Browse Items (1263 total)

Poor cleanliness and conditions (jagged glass in window, sink and toilet bowl destroyed, etc) throughout several cell blocks.

A guard wishes for a "pass system" so guards can keep track of prisoners. An prisoner in 10 Block reports that two officers recently beat him up.

Prisoners complain about working conditions in the kitchen. Overall, Dolan observes a sense of unity among prisoners and is confident that there won't be trouble as long as the prisoners are responsible for themselves.

Both prisoners and guards are enthusiastic about the observer program. Guards express complaints over administration.

Prisoners feel that the observer presence is minimizing harassment from guards. Moreover, cells are unclean, with broken windows and loose wires.

Guards walking around with sticks and turning off the heat ventilators

Decrease in guard violence now that observers are present

Guards (trainees/cadets) exhibiting a good relationship with prisoners. While the maximum security blocks were unkempt, the minimum security blocks were quite clean.

Reports prisoners' concern over another shakedown and the possibility that Commissioner Boone may be replaced by someone less fair. Guards are cooperative.

Observed mess hall and auditorium of cell block #3, noting the inadequacy of the school facilities. Prisoners complained about this, as well as of the lack of facilities at which to learn a trade, and the need for a drug rehabilitation program.

Observing and conversing with guards about prisoners

Prisoners have medical problems and struggle to get the proper treatment

Citizen observer describes issues with medical distribution and growing distrust of citizen observers from prisoners.

Citizen observer describes a discussion with the matron about the role of citizen observers. They mention the need for a balancing third party alongside the guards and prisoners.

Citizen observer describes a discussion with the matron about the role of citizen observers. They mention the need for a balancing third party alongside the guards and prisoners.

Citizen observer describes the sentiments about a recent shakedown in minimum security block. Cells in minimum security have a lot of personal investment to resemble a home for a prisoner; the same is not true for maximum security cells.

Citizen observer describes the sentiments about a recent shakedown in minimum security block. Cells in minimum security have a lot of personal investment to resemble a home for a prisoner; the same is not true for maximum security cells.

Observers report on medical care. The guards seem to be doing well.

Observers report on medical care. The guards seem to be doing well.

Citizen observer describes a Catholic Pentecostal Meeting with visitors from the outside and prisoners. He notes the positive impact this religious experience had on prisoner attitudes.