Justice Newzzz
AP investigation reveals CA federal prison "rape club;" officers involved in shooting at Floyd protests involved in Wed. killing of Amir Locke in Minneapolis; prison hip hop ban unconstitutional
outcries: 200 incarcerated individuals in Rikers Island go on a hunger strike to protest ongoing poor conditions including treatment in solitary confinement, staff shortage and COVID outbreaks. A note circulating calls for a bigger demonstration around the time of Biden’s visit to New York. The Root (Jan. 31, 2022)
modern day slavery: from cleaning duties to firefighting, most incarcerated individuals work full days, making less than $1 an hour with no benefits and with no guarantee of post-release employment. Harvard Political Review (Feb. 3, 2022)
checks to prevent arrest: This new guaranteed income experiment for the formerly incarcerated in Florida addresses criminalization of poverty despite potential controversy. The participants of the program will receive $1000 first month and $600 a month for the rest of the year. Vox (Feb. 3, 2022)
down the middle: Outreach to the nation’s largest policing groups by the White House domestic policy adviser last month is in tune with Democratic leaders’ shift towards the center on criminal justice issues. The New York Times (Feb. 2, 2022)
exploitation at every turn: A report released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows the financial exploitation of people involved in the criminal justice system. From forcing them to overpay for essential goods in prison to court fines and fees. The Crime Report (Feb. 3, 2022)
uprising: Four prison guards were hospitalized after a riot broke out in the mess hall at Five Points Maximum Security Prison in New York State. Seven incarcerated individuals were transferred and three individuals are accused of inciting the riot with pending disciplinary charges. Syracuse.com (Feb. 2, 2022)
locked down: All federal prisons across the United States were locked down early Tuesday as a gang brawl in a facility in Texas lead to the death of two incarcerated individuals and hospitalization of two others. This rare move was taken out of an “abundance of caution,” authorities say. Aljazeera (Feb. 1, 2022)
hip hop outlawed: A federal appeals court rules prisons targeting hip-hop music as contraband might be unconstitutional. An incarcerated individual sued Arizona DOP saying his Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Snoop Dogg albums were seized while books on the Aryan Brotherhood were allowed in. Billboard (Feb. 4, 2022)
increased access: Prominent business leaders endorse Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to allow people in prison to access New York’s Tuition Assistance Program. "Formerly incarcerated people are less likely to recidivate if they have educational opportunities that increase the chances of employment upon release,” said Ford Foundation President. Spectrum News (Feb. 3, 2022)
switched positions: BOP’s Transgender Executive Council recommended 47-year-old Cristina Iglesias to receive the gender-affirming surgery. If certain conditions are met, it would refer her to a surgeon, which would make her the first person to receive the surgery in federal custody. They first denied her request. The Hill (Feb. 3, 2022)
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The shooting of #AmirLocke was deeply disturbing. The @CouncilonCJ Policing Task Force's policy assessment highlights the research showing why no-knock raids must be curtailed and why data on these & other warrants should be regularly published.
Join Justice Arts Coalition on Wednesday, February 9 for Art + Agency: A Conversation about Exploitation, Ethics, and Restorative Response | What’s in a Prison Meal? | A recent poll commissioned by @WorthRises revealed that 68% of Americans don’t know that there’s an exception in the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — the amendment celebrated for abolishing slavery. |
COVID-19 resources: State policy changes. News. Bureau of Prisons updates. State court changes. Prison holistic self care and protection.
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COVID-19 resources: State policy changes. News. Bureau of Prisons updates. State court changes. Prison holistic self care and protection. Jailhouse Lawyers Handbook.
We want to hear from you about how COVID-19 is impacting you and the people connected to you. What is not being talked about? What story do you have that needs to be heard? Who do you want answers or explanations from? Please reach out to tips@thedes1790.com.