost a sense of urgency to understand this issue better, to figure out they could try to be helpful in solving,” he said. “And you know, fortunately, it came at a time when it’s not because we’re being ordered by the courts to do something.”

The state has yet to offer a timeline of completion for the facility that is set to be constructed south of Boise, near the Kuna desert prison complex.

Sources: Audrey Dutton, “Idaho Keeps Some Psychiatric Patients in Prison, Ignoring Decades of Warnings About the Practice,” ProPublica. Audrey Dutton, “After Decades of Imprisoning Patients, Idaho Approves Secure Mental Health Facility,” ProPublica.

***

WEEK TWO, DAY FIVE BREAKFAST (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]

______________________________
1 pc — Banana Bread
2 oz — Bran Flakes
2 oz — Breakfast Sausage
16 oz — Milk 1%
10 gm — Margarine
2 pkt — Sugar
8 oz — Vitamin Beverage
______________________________

Click here for video.

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

EXECUTION GOSSIP: IDAHO AND ELSEWHERE

Boise’s KTVB news last month followed up on February’s failed execution of Thomas Creech by asking the IDOC whom of Idaho’s eight death row residents will executioners queue up next.

An IDOC spokesperson responded that there is no particular order the state’s distinguished extinguishers must follow, the determining factor for finalization depends on the individual case status of those eligible.

KTVB reports that death remains a legal form of punishment in 27 states, but six of those have paused their rendering operations through executive action.

Robin Maher is the executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. He says that half of the population has lost confidence in the government’s ability to justly distribute the decadent demise. He points to the decreasing number of people being sentenced to death as an indication that juries increasingly object to up-thumbing the ultimate penalty. “But more than that,” Maher says, “we’re seeing isolated use of the death penalty in just a few places around the country. And those are decisions that are largely made by elected prosecutors and not by the American public.”

Source: KTVB Staff, “There Has Been a Real Loss of Confidence and Support’: Experts Weigh in on Death Penalty in Idaho,” KTVB.com

***

WEEK TWO, DAY FIVE LUNCH (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]

______________________________
1 ea — Fresh Fruit (orange)
2 oz — Peanut Butter
1 oz — Jelly
2 oz — Whole Grain Bread
3 oz — Fresh Vegetable
1 oz — Potato Chips
______________________________

Click here for video.

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

IDAHO INNOCENCE PROJECT SUSPENDS LEGAL SERVICES

The Idaho Innocence Project (IIP) is temporarily suspending its legal services. The project that over the years has exonerated multiple wrongfully convicted individuals will focus only on DNA research while continuing to search for ways to fund its legal services.

According to a Boise State University news release, the IIP will still provide forensic DNA consulting in select post-conviction cases through the Forensic Justice Project. But only for clients who have obtained their own qualified legal counsel.

“We are seeking funding and partnerships that will allow us to provide legal services for Idaho applicants in the future,” the release said.

Dr. Greg Hampian is the executive director of the project. “It’s unnerving to have spotty funding,” Hampian told KIVITV. “It’s been crazy, and it’s been that way the whole time I’ve been here.”

The IIP suggests that Idaho prisoners with a claim of innocence submit applications to The Exoneration Project and Centurion Ministries.

Sources: Boisestate.edu. Brendyn Jones, “Idaho Innocence Project Suspending Their Legal Services, for Now,” Kivitv.com

***

WEEK TWO, DAY FIVE DINNER (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]

______________________________
1/2 cup — Sloppy Joes
2 oz — Wholegrain Bread
2 ea — Ketchup Packet
2 pc — Hashbrown Patties
1/2 cup — Coleslaw with Carrot
1 pc — Cake #8 (gelatin)
8 oz — Vitamin Beverage
______________________________
Click here for video.

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

JPAY AND SECURUS BANNED FROM ISCI CHAPEL AND SCHOOL

JPay and Securus devices are no longer permitted in at least one Idaho prison’s education building and chapel.

Notices posted to message boards throughout the Idaho State Correctional Institution describe the ban as a necessary step to ensure that residents’ access to computers remain open. The notices offered no indication as to why residents’ access to computers was ever in jeopardy.

According to the notices, any JPay, Securus or MP3 device discovered by staff within the buildings will be confiscated. The devices will then be handed over to prison investigators, to determine whether the player has been altered or loaded with unapproved content.

If at a later date the investigating officer clears the player, it will be returned to the resident with a written warning and a demerit in their file. A second offense will result in a disciplinary charge for disobedience to direct orders.

Residents found in possession of an altered player or unapproved content will be subject to disciplinary infractions and punishment.

Sources: Education PM Smith, “JPay Media Players in Education,” ISCI Memo. Sgt. Gresick, “Players in Education and Chapel,” ISCI Memo.

***

KEEFE COMMISSARY CONTINUES ANNUAL PRICE INCREASE

Keefe Commissary has once again increased its rates, this time by 3.2%, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.

Those interested in comparing the commissary prices and items offered in Idaho prisons with prisons in 45 other states can do so by visiting the new prison commissary database unveiled last month by The Appeal.

The Appeal describes itself as a nonprofit news organization whose work “shows the human and economic costs of our expansive carceral system, equips people with the tools to make change, and elevates solutions that seek to create a safer society without clinging to punitive responses.”

***

CONGRATULATIONS SEAN CARNELL

Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino (ICIO) resident Sean Carnell has now twice made the dean’s list at the University of Idaho (U of I).

Carnell is a participant of the Department of Education’s (DOE) Second Chance Pell Grant program. He studies alongside a mixture of students–some incarcerated, some not–in classes made possible by a collaboration between the IDOC, the DOE, U of I and Lewis-Clark State College (LC State).

