SHU Conditions and Demands

Re: SHU Core Demands #1-3
Our problem with CDCR’s response to core demands #1, 2, and 3 is this…
#1. We remain in (SHU) indefinitely, deprived of our basic human rights – based on illegal policies and practices, that amount to torture; torture of us, as well as our family members and loved ones on the outside. CDCR remains in denial, and continues to propagate the lies re: “worst-of-the-worst” 3000 gang generals, etc. – in order to dehumanize/demonize us, so as to maintain the status quo, and “continue to hammer us” [per Sec. Cate’s press statement earlier this year], and subject us to “harsh” conditions [per Kernan’s Aug. 23rd testimony]. These terms “hammer” and “harsh” conditions, are used in place of the word torture – and the fact is, CDCR’s intent is to break us down, and coerce us into becoming state informants! A violation of international treaty law-period!! This is not acceptable!
CDCR has failed to produce any documentation re: details of how their so called “step-down” program will work, who it will apply to, exceptions-exclusions etc.; and our problem is,…”step down” from what”? When someone has been in (SHU) deprived of normal human contact- especially the lack of any physical contact with family/loved ones, for 10-40 years [based on a “label” without being charged and found guilty of illegal gang activity]; yet CDCR is dragging it out, coming with nothing but words, and vague “proposals,”…which indicate we will have to remain in (SHU), jumping thru a bunch of CDCR’s security hoops, to advance through “steps”…inspite of (3 to 25+) years free of any serious rule violations!
Plus, we’re certain that CDCR Administrators have no intention of ever giving most of us in PBSP short corridor, any real chance for general population!

Comment - #1 the deprivation of basic human rights are asserted on the mere fact of their placement in the short corridor of the SHU that controls their isolation control and strategically advantage of being housed together within an enclosed cluster. This allows tactical advantages for the CDCR if a disturbance breaks out and the use of force, chemical agent and other non-lethal tools are deployed.
The term hammer is used for impact purposes not torture. Torture is a non-sanctioned management tool but has been documented to occur in a solitary isolation deprivation unit [SID] the courts won’t define solitary confinement because these “acts” are individual acts and not according to existing policy and procedures resulting in either disciplinary action or other management options.

The presentation of the ‘step down policy or program is a difficult concept that took Arizona STG administrators with the help of institutional administrators over 18 months to develop using evidence based programs from other states using this concept. The goal is to find individuals who have abstained from all gang activity for a minimum of 4 years, collect their names for eligibility purposes, offer them a polygraph with predetermined questions to validate their integrity of wanted to step down from their current status as validated gang members in the SHU to a lower custody level population and complete the required curriculum to certify their willingness to abstain from gang activities, follow the rules and commit no new disciplinary during the program and after completion of the program. The actual STG step down program is normally 18 to 24 months long and consists of evidence based self-help in cell studies that range from cultural diversity, anger management, taking responsibility etc. to substance abuse and addiction studies. They must write in their own words the lessons of the course and be evaluated for their participation.. Progressive step downs include going to and from the shower or recreation without restraints; pod time or tier time unrestrained; progress from solo to double recreation time unrestrained; and many more valid tests of willingness to comply and follow the program standards.

#2. CDCR has made clear that one certainty is, their plan to substantially expand on the use of “solitary confinement”, via targeting all prisoners deemed “disruptive groups” [security threat groups], which is defined as: “2 or more inmates who are collectively deemed to be a security threat” – e.g., all street gang affiliates, prisoners deemed political-revolutionary etc., etc, etc. [see also; CCR Title 15; sec. 3000 “Disruptive Behavior”] which with CDCR’s history of abuse of policies re:”prison gangs” in solitary confinement, it’s clear, things will get worse, not better. This new policy is a way CDCR plans to maintain their staff and funding status quo, in response to the Plata order to reduce prison population – it costs nearly double to house prisoners in solitary confinement!
Our position is, CDCR’s “plans” to date, are not acceptable, and are another example of their intent to maintain, and expand on, “solitary confinement;” and demonstrate a failure of the entire CDCR management to make positive reforms! And, all long term (SHU) inmates should be released to general populations!! ASAP!!

Comment #2 - Validation of gang membership should focus on prison gangs already identified to be disruptive and causing disorder within the CDCR prison system. Street gang affiliations can be used to illustrate past behaviors but not as an indicator of current behavior. The validation process is already approved nationwide and many in the matrix do not use street gangs as a tool for points but recognize their value as associations and affiliations to existing prison gangs.

#3. Also, the medical care problems re: core demand #3, have not been resolved!! All PBSP-SHU inmates suffering from chronic disease, and denied adequate care at PBSP, due to deliberate indifference, and efforts to coerce them to debrief..should all be transferred to New Folsom Medical SHU, while waiting to be released to general populations!!

Comment #3 – There are cultural and logistic barriers that impair medical care problems. The first is the accessibility to medical by these SHU prisoners. Their sheer large numbers of SHU population prevents timely escorts to and from the infirmary to be seen on an individual basis. This either requires more medical staff or relocating the medical services closer to the short corridor dispensing or making their evaluations within an enclosed exam room staffed with security and medical person but since confidentiality is an issue, it is very difficult and time consuming to meet the demand. All SHU type medical units have a back log. The trick is to make sure the progression of names to be seen is done on a triage type of evaluation withholding biases of “disruptive” or “management problem” prisoners that won’t be seen due to the fear of being threatened or harmed by these stereotyped individuals. This results in skipping names that is counterproductive.
I seriously doubt that the alleged inadequate care is directly related to the “debrief” process but I do think there is deliberate indifference towards the SHU prisoners because of fear and nothing more as the hype by staff create wedges of resistance by medical personnel to see or exam or treat a particular individual because of his reputation of being “disruptive, assaultive or problematic.”