Volume 10 — Number 2, 2009

FEATURING e REENTRY e YOP e EDUCATION e CLUBS  MORE

Louisiana’s Official Prison Magazine STATEMENT OF PUBLICATION

n response to a 1975 federal district court order barring further transfers to the state penitentiary at Louisiana’s IAngola due to severe overcrowding - and despite fierce political and community opposition, Dixon Correctional Institute was established in Jackson on the site of the Official Prison Magazine Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. On April 1, 1976, 400 prisoners were transported to DCI for the New Millennium from Angola and the era of satellite state prison camps was launched. Today, DCI is just one of ten such facilities and is rated to house 1,695 inmates with an operational capacity of 1,586 maximum, medium, and minimum custody inmates. In 1993, Dixon surpassed rigorous accreditation standards of the nationally recognized American Correctional Association with a 98% approval rating. Dixon has been routinely reevaluated by ACA inspectors. In 2008, ACA awarded DCI a 99.1% rating. Straight Low Magazine, the official inmate publication for DCI, was originally named DCI News & Views. Mrs. Rose Travis, then-Director of Inmate Programs at DCI, after becoming acclimated with daily prison jargon, renamed the publication to better reflect the aim of the DCI administration and inmate population. ADMINISTRATION “Tell the truth at all costs!” Mrs. Travis instructed her Bobby Jindal Governor inmate staff and Straight Low Magazine was born. James M. Le Blanc Secretary, DPS&C In 2001, Mrs. Travis died. In her memory each cover of Sheryl Ranatza Deputy Secretary, DPS&C Straight Low Magazine will bear a silhouette of a single Thomas Bickham Undersecretary, DPS&C rose. Whalen Gibbs Assistant Secretary, DPS&C The term Straight Low is a derivative of the ‘free- Jeff Travis Chief of Operations, DPS&C worlder’s’ slang terms: ‘Skinny’, ‘Low-Down’, ‘Poop’, ‘Real Steve Rader Warden Scoop’ and ‘Straight Talk’. It is also the prisoners’ terminology for information believed to be true and Janet S. Lorena Deputy Warden factual. James R. Stevens Assistant Warden Since its rebirth in 1977, every inmate editor and staff Gary Shotwell Assistant Warden member has been committed to the task of disseminating Kenneth Booty Assistant Warden fact from fiction; truth from lie; stark reality from Bruce Coston Assistant Warden, Unit I unsubstantiated rumour. Steven L. Thomas Assistant Warden, Unit II James M. Le Blanc was appointed as Warden of DCI in 1995. Under his direction, Straight Low Magazine uniquely became an uncensored prison publication. In 1999, Straight Low Magazine was formally certified by Secretary of State Fox McKeithen as Louisiana’s Official Prison Magazine for the New Millennium. Straight Low Magazine is published and printed periodically by inmates and staff at DCI. Material submitted for publication may be edited for Board of Directors Steve Rader Publisher clarity, accuracy, and/or space limitations. Frequently, Janet S. Lorena Executive Director submissions are received from ‘free world’ readers and Bruce Coston Security Coordinator subscribers who desire to share their insight. These contributions and the individual’s efforts are welcomed DCI Inmate Staff and appreciated. Editorial and commentary opinions Jan Joseph Porretto Editor expressed are that of the editor and/or author only. Michael O’Neal Staff Material appearing without a by-line is the sole Matthew Pineda Staff responsibility of the editor. All material appearing in Kendrick Volter Volunteer Straight Low Magazine does not necessarily reflect the opinions of employees of the Louisiana Department of Printed by slm. All Rights Reserved, Copyright Straight Low Magazine Public Safety & Corrections and/or inmate population. Dixon Correctional Institute Material submitted for publication which cannot be P.O. Box 788 readily identified as authentic will bear the disclaimer, Jackson, Louisiana 70748 “Submitted for Publication by.” Articles and profiles of inmates and their personal experiences have been All correspondence should be addressed to: Six issue subscription rates: verifiably authenticated to prevent misrepresentation. Jan Joseph Porretto #98965 $20-U.S., $30-Canadian, $40-Foreign Straight Low Magazine grants permission to reproduce Editor, Straight Low Magazine Send cash, check, or money order to: all non-copyrighted material and photographs providing Dixon Correctional Institute - Dorm I Straight Low Subscription credit is given to the individual author and Straight Low P.O. Box 788 Dixon Correctional Institute Magazine. Jackson, Louisiana 70748 P.O. Box 788 Jackson, Louisiana 70748 2 0 09 20092009 VVVolumeolume 10,10, NNooo 11