“This is the first time in corrections that I’ve felt that I’ve been valued as a human being,” Carnell told Idaho Capital Sun reporter Mia Maldonado. “Most of the time we are the sum of our failures. This [program] gives us the opportunity to try to achieve these levels of success that we never thought possible.”

In fall 2022, the U of I and LC State joined 198 other colleges in participating in the DOE program.

“Like Carnell,” writes Maldonado, “more than 90 residents at the Orofino prison registered for the spring semester through the Second Chance Pell program, keeping themselves busy while in prison while also aiming to enhance their resumes in preparation for their eventual release.”

The dean of University of Idaho’s College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, Sean Quintan, told Maldonado that providing incarcerated individuals with access to higher education is one of the surest ways to keep them from continuing to cycle through the criminal justice system. “I believe that this is a really important way at serving our state–to help people improve their lives and have safer communities,” Quintan said.

Source: Mia Maldonado, “Federal Grants Offer Idaho Prison Students a Second Chance at College Education,” Idaho Capital Sun.

***

HOW TO SCHEDULE IN-PERSON VISITS WITH A RESIDENT OF IDAHO PRISONS

1) First submit a visiting application to the IDOC. Anyone under 18 years old must be related to the resident as an immediate family member or a step-child in an existing marriage. All others must provide proof of an existing relationship prior to incarceration. (Tip: Do not submit altered photos as proof. The department uses software to determine a photo’s authenticity.)

2) The resident will receive notice once the application is processed and is responsible for informing the visitor of the outcome. If the application is denied, the resident can appeal the decision by completing an appeals packet, available through their facility’s Visiting officer.

3) Once approved, the visitor must create an account at ICSolutions.com. Call ICSolutions Support for assistance: 1-800-506-8407.

4) After creating an ICSolutions account, the approved visitor must contact the appropriate facility’s Visiting staff to activate the account. Once the account is activated, they will be able to use it to schedule visits in accordance with IDOC rules.

***

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With over six years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1FM on Saturdays at 12:30 pm. The program, funded by a Southwest Idaho advocacy arm of https://www.svdpid.org, shares what it’s like to live incarcerated in Idaho and then come out of incarceration and live on parole.

4.6.24. IDOC Deputy Director Bree Derrick is optimistic about the department’s current trajectory. She discusses new partnerships, collaborations, a new statewide mentor program and planned women’s facility, and how those who are eager to better themselves in IDOC custody now have more opportunities to do so.

4.13.24. Pastor T.J. Hanky moved his family from Florida to start Refresh Church in Meridian. He has since made it his mission to help others in the Treasure Valley area discover how they are uniquely wired by God.

4.20.24. Ray Garcia is a career development specialist with St. Vincent de Paul. He reports to work every day from a community reintegration center, designed to help ease him back into the community from incarceration. Garcia discusses how his experience with incarceration powers his ability to assist others.

4.27.24. Douglas Smith is the owner of D-Degree Coaching and Training. Once incarcerated himself, he now actively advocates for people involved in the criminal justice system in Texas. Smith shares how he and others are working towards real reform.

Contact Mr. Renick at 208-477-1006 or  visit https://www.svdpid.org for more information on reentry resources in Southwestern Idaho.

***

RECENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED

Newest graduates of the Courageous Leadership 200 class.

Twenty-seven graduates of Probation and Parole Academy No. 37; James Deatrick with the Top of Class Award; RJ Williams with the Tactical Edge Award; Nick Christiansen with the Top Instructor Award.

Forty-four graduates of CO Academy 4.24; John Palmer with Top of Class; Garrett Mobray with Tactical Edge Award; Skyler Irvin with Top Instructor Award.

East Boise Community Reentry Center residents for raising $882.50 to donate to Bustin’ Out Boise, a local organization that helps women undergoing cancer treatment.

Sources: Idaho Department of Correction on Facebook

***

RESIDENT AUDITING 101

The following public records requests have yet to be filled:

1) March’s request for any memorandum of understandings (MOU), contracts or proposals between the IDOC and Day One Plus, the organization working with department officials and residents to create a facility-wide standardized peer mentor program.

2) March’s request for the materials being used to train residents participating as mentors for the forthcoming Restoring Promise Program at ISCI.

3) April’s request for all IDOC-involved MOUs/proposals to create an opioid disorder medication pilot program.

***

RESOURCE FOR INCARCERATED PERSONS

Prisoner Express promotes rehabilitation by providing free information, education and creative opportunities for self-expression to individuals who are incarcerated throughout the U.S. Those incarcerated can sign up for a free subscription to Prisoner Express News and request a list of available programs by writing:

CTA/Durland Alternatives Library
PO Box 6556
Ithaca, NY 14851

Prisoner Express website.

***

INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

The Satanic Temple
64 Bridge St.
Salem, MA 01970

5.1.24

Greetings!

My name is Patrick Irving. I am currently incarcerated at the Idaho State Correctional Institution and I run a prison project that can be viewed at bookofirving82431.com. I was asked by my prison’s chapel for help locating a Satanic bible and/or other related materials for some gentlemen here who are looking to study and worship together. From what I understand, they are a little shy of resources and support. Any chance you can aid my quest to supply them with their bible? And, would you happen to have a resource guide that I can place in our chapel?

Many Thanks,
Irving 82431

***

SUGGESTION BOX

Hug it out, bros.

***

Shout out to Grandma Lorna Lord-Nader (July 14, 1936 – May 8, 2024) and Grandpa Jim!

