This is being written

Pomeranz, Stuart

Original

Transcript

Mrs. Julie Jones, Regional Director, General Counsel This is being written and sent to the above mentioned in hopes that changes can begin and common sense will prevail. We “inmates” are constantly told that lack of money is the reason for so many of our programs being removed, and/or “security risk” to explain the denial ofthings considered recreational. In over 25 years of incarceration, I’ve never seen the level of violence as high and widespread as it is now. The armed assaults, inmate deaths, inmate on staff, staff on inmate, is unprecedented. How is this happening? I'll explain. The policy, rule. and procedure branch of DOC is not on these com pounds except for briet’walk through in which the institution prepares by painting buildings. cutting grass. and making sure that no inmates “talk” to Tallahassee. #1 mistake: There’s no legit screenin I rocess for the se aration ofrival >'ar1nal clothing to flood toilets, make fishing lines, etc. Almost 5,000 inmates on CM. the bulk ofwhom would purchase their own clothing. This would save tens ofthousands annually. On a similar note, why would DOC not take advantage of the opportunity to operate the canteen and packages themselves instead of allowing Trinity, Access, and Union Supply to make millions in profits‘? Common sense should dictate that such profits would help DOC’s cause and yet they outsource everything‘? Do the math. l don’t smoke. Most inmates do. And continue to do so regardless oftobacco not being sold. Overnight, the DOC created a billion—dollar black market that of‘licers use to generate more money than their paychecks. ln every institution in the state, inmates can and do purchase packs of cigarettes for $50—$ l 00 a pack from staff, who then realize that ifcigarettes are that: easy, why not cell phones for $500-$700. At some institutions, like Martin or Dade, they find 15-20 cell phones, 200 pack of cigarettes a week and don’t even process the paperwork because they don’t want central office to find out. There are inmates who get caught with 2-3 phones in a 6—month period and do only 20~3_0 days DC because the institution would have almost no inmates on the pound if they put people on CM for phones. Again, the “take” mentality created a problem. l can’t calculate the officers asked to resign for introduction, rather than be arrested or fired. And by doing so, keep central office in the blind regarding the corruption statewide that truly began with the removal of tobacco. The so—called financial savings of health related costs due to smoking is a pipe dream, because everybody still smokes! Do the math. ln closing, l’ll say this. Theviolence is increasing statewide. The amounts of Buck 50s which are facial lacerations are now the norm. Female staff are being assaulted more often. K2, molly, Roxy, Xanax are flooding every compound. Institutions are putting inmates back on the pound after they do 60 days on DC for armed assaults because CM is full and they don‘t want central office to be aware of how out of control their compounds are. l’ve enclosed a first—hand account that you can verify. It is laid out step by step, showing you what true deliberate indifference is and unfortunately, what has become standard operating procedure at places such as AC1. Page 3 of 4 lfnothing else, l hope that what you read gives you a perspective that your underlings will not. When surrounded by “yes men,” you’re not in touch with the masses you rule over. And when the masses revolt and chaos reigns, there are no answers from the yes men. I am the voice of many. There can be positive change. There can be reductions in violence, vice, and costs, but it must start from Tallahassee. If general counsel and rule makers were in a cell in 95—degree temps. they would remove their shirts to cool down. ln mates are no difTerent. lnmates are in prison because we broke laws and rules. Most are lifelong drug addicts. The concept that they will change or be rehabilitated is not realistic. Prison has become a human warehouse. Why cause more problems, create a dangerous environment, and expose staffand inmates to possible injury when is can be avoided‘? l\/Iark my words, l live here. I listen. l see. Unless there is change, bad things, riots and deaths will increase dramatically. lelopefully. this will help you to be proactive and positive change will happen. ‘’....-..‘I 4' S b N 577/:55 -_...-»~ / . f ‘/7’ 97m: Page 4 of 4

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