Say What Warden?

As I’ve written in prior blogs, this compound’s counselors have begun reducing inmate’s good time earning level anytime a charge occurs.  This policy is in direct contravention of the Department’s own due process DOP which specifically details how good time earning levels can be adjusted.  It is not an arbitrary process – any charge and your good time earning level is reduced.  Instead 830.3 sets forth a specific point system that must be followed. 

I have assisted a number of inmates in their challenge to their earning level reduction.  As I’ve noted in the past, it is readily apparent that neither officers, nor administration staff are fluent in the language contained in the policies and procedures governing inmate discipline.

So, I wrote the warden, just gave him a little “FYI” that his counseling staff was improperly lowering good time earning levels in violation of due process.  And what was the warden’s response?  He wrote:

“You may grieve this issue as staff application of this policy is following the warden’s dictates.”

How interesting that he used the word “dictates” (sounds much like “dictator” doesn’t it?).  So policy and procedure gets thrown out the window in the name of criminal justice.

Eventually someone will realize violating the law doesn’t give the government (in this case a DOC warden) carte blanche to do as it wishes.  Ultimately, real justice matters. 

This story, this fight will go on.