“Gentle On My Mind”
— Elvis Presley

Next: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, June ’24

Thanks to Cory Doctorow for bringing to our attention in the “Greedflation, but for prisoners” issue of his daily newsletter that The Appeal has unveiled a new national commissary pricelist database, which can be used to compare how items are priced across 46 states.

Kudos to Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Ethan Corey and everyone else who contributed to this 9 month investigation that found some prison commissaries operating with markups as high as 600 percent.

The Appeal is described on its website as “a nonprofit news organization dedicated to exposing how the U.S. criminal legal system fails to keep people safe and, instead, perpetuates harm.” The news organization works to show “the human and economic costs of our expansive carceral system, equips people with the tools to make change, and elevates solutions that seek to create a safer society without clinging to punitive responses.”

In another recent newsletter, Doctorow describes why the prison tech provider Securus, with over $1.3B in debt, is now facing bankruptcy, and how the brilliant guerrilla activist campaign of the New York organization Worth Rises exemplifies “using the master’s tools to dismantle the master’s house.”

Previous: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, March ’24

Welcome to the April 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.

***

EDITOR’S NOTE

In this issue:

Two corrections officers are shot during an off-site escape, another when Boise Police respond to the scene; a judge orders the IDOC to disclose new information on the source of its lethal injection chemicals; Nez Perce County Jail is prepared to scan your can; Mary Ann Kojis’s Story Link keeps incarcerated parents connected with their children; ICI-O and LC State celebrate Bryan Middleton’s education achievements; and my suggestions to one prisoner’s father who is pursuing systemic change.

Let’s First Amend This!

***

TWO CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS SHOT DURING ASSISTED ESCAPE, A THIRD BY BOISE POLICE RESPONDING TO THE SCENE

Three IDOC transport officers last month were shot during and after an IMSI resident’s assisted escape from Boise’s St. Alphonsus hospital.

Idaho Statesman reporter Kevin Fixler writes, “Skylar Meade, 31, a prisoner at the Idaho maximum security prison south of Boise, required emergency medical care the evening of March 19 after self-inflicted injuries, prison officials said. He was treated and discharged just after 2 a.m. the next day. Former maximum security prisoner Nicholas Umphenour, 28, fired a gun at accompanying officers, hitting two of them, police said. Meade and Umphenour fled in a grey sedan before their capture Thursday in Twin Falls, according to the police.”

Boise Police claimed responsibility for shooting the third transport officer while responding to the scene.

According to Fixler, four investigations surrounding the escape are now underway, including one into the police shooting of the DOC transport officer and another into the homicides of James L. Mauney 83, of Julietta, and Don Henderson, 72 of Orofino. Both men were killed along the path that Meade and Umphenour are suspected to have traveled while eluding capture.

IDOC Director Josh Tewalt says that his department is reviewing its prisoner transport protocols and implementing changes as needed.

Source: Kevin Fixler, “Idaho Prison System Changes Medical Transport Policies After Boise Hospital Escape,” Idaho Statesman.

***

WEEK ONE, DAY FOUR BREAKFAST (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]
______________________________
3 pc — French Toast
1 cup — Farina
2 oz — Ham
2 pkt — Sugar
10 gm — Margarine
8 oz — Vitamin Beverage
8 oz — Milk 1%
————————————————

Click here for video.

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS IN IDAHO PRISONS

CBS2 reporter Savannah Hankard last month spoke with IDOC Chief Psychologist Walter Campbell about the department’s system of treating residents with mental health issues.

“IDOC psychologists and other officials say their treatment can help cut down relapses into criminal activity, however, there are other factors at play,” Hankard writes.

Campbell said that roughly one-third of people in IDOC custody enter the system with mental health struggles, and more are diagnosed during their time incarcerated. He also said that it can be difficult to determine whether those who are diagnosed with mental health issues while incarcerated have pre-existing conditions or are having difficulty with adjusting to the prison environment.

Solitary Watch is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit watchdog organization that reports on the use of solitary confinement in jails in prisons. According to the organization, “A 2014 Treatment Advocacy Center report found that more than 350,000 individuals with severe mental illnesses were being held in U.S. prisons and jails in 2012, while only 35,000 were patients in state psychiatric hospitals.”

“We have a hard time with the resources for the needs that are out there,” Campbell said. “Treating mental illness doesn’t really fix the criminal problem.”

On Feb. 15^th, I submitted a Health Service Request to be seen by a mental health clinician amidst growing health concerns. Days later I was notified that I would be seen within two weeks, but it wasn’t until Mar. 19^th that I was called to the clinician’s office. We confirmed at the end of my appointment that I would return on Apr. 2^nd. The day came and I arrived on time, but a correctional officer shooed me away. My name was not on the list, she said, of people with scheduled appointments.

I immediately informed the clinician via Resident Concern Form that I showed up to our appointment as planned and, though feeling better, would still like to be seen.

It’s now Apr. 22^nd and I have yet to receive a response.

Sources: Savannah Hankard, “Mental Health Management for Those In Prison,” IdahoNews.com. Solitary Watch, “The Psychological Effects of Solitary Confinement,” SolitaryWatch.org.

***

WEEK TWO, DAY FOUR LUNCH (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]
______________________________
1 ea — Fresh Fruit/ Banana
1/2 cup — Ham Salad
1-1/2 oz — Tortilla Chips
2 oz — Whole Grain Bread
1 ea — Cookie #5 (Oatmeal Raisin)
————————————————
Click here for video.

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

DEATH ROW PRISONER SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGES IDOC’S APPLICATION OF IDAHO’S 2022 SECRECY LAW

Gerald Pizzuto Jr.’s legal team last month successfully challenged the IDOC’s use of the secrecy law established by Idaho’s 2022 Legislature to cloak the agency’s process of procuring lethal injection chemicals.