Louisiana’s Official Prison Magazine for the New Millenium

page 3 COVER STORY ...... 7 Tampa Bay Buccaneer and former LSU star Michael Clayton shares past and present life history in the Youth Leadership Forum.

RESOURCE FAIR ...... 3 Northrop Grumman Corporation, a ship yard with several multi-billion dollar page 24 contracts with the U. S. government, draws plenty of interest from offenders seeking employment opportunites when they discharge.

WHEELCHAIR WASH ...... 24 Dixon Jaycees provided a valuable service to DCI’s disabled offenders. This guy decided not to take advantage of the valet service and tries to hitch a ride back to his dorm.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION ...... 33 After several weeks of building forms, running pipes, and setting expansion joints, DCI maintenance crews spent a full day pumping, pouring, and smoothing concrete for the new Veterinary Clinic and Infirmary addition. page 33 page 7

CONTENTSCONTENTS First Word ...... 1 RELIGION What is a Disciple? ...... 35 REENTRY God’s Cell Phone ...... 36 Resource Fair ...... 3 Living Life in the Spirit ...... 37 ID Required ...... 6 In Remembrance of Lynn ...... 39 YOP DCI Cemetery ...... 40 Visions Create Leaders ...... 7 Prison Religion in the News ...... 41 DCI Demographics ...... 12 Transforming Faith ...... 41 You Know Me! ...... 13 Incarceration – and Inspiration ...... 43 YOP Graduations...... 14 HEALTH EDUCATION Health Watch ...... 45 Hanging with the Winners ...... 15 Hot Weather ...... 45 Educational Graduates ...... 16 HIV Rate Highest in the South...... 45 Educational Programs ...... 18 Nicotine Study ...... 46 Flu Facts ...... 47 CLUBS Vets are the Difference ...... 19 SPORTS VETS Inc. Game Night ...... 21 Flag Football Champions ...... 49 VETS Donate Fans ...... 22 35+ Basketball Champs...... 49 Jaycees Impact YOP Forum ...... 23 Softball ...... 50 Jaycee Wheelchair Wash ...... 24 PRISONERS WITH PENS Toastmasters Training...... 25 Out of My Element ...... 51 PRISON SPECTRUM What in the World?!...... 52 Crime Victim’s Week ...... 27 Crime & Punishment ...... 53 Children Suffer ...... 27 Where Have All the Boys Gone? ...... 54 Hidden Victims ...... 28 Significant Minutiae ...... 57 Rapid Fire ...... 31 Other Perspectives...... 58 Read to Me Daddy ...... 32 PRISON BRIEFS Under Construction...... 33 Louisiana ...... 59 Burning Cash ...... 34 National ...... 60 The Risk Review Panel ...... 62 DCI LAW 2009 Legislative Acts ...... 63 Poetry...... 67 Classified ...... 71 Puzzles ...... 73 Mail Call...... 74 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 FIRSTFIRSTFIRSTFIRSTFIRSTFIRSTFIRST WORDWORDWORDWORDWORDWORDWORD ince March 1993, I have had the First Word with each published edition of Straight Low Magazine. By my Scount, this makes the 52nd time three different sets of EditorialEditorialEditorial Dixon Correctional Institute administrators have permitted me by Jan Joseph Porrettoorrettoorretto to voice legitimate concerns and observations about this prison, prison facilities in general and criminal justice issues as they relate to penology throughout Louisiana and across the globe. but this apparently is not the case in some parish prisons operated The intent of First Word has always been an effort to accurately by elected sheriffs. It appears that warehousing state and federal report the activities inside of a state prison, spotlight the prisoners prisoners has become a normal routine. housed at DCI, rehabilitation programs provided for them, and According to information published by The Times Picayune, offer an unbiased perspective of the various societal philosophies St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain reportedly described state which govern prisoners, our families and our keepers. and federal prisoners housed in his jail as “for profit prisoners.” Yes, Straight Low Magazine began as a rag tag prison news- Sheriff Strain has a 1,192-bed jail that initially promised to make letter. A high school education, a little college, an understand- St. Tammany safer by removing alleged lawbreakers from the ing of crime and punishment from both sides of the razor-wired community until conviction or exoneration. Turns out, the sher- fence, and plenty of common sense has served Straight Low iff has adjudicated state prisoners sleeping in about 630 of those Magazine well. Armed with scotch tape, a ruler, a typewriter beds. The sheriff is paid about 25 bucks a day from the Louisi- and a ‘being-a-news-reporter-writer-editor’ handbook, is how ana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for each of- I started. Straight Low Magazine prospered. With administra- fender. When the math is done, this provides the sheriff with tive support and