Sorry to disappoint ya folks...

There are no pictures of naked men or tattoos on this website. Click to enlarge (the picture, the PICTURE).

Conversation with Shane

I spoke with Shane this morning. It is his sincere hope that if anyone from the Arizona Department of Corrections would like to comment on anything posted here or at his other Blog, they will feel comfortable doing so.

If this can be some small part in bridging the communication between inmates and the DOC it can only serve to benefit all involved.

Peace
OUT

~Shells

(Shane's friend)

Policies & changes

Approximately four years after being appointed ADOC's Director, by governor Napolitano, Dora Schriro has begun implementing new state-wide policies and programs (effective within the next 30 days). These policies and programs are intended to give the prison system a major overhaul. A necessary step for creating Director Schriro's boasted "parallel universe" ideology. Her claims of major changes helped, if not ensured, her appointment to ADOC Director.

Although no positive or effective changes were made for nearly 4 years, and major incidents did occur on her watch, i.e. America's longest hostage situation (here, here & here). Better late than never!

Due to deeply embedded "Good ol' boy" systematic diplomacy and iron-fisted ruling created and cultivated for over a quarter century by former ADOC regimes (namely: Sam Lewis, Terry Stewart & even Charles Ryan, Schriro's predecessor) as well as major budget cuts, staffing shortages and other significant reasons, skepticism is high that this "parallel universe" will ever be fully implemented, much less successful.

A few of these major changes, I will briefly outline:

Earned Incentive Programs (EIP): In short, EIP provides more privileges to prisoners for participating in / completing substance abuse, anger management etc. classes. Working, remaining disciplinary free, and just being a good prisoner. Some of these privileges include: more visitation time, more phone calls, increased commissary spending amount, food visits, more recreation, hobby craft and a few others.

New Property Policy (D.O. 909): Under the new property policy, prisoners will be able to purchase CD players and other new property not previously allowed in ADOC. In addition, the commissary will be adding new items to our list of purchasable items i.e. different brands and varieties of chips, soda, etc. More variety and healthier items. Whether these new commissary items are at inflated prices and property must be bought only at the commissary, I am unsure.

Telephone System Changes: This new program boasts of cheaper calls, better quality service and different payment options. This "change" I personally doubt will pan-out. Same predatory corporations involved: T-Netix, ADOC, etc. If you dress a turd up, it's still a turd! :)

These new policies and changes look good on their face, however only time will tell. I try to remain optimistic, but it's hard to trust when you've seen thecompassion-less void known as "justice" within the ADOC.

Ironically, two "parallels" run side by side, yet never integrate.