Ruth Brown with Idaho Reports covers the story: “Idaho U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill issued an order [Mar. 28^th] that will require the Idaho Department of Correction to disclose some additional information regarding the chemicals it planned to use in the execution of Gerald Pizzuto Jr.”

According to Brown, Winmill gave the IDOC two weeks from the date of his order to disclose:

• • • The date on which the department obtained the chemicals
    • Whether they were purchased from a veterinary source, a hospital, a wholesale distributor or pharmacy
    • Whether they were imported and the geographic origin from where they were obtained
    • Whether they were manufactured by the now-bankrupt pharmaceutical company Akorn
    • An unredacted copy of the certificate of analysis done on the chemicals

Pizzuto was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1985 killings of Berta Herndon and her nephew Delbert Herndon, two gold prospectors who were brutally bludgeoned to death in a cabin outside McCall.

Pizzuto was issued a temporary stay of execution after filing a lawsuit against the IDOC in 2021, claiming that to execute him by lethal injection could amount to cruel and unusual punishment, the potentially painful effects of the lethal chemicals on his medical conditions unknown.

Sources: Ruth Brown, “Judge Orders IDOC to Disclose More Information On Execution Chemicals,” IdahoReports.com.

***

WEEK TWO, DAY FOUR DINNER (MAINLINE)

[Fruit and whole grain bread may be substituted at facilities flagged for excessively brewing alcohol.]
______________________________
10 oz — Lasagna
1 cup — Garden Salad #4
1 oz — Vinaigrette
2 pc — Garlic Bread
1 pc — Bread Pudding #2
8 oz — Vitamin Beverage
————————————————

Click here for video.

Source: IDOC Food Service Menu 7.1

***

ANOTHER CIVILIZED DISCUSSION ON THE SANCTIFICATION OF HOMICIDE

In an article published last month by Fox News, Michael Ruiz reports on how the search for more humane and reliable ways to execute U.S. prisoners has led to gruesome experimentation and the revival of projectile punishment squads.

Citing Fordham Law School Professor Deborah Denno as a leading expert on capital punishment, Ruiz explains how Thomas Creech, Idaho’s longest-standing death row prisoner, is the fourth condemned prisoner in the last few years to survive a lethal injection attempt. “The method spiraled into chaos after 2009,” writes Ruiz, “when the last U.S. manufacturer of one of three drugs closed down, making it difficult for states to obtain, especially since its leading manufacturer, an Italy-based company, opposes the death penalty.”

Some states are now turning to different methods to execute condemned prisoners.

Alabama in January executed a man using the experimental method of nitrogen hypoxia. Ruiz, referencing claims made by the ACLU, writes, “Veterinarians won’t even use the method to euthenize animals due to uncertainty about its effects, according to the organization.”

Others states, including Idaho, have turned to time-tested methods like the firing squad, which last year attracted the attention of one wannabe corporate sponsor. Chris Eger covers the story in an article published by Guns.com:

[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.”

Curious as to how the company presented its offer to the IDOC, I submitted a public records request for all communications between the company and the agency, and also for all related invoices and orders. The request produced one targeted spam email from the company to Deputy Chief of Prisons Amanda Gentry:

Subject line: “Get 25% OFF All Products!”

Contents: Liberty featured in 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…

I reached out to the company through a JPay-email relay, to ask how the agency responded to its offer and to gauge the company’s interest in extending its support. “Any chance you might also be willing provide similar support to victims of violent crimes–donations of ammunition or firearms, personal protection training, victim support services, etc.?”

Liberty Ammunition declined to respond, leaving then-IDOC spokesperson Jeff Ray alone to deal with my inquiry.

Ray informed me through a JPay-email relay that the IDOC receives a large amount of solicitations and keeps no written record of incoming or outgoing calls. This makes it difficult, he said, to nail down what business is done on the phone.

Ray also confirmed that there that there is no overall policy guiding donations to the IDOC, which offers two questions for much-needed discourse:

Should corporations and other entities be allowed to sponsor U.S. executions? And at what amount of savings to the State would the voting majority encourage the government to commercialize court-ordered homicide?

Sources: Michael Ruiz, “Idaho Serial Killer Survives Lethal Injection Attempt, Prompting Renewed Push for Firing Squad,” Fox News. Chris Eger, “Ammo Maker Offers Donation for Idaho Firing Squads,” Guns.com.

***

NEZ PERCE COUNTY JAIL’S NEW BODY SCANNER: 1.
MAN’S PLOT TO KEISTER IN DRUGS: 0

Those planning on reporting for their IDOC commitments through the Nez Perce County Jail have a new reason to refrain from packing their booties with contraband.

The Nez Perce County Prosecutors Office last month announced in a press release that shortly after receiving a new body scanner in August, jail deputies captured images of drugs and paraphernalia attempting to tunnel into the jail through the natural cavities of man.

Lewiston Tribune reporter Kaylee Brewster reports that the accused individual, a 39-year-old male, was granted a four-hour furlough prior to being transferred into IDOC custody.

Court documents and testimony from Nez Perce Detention Deputy Kael Brink reveal that a review of inmate communications led jail deputies to believe that the man was arranging prior to furlough to pick up and return with contraband, according to Brewster. Deputies claim to have observed the man exhibiting drug-related behaviors before asking and receiving his permission to scan his body.

The Prosecutors Office said the man was the first person to be searched by the jail’s new scanning technology.

He has since been charged with introducing contraband into a correctional facility.

