7/27/2019 SAMPLE letter from MOM re: prisoner's safety

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July 5, 2013

Charles L. Ryan, Director

Arizona Department of Corrections

cryan@azcorrections.gov

Dear Mr. Ryan,

I am writing on behalf of my son, X, inmate # XXXXXX. Xs' life is in danger and I need your help. Thethreat to his life is STG related and statewide. Moving him to another yard will not solve this problem

and will result in physical harm or death.

My 23 year old son is serving an 18 month sentence. At the age of 15, X required a back surgery. He

was given a prescription of opiates for pain. This began an addiction that eventually led to heroin. It is

epidemic in our North Scottsdale neighborhood and was widely used at his high school. These are

great kids from loving families that had no idea of the power and destruction heroin would take on their

young lives. Despite counseling and rehab my son was not able to control his addiction and ended up

in prison as a result. He had no history of criminal behavior and no history of violence.

My son was under the care of both medical doctors and a therapist that all wrote letters on his behalf

to the judge at sentencing. The judge determined that X was a perfect candidate for Marana Prison

which specializes in inmates with addictions. She recommended this prison to the Department of

Corrections as part of his sentencing and gave him the least amount of time allowable to her by law.

The AZDOC did not honor the judges recommendation and sent my son to Yuma. Shortly after he

was transferred to Safford. There he was attacked by another inmate resulting in a brain hemorrhage.

This is very serious as X had two previous brain bleeds prior to incarceration as a result of an

automobile accident. The doctors warned us that another head trauma can easily result in death.

The prison then re-classified him and increased his custody level. X should never have been placed on

a yard with men serving life sentences for murder and other violent crimes. He does not belong there.

He has no history of violence. X defended himself when attacked and was warned to not “snitch” on

the other inmate. As you know, the penalty for being labeled a “snitch” is serious beatings and often

times death.

He was then moved to Tucson's Cimarron yard. This yard is run by racial gangs and drugs are

rampant. X just wanted to do his time without added trouble. The gangs are relentless and they

terrorize these young men and make it impossible to not comply. After being threatened many times

he asked that I contact his CO4 to be called into his office. The inmates cannot go direct for help as

they have to have another inmate with them to avoid snitching. Another ridiculous “rule” on the yards –

governed by the inmates.

I was able to contact CO4 XX who did call X in and moved him into the detention unit. By the timethey got back to his cell all of his belongings had been stolen – his CD player, CD's, clothing – even

his shoes. All that was left was his TV as this is easily traced with the ID number.

He continues to be in the detention unit and is locked down 24 hours a day. His request for protective

segregation is under review but he has been told off the record by the guards that it will be denied.

The inmates have cell phones giving them the ability to reach yards statewide and execute orders

against inmates. Before he arrives on a new yard the word will have reached the gang leaders and the

green light will be given for violence.

7/27/2019 SAMPLE letter from MOM re: prisoner's safety

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I have given up hope that the AZDOC can offer my son any guidance, counseling, education or

addiction therapy. However, I do expect the AZDOC to keep my son safe. I expect him to be able to

finish his sentence without being physically harmed or forced to deal with the drugs that are abundant

in your prisons.

I have called and written letters to the Tucson prison but have received no replies. Again, I ask that

you step in and ensure my son’s safety by granting his 805 request.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

xxxxxxxxxxxx

CC: Dan Pochoda, ACLU-AZ; Rep. Chad Campbell; Sen. Lynn Pancrazi; Sen David Bradley; Rep Juan

Carlos Escamilla; Rep. Stephanie Mach; Rep Bruce Wheeler; Wendy Halloran, KPNX;

---------------------------addresses---------------------

Except for Chad Campbell, the Huse Minority Leader, the parties in the cc line above are from

both the prisoner’s district (YUMA) and the mother’s district (TUCSON).

AZ State Legislature

1700 W. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3559 (senators)

602-926-4221 (reps)

Wendy Halloran

200 E. Van Buren St.

Phoenix, AZ 85006

602-444-1212

ACLU-AZPO Box 17148Phoenix, AZ 85011602-650-1854

AZ Department of Corrections1601 W. Jefferson St.

Phoenix, AZ 85007602-542-5225

send important documents to DOC “REGISTERED” / “RETURN RECEIPT” only