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Efrain Pedro Morales #180444 984 Norwich New-London Turnpike Uncasville, CT .06382 ____/_____/2017 Dear Editor(s), Society worries about recidivism. What survive Society isn't aware of is that when humans aren't treated like humans it can have a destabilizing effect that sometimes carries over into society. In my approximately 400 word essay I touch on the cage rattling tactics in which the D.O.C. curtails creativity, complaints and rehabilitation. I'm a 2003 alumnus of The Writer's Digest school that has been published in some newsletters, newspapers, and magazines - currently am a contributing writer for spotlight on recovery (Brooklyn, NY). Upon reading the enclosed essay understand why this is hand-written. Thank you sincerely, Efrain Morales. Jr. PS: enclosed see “notice” of Osborn CI’s typewriter restriction. PSS: Enclosed essay mailed the day following my transfer to a different facility. Still request it be used. “D.O.C.’s Counter-Rehabilitation Dysfunctions” By: Pedro Morales, Jr. Inmates are sentenced to a term of incarceration, we're in their expected to reform and rehabilitate. Some of this comes by way of prison programs, which may garner inmates that successfully complete them risk-reduction earned credits (in CT) and/or early release onto parole - also contingent on inmate conduct, of course. But there are other options that are likewise meaningful and rehabilitational - such as becoming a peer mentor, in a program, or simply taking up a craft: art and writing. It is fact that when inmates learn how to effectively portray their vision (via art) or articulate their frustrations (via writing) onto canvas and paper it serves as more than mere cathartic release. For inmates who have lost much in life - which are a greater majority - these forms of expression help them begin to define their lives, bolster self-esteem, and give them a voice when feeling voiceless inside. But unlike art - that's less descriptive and often subjective to interpretation ( for which art supplies are allowed; even through commissary purchase) - writing can easily be viewed by D.O.C. and subordinates as pure propaganda when used as a tool for addressing D.O.C. malfunctions via publications. In the month of July alone there have been reports of CT inmates taking legal action against the Department of Corrections - D.O.C. (aired on NBC 30 and Fox 61 News). It’s no secret that things such as cruel-and-unusual punishment, deliberate indifference, departmental retaliation, disproportionate housing, and selective enforcement still occurs on the watch of the rank-and-file of D.O.C.’s finest. But what free world society doesn't know is that some CT facilities have eliminated the in prison legal libraries and writing workshops. Moreover, a rule that restricts non-legal typewriter usage has recently been posted on all typewriters in Osborn CI’s Library. This leaves incarcerated writers - like myself - and those lacking legal skills at a disadvantage. Her only recourse is in exercising a form of checks and balances through articulating complaints outside the D.O.C. system for lack of relief within; mostly for fear of forms of departmental retaliation. Inmates count on the forums media outlets provide to alert citizenry of counter-rehabilitation dysfunctions that could - if unchecked - ultimately affect society when inmates are eventually released /disgruntled ex-felons. One would think that besides incarcerating criminals, the D.O.C. would incentivize rehabilitation alternatives like other states have in allowing writing workshops and use and/or sale of word processors. To the contrary, and the timing reeks of by-design. Some writers understandably wonder if the typewriter restriction is byproduct of CT’s financial management (to ration paper and ink), or a likely means by which to curtail the slew of TYPED grievances that make their way into publications and other venues. Perhaps in this way the D.O.C.’s interest don't entirely depend on protecting the public after all.