Source: Kaylee Brewster, “Judge OKs Evidence From Body Scanner at the Nez Perce County Jail,” Lewiston Tribune.

***

IDOC CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT: STORY LINK’S MARY ANN KOJIS

Mary Ann Kojis, 80, is the creator of Story Link, a program that records incarcerated parents reading a bedtime story and then sends a copy of the recording and the story to their children. “As a former First-Grade teacher, I know the value of children listening to their parents reading to them,” she says.

Kojis was featured in the Idaho Catholic Register’s March/April issue for the volunteer service that she has performed since 2001

Mary Hersley-Kaineg reports that Kojis was inspired after reading a news article about a Missouri couple who had started a similar program. “She visited community resource fairs to seek funds and volunteers. She hosted fundraisers, thank-you parties, and an annual Tea and Auction. Her friends in the Idaho Gem Jesters Clown Alley (a professional organization supporting and training clowns) made the first donation. Soon, volunteers spread the word among their churches, workplaces and friends.”

After rallying her troops, Kojis obtained the necessary recording equipment and the DOC clearance required to see her mission through.

By Kojis’s last count, Story Link has since delivered 11,142 recordings and books to children statewide.

For more information, please write:

Story Link Idaho
PO Box 4372
Boise, ID 83711

Source: Mary Hersley-Kaineg, “Undaunted Senior Brings ‘Story Link’ to Idaho Prisons,” Idaho Catholic Register.

***

CONGRATULATIONS BRYAN MIDDLETON!

A Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) press release recognizes former ICI-O resident Bryan Middleton for making President’s List honors, which requires a student to maintain a 3.75 grade point average or higher. Middleton enrolled to LC State through the Second Chance Pell Program last spring. He has since paroled, and plans to continue pursuing his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, according to the release.

LC State says 62 ICI-O residents participated last fall in the online and in-person classes made available through the college’s prison education project.

The college now plans to expand its program to prisons in Boise and Pocatello, where it is already offering a one-credit college prep course.

Idaho Capital Sun reporter Mia Maldonado writes, “According to the Vera Institute of Justice, incarcerated people who have participated in postsecondary education in prison are 48% less likely to re-offend than those who do not. Additionally, every prison dollar invested in prison education results in four to five dollars in tax-payer savings from reduced incarceration costs.”

IDOC Director Josh Tewalt appeared in the press release saying, “Education is one of the most well-researched and most important practices we facilitate that reduces recidivism. We are grateful to President Pemberton and LC State’s faculty and staff for helping us in our mission to make Idaho safer,”

LC State credits Middleton for using his prison education experience to advocate for others incarcerated.

Source: “LC State Sees First of What It Expects To Be Many Prison Ed Graduates,” Lewis & Clark State College News Release. Mia Maldonado, “Federal Grants Offer Idaho Prison Students a Second Chance At College Education,” Idaho Capital Sun.

***

BIG-UPS TO THE EASTER BUNNY FOR VISITING NCRC

According to the IDOC’s Facebook page, the Easter Bunny last month stopped by the Nampa Community Reentry Center during an egg hunt with residents and their families. Staff and residents filled over 400 eggs and 50 treat bags for visitors, and those at the event were allowed to take pictures with the elusive creature. For some children in attendance, it was their first time meeting the bunny.

***

RENICK ON THE RADIO

With over six years of episodes available for streaming, Mark Renick hosts Victory Over Sin on Boise’s KBXL 94.1FM on Saturdays at 12:30 pm. The program, funded by a Southwest Idaho advocacy arm of https://www.svdpid.org, shares what it’s like to live incarcerated in Idaho and then come out of incarceration and live on parole.

3.2.24.William K. Sansing Jr. is the author of “Beyond Prison: Finding Second Chances Through Grace, Resilience and Community.” He discusses how during his first night in federal prison, the kindness of fellow prisoners triggered a spiritual shift.

3.16.24. Chris Shanahan is a speaker, a writer, a peer-mentor program developer and a member of the board of directors for the nonprofit Helpful Solutions Inc. Having conquered mountains throughout his 26 years incarcerated, he discusses how he is continuing to reshape the criminal justice system from within.

3.23.24. Stacy Tucker is a reentry career development specialist for https://www.svdpid.org. She discusses finding her passion in her current line of work and the importance of inclusion in the solution-building process.

Contact Mr. Renick at 208-477-1006 or  visit https://www.svdpid.org for more information on reentry resources in Southwestern Idaho.

***

RECENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED

Statewide — Graduates of CO Academy 3.24. Bridger Daniel with the Top of Class Award. Jon Linger with the Tactical Edge Award. Skyler Irvin with the Top Instructor Award.

ICI-O — All female staff by their male counterparts on International Women’s Day. Sedona Cappellaro as employee of the quarter.

Nampa CRC — Residents for raising over $800 for the Idaho Food Bank, an amount that will place over 2,400 meals on the tables of food-insecure Idahoans.

Sources: IDOC on Facebook

***

RESIDENT AUDITING 101

Residents may submit public records requests by addressing a resident concern form to the Records Custodian. By providing as provide as much information as possible when submitting your request, you can help the records custodian to ensure that it’s filled properly.

Example:

This is a public records request for any memorandum of understandings, contracts or proposals between the IDOC and Day One Plus, the organization working with department officials and residents to create a facility-wide, standardized peer-mentor program.

To reduce potential costs, try narrowing your request to under 100 pages or ask for a waiver of fees in accordance with IDOC Policy 108.00.01.001 (Pubic Records Requests).

Should this request return in excess of 100 pages, please limit it to the first 100 pages or consider a waiver of all fees, as this request is being made for non-commercial purposes and in the interest of educating the public.