computer and graphic art skills of past and over two and half million dollars in annual revenue to run his present prisoners, Straight Low Magazine got polished. Got pro- department. There was not a line in that Times Picayune article fessional ... like - at absolutely no cost to Louisiana taxpayers. about tackling recidivism rates, improving rehabilitation efforts, For the past nine years, Straight Low Magazine has also pro- or mirroring state Reentry objectives. duced the top quality correc- The concept of housing tions’ employee magazine, There was not a line in that “for profit prisoners” is not Dixon Digest. exclusive to St. Tammany. My mission at the helm of Times-Picayune article about There is a criminal sheriff Straight Low Magazine has elected in each of Louisiana’s simply been, “tell the truth at tackling recidivism rates... 64 parishes. Many depend on all costs,” as originally state and federal “for profit directed by the magazine’s founder, Rose Travis. When articles prisoners” to finance portions of their department’s budget. garner sympathy, anger, hatred, and/or admiration for prisoners The only reason that this is being spotlighted here is because, and/or employees, it is merely the by-product of accurate and as a state prison magazine, it is hoped that the parish sheriffs are truthful reporting about raw prison-life by real prisoners, in real not simply warehousing adjudicated state prisoners. And, are time. implementing proven rehabilitative programs and successful You wouldn’t think the contents of a prison magazine printed Reentry Initiatives similar to state-operated facilities. and distributed entirely by prisoners from inside an actual state Many of the state public servants who have influenced the prison could possibly improve“” conditions; or soften, even a little direction of criminal legislation, incarceration and rehabilitation bit, the ‘lock’em up and throw away the key’ mentality. The in the Louisiana prison system since the 1970s are now publicly constant changes in corrections’ philosophy and actions are acknowledging that innovative and reentry programs should have dramatically and undeniably evident. I would like to think that been attempted long ago in Louisiana and throughout the United Straight Low Magazine played a part, however small, in the States. positive changes that have occurred in recent years. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections In all actuality, what probably has forced the softening of the has taken the lead to open more avenues for educational/ hard-line stance - is pure economics. Billions of tax dollars are vocational training of state prisoners and faith and character spent to incarcerate citizens in thousands of state and federal based initiatives. Furthermore, state and grant employees work prisons, local jails and privately owned lock-ups from the to make contacts in communities for employment, spiritual and Atlantic to the Pacific. Canada to the Mexican border. professional assistance for released offenders. Much more work The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, needs to be done, however. under the direction of Secretary James M. Le Blanc, has been Faced with millions of dollars in budget reductions, it is successfully addressing the problem of high recidivism rates of predictable that many of the tenured state corrections’ employees state prisoners for several years. At DCI alone, the rates dropped will retire. When they go, will the concept of Reentry, which is from approximately 65% to around 35%. He has taken his still in its infancy, go with them? Will lack of funding shutter Reentry Initiative to every state-run prison facility in Louisiana, Reentry efforts? 1 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 It is imperative that solid policy and procedure, bolstered by To cut costs, items that were taken for granted are now seldom meaningful state law, be pursued now, to ensure that Louisiana provided and other things are closely rationed. Things like black Reentry Initiatives continue, and broaden. pepper, hot sauce and jelly. Corn flakes and oatmeal. The weekly What would the world be like without crime and consequence? menu lists beans, beans, more beans and a whole lot of farm No crime means: No victims. No police. No jails. No bail vegetable, which for a while has been boiled squash. But, a bondsmen. No criminal defense lawyers. No district attorneys. change might be on the way. No judges. No courts. No state prisons. No Parole/Pardon Recently, Governor Bobby Jindal reportedly ordered all state Boards. No parole officers. And, no prison magazines. agencies with cafeteria services to purchase Louisiana shrimp Ironically, safely and productively incarcerating