A Texas warden was demoted and transferred following the discovery of a disciplinary quota scheme used in the Ramsey Unit of the Texas prison system, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice terminated more than 500 disciplinary cases after an investigation revealed that four state facilities implemented a disciplinary quota in which officers were required to write up a certain number of inmates or potentially face punishment themselves. The discovery of these quotas has led to a statewide audit and multiple demotions of prison officials. The officers involved could face criminal charges, according to officials.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice terminated more than 500 disciplinary cases after an investigation revealed that four state facilities implemented a disciplinary quota in which officers were required to write up a certain number of inmates or potentially face punishment themselves. The discovery of these quotas has led to a statewide audit and multiple demotions of prison officials. The officers involved could face criminal charges, according to officials.
The investigation was sparked by the Chronicle after it obtained leaked emails from Capt. Reginald Gilbert of the Ramsey Unit. Gilbert wrote, “Effective March 10, 2018, each sergeant will be required to turn in at least two (2) cases written by officers for a Level 2 Code 35 ‘Unauthorized Storage of Property.’ Two each day is my requirement. Remember this is to be done each work- day without exception.”
This situation came on the heels of a separate investigation at the Ramsey Unit, in which officers allegedly planted evidence in an inmate’s cell. Four officers were fired, and one resigned as a result, according to the Chronicle.
Texas prisons are making efforts to reform the disciplinary system and prevent similar situations in the future, according to prison spokesperson Jeremy Desel.
“The agency is review- ing all disciplinary training and considering new state- wide training for all those involved in the disciplinary process. The agency is also working to make changes to policy to include explicit language that forbids any type of quota system or mandatory case writing activity,” he told The Chronicle. “This will make it crystal clear to all that nothing even resembling mandated disciplinary activity will be tolerated.”
Authorities are taking a closer look at the disciplinary process by increasing training and examining the system for defending in- mates accused of disciplinary infractions.
“In the current system, there are individuals who operate as counsel substitutes, essentially counsel for the offenders accused of disciplinary cases, the formerly
“The agency is review- ing all disciplinary training and considering new state- wide training for all those involved in the disciplinary process. The agency is also working to make changes to policy to include explicit language that forbids any type of quota system or mandatory case writing activity,” he told The Chronicle. “This will make it crystal clear to all that nothing even resembling mandated disciplinary activity will be tolerated.”
Authorities are taking a closer look at the disciplinary process by increasing training and examining the system for defending in- mates accused of disciplinary infractions.
“In the current system, there are individuals who operate as counsel substitutes, essentially counsel for the offenders accused of disciplinary cases, the formerly
reported to unit wardens,” Desel told the Chronicle. “Now those individuals will receive enhanced training and report to the Division of Administrative Review and Risk Management, which will increase the independence of these positions and allow them to potentially see any unusual trends.”
Possible changes in policy bring hope to advocates. Jennifer Erschabek of the Texas Inmate Families Association said in the article, “It’s very encouraging.”
Doug Smith, a policy analyst with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, believes changes can improve defense for inmates facing disciplinary infractions and increase prison safety.
“When you do mass punishment like that, you put people in danger because it invites retaliation,” Smith told the Chronicle. “I’m thrilled that this reporting has uncovered some dangerous and ineffective policies, and I’m thrilled that people are going to be treated justly and fairly because that’s how you foster rehabilitation.”
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https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/suicides-disturbingly-common-among-correctional-officers/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/oklahoma-highest-incarceration-rate-u-s/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/san-quentin-news-merchandise/
Possible changes in policy bring hope to advocates. Jennifer Erschabek of the Texas Inmate Families Association said in the article, “It’s very encouraging.”
Doug Smith, a policy analyst with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, believes changes can improve defense for inmates facing disciplinary infractions and increase prison safety.
“When you do mass punishment like that, you put people in danger because it invites retaliation,” Smith told the Chronicle. “I’m thrilled that this reporting has uncovered some dangerous and ineffective policies, and I’m thrilled that people are going to be treated justly and fairly because that’s how you foster rehabilitation.”
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/alisha-coleman-change-agent/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/judy-appel-talks-justice/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/suicides-disturbingly-common-among-correctional-officers/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/oklahoma-highest-incarceration-rate-u-s/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/san-quentin-news-merchandise/