***

RESOURCE FOR INCARCERATED PERSONS

The Children of Incarcerated Parents Library (CIPL) makes pamphlets on parenting from incarceration available for download without charge at the National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI) website: www.nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu.

Unfortunately, the NRCCFI lacks the funding to provide free copies by mail. Please ask your clinician, case manager, prison library or loved ones for assistance obtaining copies.

***

INMATE SERVICES AT WORK

3.8.24

Hi Bob,

Thank you for updating me on the most recent incident with your son. If you’re considering appealing for action through social media, you may try circulating a petition requesting an ombudsman to oversee complaints regarding the close custody population, and also call for a progress report on IDOC’s ad-seg reform. (If I recall correctly, reform has been “in the works” with no action since 2017.) It may help to draw attention to that petition by resurfacing some of the more concerning news stories starting from a decade back.

To push the progress report, I would reference the ongoing absence of a long-term restrictive housing policy, and start requesting high-level communications of any documents discussing this “in-progress” policy.

Were you or a helper to sweetly sum up and circulate your findings, you may pique somebody’s interest.

Depending on how much work you’re looking to take on, you might also start a group that works together to tactically unveil public records information–including video, grievances, incident reports and statistics from Close Custody–by submitting public records requests and then incrementally publishing your findings under a group or profile.

The public records requests are easy to submit and I’ll be happy to help get you started, if you’d like.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Patrick

***

SUGGESTION BOX

I suggest we charge the mice rent to offset the costs of warehousing humans.

***

Shout out to Annie with Aston University! Thanks for inviting me to speak and for the post card from Vienna!

“Who Do I Catch”
— Tech N9ne Collabos

Next: First Amend This! An IDOC Newsletter, May ’24

This proposal was initially submitted February 29 and, in the absence of response, again with minor revisions April 10 using the channels of communication made available to me at the Idaho State Correctional Institution.

Proposal 82431-002 — Idaho Foodbank Fundraiser

The Idaho Foodbank recently collaborated with a local news station to raise funds for food-insecure Idaho families. It was announced during a televised broadcast that the organization is capable of providing 15 meals for every five dollars that is donated.

Having previously benefitted from donations made to the Idaho Foodbank, I, along with a small group of residents surveyed on Unit 14B, wish to support the organization by collectively submitting incremental monetary donations.

Because some of us anticipate donating relatively small amounts, we ask that ISCI leadership facilitate our effort by collecting and submitting our donations together. This to increase the amount that we are able donate by reducing the cost of postage.

The current cost of one stamped envelope is roughly one dollar. Which is also the minimal amount that we wish to kindly suggest that others, including staff, consider contributing.

I propose activating the ISCI Pillar mentor group and ISCI chapel workers to organize and promote the no-pressure effort, preferably with the messaging: “For the cost of two ramens, you can provide three meals for food-insecure Idahoans.”

I ask that residents be permitted to submit their support directly to unit or chapel staff, in the form of a Resident Withdrawal Slip addressed to the Idaho Foodbank. (But should ISCI leadership decline to participate in this effort, please consider approving Resident Irving #82431 to submit a collection of withdrawal forms in one manila envelope addressed to the Idaho Foodbank.)

Possible ways to promote this campaign include fliers, word-of-mouth and an institutional channel announcement.

A staff liaison to coordinate efforts between Idaho Foodbank development coordinator Dalton Warr and ISCI/IDOC management would be helpful.

Please inform Resident Irving of the extent to which ISCI leadership are willing to participate in this effort no late than May 1.*

Patrick Irving 82431

*This sentence added to April 10 revision.

This is an informal report compiled in response to questions from a man who is currently incarcerated within the Wisconsin prison system.

“I am collecting information on how computer technology is being used in prisons of the United States, specifically, but also interested in other countries. How are tablets being deployed? What are the policies? Are there classes and how extensive are they? Are the classes run by the prison or college? For example, Marquette University is in the process of developing a computer science program for the prison, one which I’m involved with. Please send me contact information for staff members or offices that can deepen the info pool…” — Jason G., classifieds section of the 2600 Magazine.

4.03.24

Hi Jason,

Thanks for reaching out and apologies for the delayed response. You may already be aware that Jeff Ray retired late January from his position as public information officer. If you’re still looking for an Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) contact, I recommend trying our education director, Ted Oparnico.

In researching your query, I explored the computer lab and library at the Idaho State Correctional Institution’s (ISCI) Robert James School, a special purpose school in the Idaho prison system. I also spoke to staff and residents who work in Education and pulled from information reported in my “First Amend This!” newsletter.

LEADERSHIP

IDOC director Josh Tewalt took the director position in 2019. He and his executive management team are heavily focused on preparing residents for reentry by expanding the level of support and opportunities offered to people in custody and under supervision.

TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

IDOC staff tell me that the agency has installed the necessary infrastructure to provide its entire resident population access to what is referred to as the Idaho Correctional Access Network (ICAN). ICAN will act as a “whitenet” that allows limited access to “whitelisted” resources online. These are said to include but not be limited to online academic databases like JSTOR and Libby, and IDOC-created, school-related materials that have been gathered by scraping websites and other means.

Instead of having a general account, the IDOC aims to issue a trackable user account for each user. One advantage of the ICAN cloud system is that residents can create work and education portfolios, and the IDOC is working towards allowing residents to take their portfolios with them when they transfer facilities and reenter the community.

My sources tell me the company Resultant is performing backend development and IT support, and that there is still a great deal of background networking and setup configuration to perform. To fully utilize the network, the IDOC must first obtain tablets, laptops, Chrome Boxes, user licenses for each device, and the staff to assign each device a user license. Other challenges are diplomatically referred to as “some red tape to work through.” With no timeline for completion, the department is exploring ideas to expedite the process.