a large ratio to help that industry compete with shrimpers importing from of its citizens is what Louisiana seems to do best. Law Asia. “Schools,” “government buildings,” and “prisons” - yes enforcement, criminal justice programs, corrections and “prisons” was mentioned in The Advocate article. corrections’ related products and services account for thousands, In the 30 years that I have been incarcerated, shrimp in any and thousands, and thousands of jobs and billions upon billions fashion has never been on the prison menu. Never! Needless to of dollars in commerce. It is all mega-business. say, offenders who read that newspaper article began salivating. Metaphorically, Corrections in the United States has grown When “Creole” spaghetti is served again, maybe Louisiana into a huge friendly whale gliding effortlessly through blue shrimp will be swimming in the red juice instead of the sliced waters. To constantly feed, the whale simply opens its mouth turkey franks floating in it. Or, how about pinto beans and shrimp; and schools of fish are devoured. Scavenger fish have learned shrimp on a shingle; shrimp jambalaya; shrimp and macaroni; to attach themselves to and/or swim with the whale because there salisbury shrimp; shrimploaf; shrimpburger helper; shrimpmac; will always be scraps in the water for them to also feed. When shrimp-la-la-king; or shrimp and squash casserole. The options the voracious appetite of the whale is satiated and it closes its are endless and we certainly want to do our part to spur the mouth - what happens to the scavengers that grew dependant on economy. the whale for their own survival? Well, if Louisiana’s Reentry Initiative is 100% successful and MICHAEL CLAYTON the number of offenders locked in state prisons is dramatically Former LSU football star and present Tampa Bay Buccaneers reduced and recidivism becomes just another tough word to wide-receiver Michael Clayton spent a day at DCI sharing his pronounce - I guess we’ll find out. own personal life story and offering a motivational speech to JOBS & RESOURCES young men in the Youthful Offender Program. (Page 7) Clayton impressed the young offenders, as well as seasoned On page 3, Straight Low Magazine thoroughly covered the prisoners, with his honesty and sincerity. Job and Resource Fair held on the grounds of Dixon Correctional The prison population who had the rare opportunity to meet Institute. Dozens of service providers attended and provided a real life star of the National Football League, expressed their the men within a year of release, rays of hope for a successful gratitude and admiration. re-entry. The DCI administration, employers and their employees SLM hopes Michael Clayton has a record-setting season for are commended for their efforts. When one released offender Tampa Bay...except when he’s playin’ dem Saints. finds gainful employment, a place to live and a community that welcomes him home - chances are he will not commit another crime and odds for success are in his favor. CLASSIFIED This issue of Straight Low Magazine provides readers with BUDGET WOES names addresses and phone numbers of businesses in Louisiana Budget cuts are hitting state government, the Louisiana who offer employment and will readily hire qualified applicants Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Dixon – regardless of criminal conviction history. The information was Correctional Institute, and the offender population, very hard! gathered from the many free-world vendors who spent a day at State prisoners, on the whole, do not have much of anything DCI for the Resource Fair (Classified on page 71). There to speak of, and the little things that are denied, become apparently are plenty of employment opportunities in Louisiana. monumental. Given the severity of the budget crunch, it may No, ex-cons are not going to make a million bucks – legally. sound as if prisoners are whining when we complain about the Unless you can rap or are good enough to get in the ring with food served in the prison kitchen. Yes, I know, given our Iron Mike Tyson for one round. All the job representatives I predicament, offenders should be ecstatic we are not just served spoke with said similar things. They are looking for guys who a steady diet of bread and water. will show up on time, do the job they are told to do, and respond Prison food has always been a source of angst for prison to instruction with a “Yes sir,” and “No sir.” So, my administrators and the prisoners who have no one sending them recommendation to ex-offenders in the workplace - keep your money and must regularly eat in the kitchen. Nobody cooks like mouth shut; don’t steal from them or get loaded; and you will Mama. Nobody! do just fine.

