Observer Report (Brother Kevin C.) May 1, 1973 - Handwritten
A prisoner feels that drugs and medication are being used as "behavior modification" to pacify the prisoners. Another prisoner is distrustful of the observers.
Observer Report (Daniel A. Klein) April 17, 1973 - Handwritten
Prisoners are happy about the observer program and are interested in things like reading and music.
Guard Mentality/Culture: Prisoners' Insights
A press release consisting of excerpts from observer reports. In this reports, prisoners describe continuous guard harassment, as well as nighttime raids and beatings. In fact, new guards are pressured by old guards to continue this attitude of "oppression/sadism." Prisoners and observers alike identify guards as the root problem of Walpole.
Observer Sign-In Sheets - April 24, 1973 (7-3)
A record of observers from the Ad Hoc Committee
Observer Report (Joaquin A. Custoder) April 18, 1973 - Handwritten
Custoder details activities at the prison, especially the school and Adult Basic Education program. He speaks with prisoners about subjects ranging from the Celtics to parole, law, and political science.
Observer Sign-In Sheets - April 24, 1973 (3-11)
Observation (By Observers) of Prisoner Behavior After Guards Out - "Calm, Responsible, Cooperative"
Press release explaining how prisoners effectively manage the prison while the guards are gone. They assert that guards are unneeded; in fact, things are smoother and more relaxed without guards.
Physical Condition of Walpole Facilities: Cells et al.
Press release consisting of excerpts from observer reports. These reports mention that heating is inconsistence, the weight room lacks a toilet, and areas for recreation like the gym are not well-kept, leading to injuries.
Pre & Post 15 March Comments By Prisoners - "Safer With Observers etc."
Press release consisting of excerpts from observer reports. The reports mention a relaxed atmosphere and the prisoners' appreciation for improvements made in the guards' absence. For the first time in months, prisoners in Block 10 got showers, exercise periods, hot meals, and respectful treatment for their visitors. Moreover, prisoners are generally very happy about the citizen observer program. One prisoner credited the NPRA for all these improvements. The prisoners also show considerable support for Commissioner Boone.
Prisoners' Reports: Civil Rights, Denials of Rights, Denials of Hearing, Reclassification, Denials of Standard Treatment: Morning Eye Checks
Press release containing an observer report that describes a prisoner being beaten when "lugged" out of his old cell. Moreover, none of the prisoners in segregation were done so with a prior hearing.
Psychological Environment & Physcial Condition; Also: Rehabilitation, Harassments, Showers, Cell Lights, etc.
Press release containing excerpts from observer reports. The release ends with an itemized list of common complaints, which are detailed throughout. Generally, prisoners are happy with the decreased tensions and the new cook. However, a major problem is medical care: it is often slow to come, and guards will deny prisoners medication if they dislike them. The mail program is also ineffective, which particularly affects prisoners with upcoming appeals who need to contact their lawyers; there are many delays, and confidential mail often arrives opened. Prisoners also complain of a lack of rehabilitative programs and vocational training, as well as about the guards' tendency to confiscate items during shakedowns and not return them. The prisoners feel that there are there to serve time, but that they do not deserve these abuses from guards.
Reminder for Shift Coordinators - May 9, 1973
The inside and outside coordinators for a shift report that the coordinator for the next shift refused to sign the check-in form.
Notes on outside coordinators, including their organizational affiliation
Observer Report (Albert Bigelow) May 8, 1973 - Typed
There were only two observers in the prison, who Bigelow sent to Block 10.
Observer Report (Bruce Bayne) April 26, 1973 - Typed
Bayne warns of the risk that the observer program can lose credibility if prisoners are punished for things told in confidence to observers. He urges for observers to respect prisoners' privacy, be sensitive to the prisoners' situation when talking, and stress the neutrality of observers (i.e. also build a relationship with guards).
Observer Report (Craig Bergstrom) April 26, 1973 - Typed
Bergstrom lists several incidents, including a man not getting paid for working in the kitchen, another prisoner's outbreak over the phone, and the hospital being crowded with patients due to a drug problem.
Observer Report (D. Clark) April, 1973 - Typed
There was an incident of fighting between prisoners, which was handled well by the NPRA.
Observer Report (Dennis Gianntassio) April 27, 1973 - Typed
There is a discrepancy between this day's officer and other guards and prisoners regarding understandings of how prisoners are allowed to change cells.
Observer Report (Diane Tickell, Ben Jones, Carl W. Nunn) April 27, 1973 - Typed
The observers note down situations like confusion over the observers' tables being moved, a guard misrepresenting a prisoner's desires, and problems in the hospital.
Observer Report (Dietmar Buck) April, 1973 - Typed
Two Black trainee guards have been held back and attribute it to racial harassment. Prisoners feel positive about the future, though one feels that his application to be sent to a forester camp has not been heard. Another prisoner is on the negotiation team (presumably of the NPRA), and he describes what is at stake for him. Prisoners and guards alike depersonalize each other.