According to my sources, not long ago all IT services for Idaho state departments were consolidated into one department. But ICAN has yet to be adopted as an official state department network, and so it lacks the official support needed to better push it along. Our educational staff are working on it but, between teaching and doing other stuff, they are limited in their ability to launch a robust, fully functional network.

JPay is accessible throughout all secure facilities, but residents must purchase tablets to access music, games, movies, video and other apps. Idaho appears to not have contracted educational content through JPay. We are unable to print or have documents printed from our tablets. We are also unable to take photos with our tablets or use them for video visits. Our current messaging packages start at five outgoing messages for $2 and end at 60 for $18. Residents are limited to sending 6,000 characters, and the system erases some unicoded symbols during and after text transmissions.

Our telephone provider is ICSolutions. They’ve set rates at $.08 per minute, not including tax. We residents pay approximately $.11 per minute after these rates are inflated through taxes.

The current contract for ICS Solutions and JPay allows the IDOC to receive a commission based on its average daily population.

COLLABORATIONS

The https://www.svdpid.org of St. Vincent de Paul works with the IDOC to provide extensive reentry support services starting from within our facilities. Contact: Mark Renick 207-477-1006. svdpid.org.

The IDOC is actively working with local universities to bring in-person and online classes into its facilities. But the curricula offered within our facilities depend on what services the colleges are able to offer the agency.

Some apprenticeship programs are recognized by the Idaho Department of Labor. These are arranged through the Training Department of Idaho Correctional Industries (ICI).

The agency aims to continue forming relationships with local organizations and businesses to provide its residents with additional education and vocational opportunities where it can.

VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Vocational opportunities vary by facility, with residents at some facilities limited to janitor and barber positions.

It was once the case that those incarcerated at ISCI were limited to labor-intensive vocations and training. These opportunities still exist, but within a push to broaden the skills needed for them to achieve higher level positions in the workforce.

The IDOC’s business arrangement with ICI uses prisoner labor to provide services and produce products for a range of businesses. An arrangement made between the IDOL and the training department of ICI allows laborers to accumulate apprenticeship hours that are recognized by the state. Future employers are thus able to verify the level training and certification achieved by those in custody, and a portion of the income generated through the arrangement is applied to staffing the guard posts necessary to oversee the program.

A flier found at the ISCI school advertises apprenticeships available at the facility: Cabinet Maker, CNC operator, Drafter Detailer, Welder, Graphic Design, Custodial Technicians, Office Manager/Admin services.

Other facilities offer training in construction, electrical work, masonry, solar panel installation, etc. But I don’t know that these programs are similarly recognized by ICI and the IDOL.

What kinds of tools are used in the maintenance shops?

My facility has an Institutional Labor Detail (ILD) shop and a hobby shop. The ILD shop is used by laborers–plumbing, grounds keeping, general maintenance, etc.–the hobby shop by hobby enthusiasts. I’m unsure of the tools available in either shop and am told that neither are equipped for electronic repair or computer repair.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Schooling opportunities vary by facility, with at least one facility able to support GED studies only.

Education is not mandatory in Idaho prisons, and my ISCI currently lacks space and resources for continued learning. Our education staff are working with leadership to offer as many initial learning opportunities as possible.

Inside the ISCI education building are multiple prison programming rooms, five classrooms and a library. The classrooms support GED studies, Financial Literacy and Investing, Workforce Development, some business courses and a computer lab that offers an array of self-learning opportunities in an offline setting.

The library stocks a small inventory of outdated IT books, including books on electronic and computer repair. The computer lab maintains a vast library of more current (but still outdated) hardcopy and digital books on programming and software. I’m told that only books on hacking are restricted, and that it’s difficult for both libraries to keep pace with software evolution.

Our school runs Windows 10 Pro on HP 800 G2 computers, including those operated by our teacher’s assistants and librarians. (I’m guessing it’s the same for other resident workers with clerical positions.) There are multiple workstations with teacher aides in each classroom. The aides are tasked with different degrees of data entry and systems management, including tuning and modifying engine management systems and creating databases and software solutions. Our mildly aged tech limits what’s offered. With the exception of some newer machines that support our A/V production classes, most of our gear is new within the decade.

Are there courses on programming, CNC machining, data entry/literacy?

For self-study programs, our offline schools are filled with documentaries and (presumably creative commons) content scraped from various learning institutions. It’s that content that allows our residents to train in, among other things, A/V production, graphic design, 3D programs, some network security programs and an impressive array of computer programming languages. The ISCI computer lab tries to offer as many programming languages as possible to ensure that residents are able to work within the shape of modern innovation.

It also offers language instruction in Chinese, Japanese, English, Russian, German, Icelandic, Portuguese, Spanish, Norwegian, Nahuati, American Sign Language, Arabic, French and Italian.

Some tech training options that open up when I start to click around:

Moodle is an an open source educational platform; Kolibri is similar to Moodle; Blender is an open source 3D suite with core concepts transferable to more predominant industry standards of software; Django is a web framework, written in Python, that allows users to create and manage websites from the server side; PHP, Python, Autodesk, SQL, SQLite3, HTML, CSS, Java, JavaScript, W3.CSS, Gimp, GCF Learning, goodtext, InPicture, Krita, Synfig…

The goal of ISCI’s growing media department is to host recurring classes that complement the media program. What started from the need to create and disseminate training videos and town hall videos to meet the challenges that presented through COVID-19has since evolved into activities that allow wider participation from volunteers, staff and residents. At least one media course is accredited and capable of supporting apprenticeships recognized by the IDOL.