2 slm –Volume 10 – NumberReentry 2 – 2009

mployment! Education! Health Care Providers! Substance Abuse ETreatment! Prison Ministries and Rehabilitative Service Providers! What do all of these have in common? Information, opportunities, and most importantly HOPE! On July 30, 2009, Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI), under the direction of Warden Steve Rader, held its highly anticipated Resource Fair in the prison’s main visitation area. Approximately 160 offenders expecting to be released by July of 2010, received valuable information from a variety of organizations, companies and institutions from around the state. Some in attendance were reps from BOH Brothers, Heard Memorial Chapel-Center of Hope, LSU-Health Science Center’s HOP Clinic, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Odyssey House Louisiana, Probation and Parole, Baton Rouge Business & Career Solutions, and many more. Offender Reentry Coordinator Deborah Shirley was responsible for coordinating the entire event. “It is my responsibility to make sure offenders, who are approaching their release date, have an opportunity to take part in such an event as this,” she said. In the distant past, some institution’s held annual job fairs where just prospective employers attended. According to Deborah Shirley, “DCI was the first prison to transition from job fair to resource fair.” With this, offenders have an added incentive. They can receive information or talk with people from organizations who can meet not only their financial needs, but also their social and mental health needs as well. “Because of the economy (employee layoffs, etc.) it was a challenge getting By KKBy endrick Volterolterolter, slm reporter 3 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 of fighting the system,” he added. theft, etc., to survive. The money was One of the biggest fears expressed by quick and the work was easy. offenders about going back into society Incarceration has taught many offenders is the thought of being released with only that true success is based upon hard work $10 and a bus ticket. and dedication. BOH Brothers’ Anthony For offenders like Clynt Williams, Doty couldn’t agree more. “Sometimes resource fairs are life is tough, but it’s a process. We’re here perceived as a step in the today because we don’t want to see you right direction. “I came come back in here,” Doty said. here with a hope that I Some offenders who express a desire could possibly get a line to live a law-abiding life, that may lead to a such as Andy LaCost, Margaret Wilson of La. Workforce shows an prosperous future, and are plagued with offender a list of job centers. Clynt Williams one that I think would be easily apprehension that could commitments from vendors; then, we navigated,” Williams explained. turn into self-fulfilling realized service providers were just as Most offenders know that in order for prophecies. “I hope I important too, so we sent them them to stay out of prison their freedom don’t have trouble Andy LaCost invitations,” Shirley pointed out. is based in part, upon finding and finding a job. One of my biggest fears is For most of the vendors participating maintaining a decent line of employment. getting out and doing the same things I in the event, it was more than just another BOH Brothers personnel coordinator did before coming to prison,” LaCost day at work. It was also an opportunity Anthony Doty acknowledged, “There’s stated. to help someone in need. Rev. Betty plenty of work out An offender’s failure to maintain stable Claiborne, Director of Faith Based there, but there aren’t employment is not the only factor that Initiative, Center of Hope, said, “We hope enough workers.” causes an offender to recidivate. Before to connect the disconnected. Our program Many of the setbacks coming to prison most offenders either is not a halfway house - it’s an all the way employers face when used or were associated with drugs. house. We want guys to understand that dealing with employees Behavioral Health Center’s substance everyone can’t go [directly] home…. and Anthony Doty, are the usual abuse counselor Angel Rushing advised just because you’ve changed, that doesn’t BOH Bros. occurrences. “Most of offenders, “If you had a problem with mean your environment has. We offer the time, when I have to fire someone, drugs or alcohol before coming to prison, direction and support. If anyone is in need it’s because either they fail to show up pay attention to what triggers you. If you of these, then we’re the place.” for work on time, they fail to remain drug relapse, immediately get back connected Michael Ellerbe, DCI Director of Pre- free, and/or their attitudes are with A/A and N/A. It’s a lifelong disease Release emphasized the need to provide counterproductive to the environment,” that you have to treat.” hope for offenders being released back Doty explained. “You can either go one For offender Huey Carter, the into society. “The Department is here to way, or you can go the other.” realization of this fact has already been help you get seamless transition in mind Many offenders—before coming to accepted. “Cenikor told me they could before you get out,” he said. “There is prison—sold drugs or sought out quick send me to school to become certified in help for everyone. Use the system instead illegal hustles like burglary, robbery, auto teaching substance abuse. I think that’s a

