Just Another Problem.

June 14, 2008

I've come to the conclusion that Director Schriro's "new" AZ Department of Corrections amounts to the same old coporate, money-hungry, predatory correctional institution. Schriro's ADOC appears to be interested only in making prisoners and their friends and family PAY, PAY, PAY, financially, emotionally and physically.

Since Schriro began transforming ADOC, some legislation was passed which contributes to the hardship... but MOST can be attributed to the ADOC Director.

New Phone System: Schriro asserted would be less expensive. A LIE. Inmate calls are now MORE expensive! More billing options, but more ridiculous prices. Same predatory corporations bilking prisoners and their friends and families... AND ADOC!

Inmate Labor pay has been decreased in hours and wages paid. Inmates averaged between .30 and .40 cents an hour and 80 hours a pay period. Now, it's between .15 and .30 cents per hour and 60 hours. Yet, inmates still WORK 80 hours. 20 hours unpaid. Refusing to Work is a disciplinary rule violation, as is Refusing to Obey a Direct Order to Work.

Contract Commissary Vendor: was hired to supply commissary to the inmate population. Keefe Commissary; a corporation with a long history of preying on prisoners and their family's pocket books, charge inflated and taxed prices, and have piss-poor business ethics bordering on illegal.

ADOC, in cahoots with Canteen Corp., has dramatically reduced the meals inmates are offered. Both in calories and quality. Conveniently, this menu change occurred around the same time ADOC approved Keefe Commissary to increase their food item selection, price increase, lift the quantity limit and increase inmate spending limits.

ADOC changed their indigent, state-issued health and welfare supplies policy. ADOC used to provide it's impoverished inmates with a monthly health and welfare package. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. including 3 one ounce postage provide letters a week. All free to any prisoner with less than $12.00 on their account in the past 30 days. NOW, not only have they down-sized these packages, the indigent are only allowed 5 letters per month. This is a dramatic and oppressive money saving act against the poor.

Sanitation Supplies are not being purchased and regularly provided to clean housing areas, bathrooms, dining rooms, food preparation areas, etc. What little supply is provided amounts to water as they've been diluted so much. It's no wonder inmates and staff in ADOC have been suffering illnes, infections so often and without reprieve. Especially in the Tucson Complex.

State Issued Clothing is becoming only an "intake thing". Clothing is issued upon entering ADOC and it MUST last. New clothing is not being issued much less ordered. Nearly all clothing exchanged after intake is in very poor condition and not the proper size. I've had the same worn out clothing since 2004. This includes: boxers, socks, t-shirts, pants and sheets. The majority of ADOC do not have a full state-issue of clothing and linen.

However, ADOC inmates with money can purchase the same CLOTHING FROM KEEFE COMMISSARY! How convenient. This is why families and friends see their loved-ones during visitation wearing bright orange, crisp and clean, fitted clothes. We want to look good for those who count, so we BUY one outfit and hand-wash it to keep it looking nice.

Health Hazards are innumerable and health care is truly an oxymoron in ADOC. Sever roach and rodent infestations in all areas within the prison are over shadowed only by Hepatitis, MRSA, and deliberately indifferent, incompetent and uncaring medical staff. Inmates are suffering permanent injuries, pain and death!

Yeah, ADOC Director Dora Schriro has truly "changed" the Arizona prison system. In my opinion, she has changed it for the worse.

Schriro's ideals have proven to be a HOAX. She's padding pockets, oppressing the errants and their family and friends and dividing prisoners from their loved ones.

Am I angry? Yes. Am I surprised? No. Schriro's history in corrections in Missouri was documented when Governor Napolitano appointed her. A federal court there found her testimony not credible in one of her many civil right's violation lawsuits because she lied under oath to a federal judge.

Schriro has joined the ranks of Joe Arpaio, Sam Lewis, Terry Stewart, Charles Ryan and their ilk. All part of the PROBLEM, not the SOLUTION!