Unfortunately, the computer lab limits most users (including myself) to four hours a week and doesn’t allow one to print out personal projects like this report. This dramatically impacts my learning speed and output. For instance, this report, started early February on a computer in the computer lab, took until now to finish and send. Forbidden from connecting JPay devices to computers, it took one week to transcribe from a computer screen to my tablet using my thumbs.

EDUCATION PARTNERS

The (Inside/Out) Prison Exchange Program is a postsecondary education collaboration between the IDOC, the University of Idaho (U of I) and Lewis-Clark State College. The program was made possible through the Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell Grant Funding. The program currently serves two of Idaho’s smaller prisons and is looking to expand. Assistant professor of criminology Omi Hodwitz leads the U of I side of the initiative; Cynthia Pemberton is LC State President

Idaho State University (ISU) offers administrative services coursework (business practices, communications, etiquette, workers rights, law, etc.) and provides a certificate upon completion. The IDOC is suggested to have paid between $10-15K for this arrangement.

Former resident Mario Hernandez is sponsored by the IDOC in a limited capacity to act as an A/V production instructor for current residents. The apprenticeship tied to his class is recognized by the IDOL, and those who take it can receive certifications in BlackMagicDesign’s proprietary, advanced video editing program, DaVinci Resolve.

A collaboration with the Idaho Prison Arts Collective allows the agency to offer residents classes in mindfulness, arts, dance, writing and coding/web development in respective facilities. The collective is managed by Michael Richardson.

Dodds Hayden, a member of the Idaho Board of Correction, has sponsored a Humanities class for a select group of ISCI residents. I understand the class to be offered through a collaboration between Boise State University and the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.

There may be other education collaborations that I am not yet familiar with.

CULTURE

My sources tell me that department heads are open in promoting an info-gathering push, and that prison staff are encouraged to seek out and present solutions deployed by other DOCs. This includes traveling when needed for observation and training. The message to staff is: “Anything that can benefit us and make us better as a department–we want it here.”

The department welcomes information exchanges with other DOCs, and I have witnessed high-ranking staff from other DOCs visiting my facility to view its operations.

How do Staff view tech and prisoners that are tech interested/savvy?

A former resident who held significant responsibility as a server tech in the ISCI computer lab tells me that his job included regularly scraping and copying web pages for content to make available to the resident population. When asked about ISCI’s growing media program and tech culture, he said, “During my time here it has done nothing but grow and get better. There is a definite drive to provide residents who are willing to put in the time and effort to [gain] more knowledge and more skills that are relevant in the world today…”

“My work as a server tech here has been mostly good. I feel like, given my years of experience and knowledge prior to prison, I was allowed the job I have now after being recognized as a subject matter expert.”

“The tech culture here is very good for prison.”

The below announcement was posted in the ISCI education building prior to the above quoted resident’s departure:

Idaho Correctional Industries

Date: February 8, 2024
To: ISCI Resident Population
From: ICI Projects Department
Subject: New Hire Opportunity

ICI Resident Technology Team is looking for a competent resident to join our Apprenticeship Program with skills in information technology (IT) services and support.

Job Duties:

• • • • • Set up troubleshooting and support of legacy desktops, laptops and servers
        • Evaluate new hardware and software to meet company requirements
        • Oversee the implementation, deployment and operation of IT systems and technology solutions
        • Plan, develop, and manage all IT services, programs and support within the ICI Resident Network
        • Monitor or optimize the performance, security, backup, and recovery of various system
        • Maintain inventory of internal licenses and asset tracking
        • Design, generate and present findings via reports as requested by Senior Management
        • Provide technical advice and assistance to Trainees as needed
        • Stay informed on new or emerging trends and technologies that provide clear benefits to ICI
        • Plan end-user training as required

Requirements:

• • • • • 1 Year [free of disciplinary action]
        • Minimum of 3 to 5 years before Parole Eligibility
        • Pass Investigations background check for computer usage, per IDOC
        • Knowledge of IT principles and concepts; systems testing and evaluation principles, methods, and tools; and/or emerging information technologies
        • Experience working with the following environments: Windows 10 & Windows Served 2012+ operating systems and Microsoft Office
        • Applications, with emphasis on spreadsheet functionality
        • Knowledge of HTML, PHP, CSS, .Net, VS, VBA and SQL preferred, but not required
        • Process interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to detail and a high degree of accuracy
        • Ability to manage multiple assignments and strong organizational and time management skills
        • Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative

Prior to any perspective hire, skills will be assessed and tested.

If you are interested, have some of these skills and want to learn, please give applications to your unit staff, and send a concern form to ICI stating you are interested and have submitted your application.

Matt Shepler
Training Specialist, Sr.
ICI

QUESTIONS FROM MY SIDE

What kind of tech infrastructure does Wisconsin currently have in place?

Is education mandatory in Wisconsin?

What prompted the shift away from computer learning? Was it a budgetary issue? A change in leadership? A security decision? Some form newsworthy attention lead to closure of labs? Did you have an IT team?

SUGGESTIONS FROM MY SIDE

When proposing programs, think DOC:

• • • What levels of cost and commitment are associated with launching and maintaining a program?
    • What are the current interest levels of staff, residents, administrators?
    • The DOC’s current capabilities?
    • To what extent are those involved in developing / introducing / maintaining programs able to open things up for experimentation?
    • How will the taxpayers benefit? Is there a way to break even by reducing other expenses, selling products or services?

-FIN-

I hope this is helpful, Jason.

Best of luck,
Patrick