Probation & Parole agents from several districts were on hand to answer questions about supervision. 4 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 offering tax credits to employers that hire ex-felons. “If an employer hires an ex- felon, they can gain up to $8,000 in tax credits a year,” Workforce Development Assistant Margaret Wilson explained. “Louisiana Workforce Commission gave me information on current employers that hire ex-felons. One of my biggest fears was not being able to get a job when I get out,” LaBouve declared. Probation & Parole agents from Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Covington, New Orleans, and Amite were in attendance to provide information to offenders about parole supervision. Agent Christie Schexnayder, Amite District, Shantel Bazile-Maurice of informed offenders that Probation & Cenikor Foundation rep Bruce Dietz Excelth, Inc., a social services Parole is one of an offenders’ biggest speaks with Andre Holt about their provider based in New Orleans. treatment program. resources. “Most of these guys I think just good idea,” Carter concluded. passed during the legislative session and The Resource Fair’s atmosphere was Corrections’ efforts to implement policies vibrant and energetic. Vendors cordially from the framework of rehabilitation. talked about their programs with Corrections Secretary James Le Blanc offenders. YOP offender, Jamison believes rehabilitation curbs the rate of Primas, expressed how he talked with recidivism. DCI’s Reentry/Resource Fair several groups that were important to his Coordinator Deborah Shirley strongly situation, “I saw a lot of opportunities and agrees, “The opportunities that exist in people wanting to help me. It’s Corrections today can help an offender motivating! It gives me a better stay out of prison.” perspective about things.” Job fairs and resource fairs are just “Although we may not have all the big another creative way to communicate to names, I’m very pleased with the vendors offenders that there is hope and we were able to attract. If an offender opportunities. It is also a way to connect wants to stay out of prison, all they have organizations and employers with to do is take advantage of opportunities potential clients and employees. From the available to them. We’re trying to open eyes of an offender, it’s hope that has up doors for them,” Deborah Shirley said. come in the midst of an otherwise dim Offender Richard LaBouve learned situation and has made possibilities of a that Louisiana Workforce Commission is bright future…a reality. Kyle Liotta of the Veterans Administration talks with an offender about VA benefits. had a bad time fitting into society. So, I’m hoping the information I shared with them could help them reintegrate back into society more effectively,” Agent Schexnayder said. Although it’s impossible to meet every offender’s needs, the Resource Fair’s organizers and participants claim it was a huge success. Offender Denardo Boyd was optimistic. “I really appreciate the people that came out. Although it wasn’t exactly what I expected it to be, it still had a lot of benefits,” Boyd declared. The philosophical change in Louisiana’s Department of Corrections is Brad Hebert of the Louisiana Workforce Christie Schexnayder, P & P Amite District, evident by reform legislation recently Commission offers flyers to Errick Marshall. was one of eight agents in attendance. 5 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

