The government spies on incarcerated citizens who use illegal cellphones in correctional facilities. Those aren’t the only people government officials spy on. They are also listening to and tracking free citizens, according to Criminal Legal News (CLN). The technology used is called a cell-site simulator, also called a “stingray.” This device directs a cellphone to connect to it instead of a cell tower. “Police operating the devices can track the location of all connected cellphones within a certain radius, and also can potentially … [Read more...] about Cell phones being monitored in jails and free world alike
High Desert Prison warden sets the record straight
By some accounts, High Desert State Prison is one of California’s most notorious penitentiaries. Warden Marion E. Spearman wants to clear up that impression. He argues that the prison, its staff and inmates have undergone change. It’s no longer a prison that just houses young men with youth management problems. “There’s a new vision and mission for High Desert State Prison,” Spearman said. “The staff lives up to that (challenge).” According to Spearman, High Desert is now about rehabilitation, a safe environment, healthcare, teaching skill … [Read more...] about High Desert Prison warden sets the record straight
PUP grads take center stage
“Pomp and Circumstance” played and everyone stood to applaud the Prison University Project’s (PUP) class of 2018 as they took center stage in San Quentin State Prison’s visiting room in June. Nine men graduated and received their Associative Arts degree from Patten University. One of the graduates, Gerald Morgan, welcomed his 98-year-old aunt, Juanita Stone, to attend the ceremony. “I’ve been to many graduations,” Stone said. “Patten University at San Quentin has been a category, well organized “I couldn’t be happier for Gerald’s great … [Read more...] about PUP grads take center stage
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) aids programs
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) will provide grant funding to the Prison University Project (PUP) and Ear Hustle, an award-winning podcast. Both organizations are based at San Quentin State Prison. PUP offers more than 350 inmates the opportunity to earn their Associate of Arts degree inside prison. Ear Hustle allows inmates to share their stories about what it’s like to live in prison on a daily basis. “We are thrilled to support Ear Hustle’s efforts to connect with more listeners, and the Prison University Project’s plan to … [Read more...] about Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) aids programs
The 100th Edition of San Quentin News
As San Quentin News celebrates its 100th published edition since the newspaper was revived in 2008, the paper’s history is not well known to most of its readers. The News has a predecessor. It’s Wall City News, a publication started at San Quentin in the 1920s. It ran until the mid-1930s before it ceased operation. Several years later, Warden Clinton T. Duffy had an idea. In his book, The San Quentin Story, he wrote, “The grapevine throbbed with weird gossip ... I decided that the obvious answer, if we could swing it, would be a regular … [Read more...] about The 100th Edition of San Quentin News
Queeny King performs at SQ
At age 8, singer-song writer Queeny King sang in a Soviet Union prison. In March, she performed at San Quentin State Prison. Dressed in black bell-bottom pants with buttons along the side and wearing a black blazer with a shiny brown blouse, King put on a look that, on its face, could have been interpreted as belonging to rock, goth, punk or the pop genre of music. It became obvious none of that was her once the music played and she started singing. King’s song Run for the Hills opened the early evening performance with DJ Kraig (Frank Tyler) … [Read more...] about Queeny King performs at SQ
New system to combat illegal prison cellphones
The use of contraband cellphones by inmates in prison shows an increase in crime and violence across the country, according to a press release in Digital Journal. Because of the alleged increase in crime, Securus Technologies is selling its Wireless Containment Solution (WCS) for operation inside of jails and prisons around the nation, the Journal reported. The private cellphone network operates inside jails and prisons to specifically stop unauthorized communication from contraband cellphones. “Half of the state’s foster-care population is … [Read more...] about New system to combat illegal prison cellphones
50 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of peace
"King’s Dream was to end class divisions and racism" The message of peace and racial justice from Martin Luther King Jr. 50 years ago is still being echoed in 2018 America. Nonviolent protests around the country are seen in recent Occupy Movements, Black Lives Matter, #METOO, Time’s Up, and March for our lives movements. King was assassinated April 4, 1968. And every year Americans remember him on his birthday, now a national holiday. We’re reminded that King was a civil rights pioneer in places such as Alabama and at the historic March on … [Read more...] about 50 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of peace
2011 Realignment had modest impact
California’s 2011 Realignment plan reduced the state’s prison population, increased county jail population and had a modest impact on recidivism, according to a study seven years later. “One goal of Realignment was to reduce California’s persistently high recidivism rates,” the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) report states. “Overall, we find Realignment had modest effects on recidivism, with considerable variation across offender groups and counties.” “64% of California’s jail population is awaiting trial or sentencing as of … [Read more...] about 2011 Realignment had modest impact
Singer/songwriter Neda Boin brings inspiration to SQ
There is a way to change anger and fear to love, singer-songwriter Neda Boin told an audience of San Quentin prisoners and outside guests. For her, it came after completing A Course in Miracles. Boin came from the Netherlands to release songs from her new album, The Light Has Come, at San Quentin State Prison. About 100 guests attended the February concert held in the Catholic chapel. Boin told the audience that A Course in Miracles: Mastering the Journey from Fear to Love changed her life and inspired her music. “It’s been about feeding … [Read more...] about Singer/songwriter Neda Boin brings inspiration to SQ