Prison construction and overcrowding is down due to the State of California implementing smart and effective prison reform policies, reports Californians for Safety and Justice (CSJ). “The long overdue task of replacing ineffective over-incarceration with smart justice in the nation’s most populous state is finally underway,” CSJ reports. Data collected from the study show a 10 percent drop in California county jail populations, a 64 percent reduction in the number of people on state parole, and a 22 percent decrease in felony filings. … [Read more...] about Reform policies have cut down on overcrowding
Transgenders get new items
A federal judge has ordered California prisons to provide certain transgender inmates special female items for free, reports the Christian Post. Currently, female transgender inmates in men’s prisons are allowed to have sandals, T-shirts and walking shoes, and to purchase specialty undergarments. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar’s order extended that list to include nightgowns and scarves. The order also requires the state to provide the items free for prisoners who can’t afford them. “It’s comforting to have a judge in such a high position to … [Read more...] about Transgenders get new items
New Sex Offender Registry limits
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill that allows low-level sex registrants to be removed from a lifetime law enforcement registry. The new law will keep violent offenders on the list, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Under the new law, 90 percent of the state’s sex registrants will no longer be required to register as sex offenders for life. The measure is Senate Bill 384 by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco. “With this reform, our law enforcement agencies will be able to better protect people from violent sex offenders rather than … [Read more...] about New Sex Offender Registry limits
Norco program provides more than just an education
Prisoners at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco are getting a higher education and earning time off their sentences through the Norco College program, reports the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. The new prison program started in February 2017. Norco’s original plan was to start the program in the fall of 2018, but that was not soon enough for prison officials. “They said, ‘We want it now,’” said Jason Parks, Norco College’s interim dean of instruction. Bryan Reece, Norco College president, added, “It’s right in our backyard and it’s … [Read more...] about Norco program provides more than just an education
Transgender suing Massachusetts challenging placement all-male prison
A transgender woman is suing the Massachusetts Department of Correction for requiring her to serve her sentence in an all-male prison. In the lawsuit, the 52-year-old inmate alleges she was groped and taunted by inmates and correctional officers, reports Jezebel. According to the Boston Globe, the suit states that the inmate—identified only as Jane Doe—“has been subjected to constant humiliation.” The document describes alleged mistreatment during a strip search. “Male guards forced her to stand, cuffed and naked, for 30 minutes, in front of … [Read more...] about Transgender suing Massachusetts challenging placement all-male prison
Arizona provides inmates feminine-hygiene products
The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) is changing its policy concerning the supply of free feminine-hygiene products for woman prisoners, after overwhelming support from formerly incarcerated women and the outside community, reports The Republic. “I want to thank all of the women and men from all around Arizona and all over the world who spoke up, who bravely testified and shared their stories, and those who contacted lawmakers directly,” said Rep. Athena Salman (D-Tempe.) “Your voices made the difference.” The change in policy will … [Read more...] about Arizona provides inmates feminine-hygiene products
A look inside the bustling San Quentin prison library
Every day, the San Quentin State prison library is bustling with activity. Inmates might be ordering books from the clerks at the counter. Other inmates might be sitting at tables, reading books and talking among themselves. The windows in the librarians’ offices provide a glimpse of San Francisco Bay as well as the mountains. In the legal section, inmates pore over law books, which they can order from a slot through a window. They can also sit at a computer to research legal statutes or write briefs at one of the tables. The library … [Read more...] about A look inside the bustling San Quentin prison library
Birdman nurses the wildlife on the Lower Yard
Every day, the yard at San Quentin State Prison is bustling with wildlife activity. While inmates run the track and play tennis and basketball, a grass field attracts birds, geese, seagulls, pigeons, and blackbirds. Sometimes hawks fly over the yard looking for prey. In the corner of the yard by a fence, an inmate sits on the ground, surrounded by birds. That inmate is Dean Thomas, who answers to the nickname “Birdman.” “They call me Birdman, because I’m always interacting with the birds. I have a relationship with them,” he said. “They are … [Read more...] about Birdman nurses the wildlife on the Lower Yard
US Supreme Court Death Row case Hidalgo v. Arizona Arizona death penalty law
In the coming months, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether to take up a challenge to the death penalty in Arizona. If the justices agree to hear the case, the court’s decision could also affect the California death penalty law. And that could spare the lives of 746 prisoners on California’s death row, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The pending case, Hidalgo v. Arizona, challenges the new Arizona death penalty law, which makes virtually every first-degree murder subject to potential capital charges. With 343 homicides in … [Read more...] about US Supreme Court Death Row case Hidalgo v. Arizona Arizona death penalty law
Art Prison Program
California prisoners are learning art behind prison walls and it’s transforming their lives, reports the New York Times. They are creating artistic scenes with bright color and light on murals at prisons like Salinas Valley and San Quentin state prisons. “I don’t have much of a legacy,” said Jeffrey Sutton, who is serving 41 years for armed robbery. “This is something positive that helps me focus on getting out.” The mural program is part of a new initiative by the state of California that offers prisoners classes such as Native American … [Read more...] about Art Prison Program