By Michael O’Neal, slm reporter

he mobile unit for the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) If an offender has had a Louisiana ID came to Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI) on June 10 or driver’s license in the last five years, T& 11, 2009. The OMV unit visits DCI three to four times the DCI prison ID is all that is needed per year as a part of re-entry programming. It is mandatory that for identification to get a driver’s license all offenders have at least two forms of identification in their or State ID. If it has been over five years, discharge packets. The two OMV employees in the mobile unit offenders must have a birth certificate and served nearly 140 offenders over the two-day callout. a Social Security card. A Louisiana birth Generally, people on the callout are within 6 months to 1 card costs $9.50 and is available only year of discharge. through the Re-entry Program—usually If a person’s license has been expired for over one year, the applied for during orientation upon offender must take the written test over again. If two years have reception at DCI. Out-of-state birth Deborah Shirley passed, the written and driver’s test has to be taken. The mobile certificates are the responsibility of the OMV unit does not provide either of these tests. offender to acquire. Social Security cards are free. Offenders pay for the identification card by filling out a drawslip in the amount required for the type of ID they are getting. Those who do not have money in their accounts are placed on debt hold. Compound Two offender Jeremy Black was able to take special advantage of the service. Black, 36, discharges in 2012 and his Commercial Drivers License (CDL) was due to expire in October. “I talked with her [Deborah Shirley] yesterday and explained that I would like to renew my CDL,” he said. “I didn’t want to go through the hassle later [after the license expired].” Shirley placed him on the callout and arranged for the required physical at the DCI Infirmary. Black was able to renew his CDL at a cost of $56.00 for renewal and application fees, plus the Infirmary $3 co-payment for the physical. Jeremy Black takes eye exam to renew his CDL

6 slm –Volume 10 – NumberYOP 2 – 2009

By Kendrick Volter and Michael O’Neal, slm reporters

any states across the nation have Youthful Offender eloquently explained the purpose and Programs (YOP) similar to the one at Dixon Correctional theme of the event. MInstitute in Jackson, Louisiana. Several have used DCI’s “Don’t let others tell you that you can’t program as a model. do something,” Jackson emphasized. “It’s This unique program houses youthful offenders ranging from important that you hold on to your visions ages 19 years old or younger. Various therapeutic services are and dreams.” Jackson reinforced his offered to motivate, inspire, and move each offender towards a points with anecdotes briefly positive direction of rehabilitation. The “Program” (as referred summarizing the struggles and ambitions to by participants and DCI employees alike) is guided by DCI of President Barack Obama before he James Jackson Warden Steve Rader, Unit 1 Assistant Warden Bruce Coston became the 44th U.S. President. He also and Colonel John Smith, Program Director. All therapeutic talked about the late great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and programming is organized and implemented by Lena Day, his dream of equality. Jackson closed with a poem by Langston Therapeutic Program Manager and Alvin King,Counselor II. Hughes called Harlem. In 2008, YOP staff and peer counselors created the Youth An excellent performance was performed by peer facilitators Leadership Forum as a therapeutic medium to assist in the in a skit called Hard Times directed by Kevin Sherman. The fulfillment of program objectives. Through music, skits, story began with Goldie (Eric Johnson) and Skip (Haron Link) speeches, and appearances from prominent guest speakers, trying to sell crack cocaine on the corner. Along came Runaway youthful offenders listen, experience, and learn valuable lessons (Kevin Sherman), a well-known dope fiend in the ‘hood who about their own life through common and similar experiences tries to sell one of others. shoe for a hit. If nothing changes, nothing changes Runaway scares —YOP motto, author unknown. Goldie and Skip DCI’s Youthful Offender Program held its second annual by screaming Youth Leadership Forum on July 16, 2009. The event’s theme “One Time, One was Visions Today Create Leaders for Tomorrow. Tutors and Time” (meaning peer facilitators pulled their talents together to create this awe- the police are inspiring event. The program also featured former gangster coming) which turned motivational speaker prompted the drug Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed and dealers to throw Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their product on former LSU wide receiver the ground. The Michael Clayton. drug dealers re- Col. John Smith opened the turned to find event with a welcome Runaway using statement and was followed their ditched dope by Linda Courtney, Literacy/ with no cops Academic Teacher, who led around. They pro- Churchboy (Demond Brock) holds his dying Col. John Smith opens the invocation. Host and YOP brother Kulunda (Joshua McGaha) ceeded to execute the program. tutor James Jackson in the skit Hard Times. their wrath upon 7 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Runaway with kicks and punches. Churchboy (Demond Brock) and his bother Kulunda (Joshua ...I just brought you out McGaha) happened to come along and persuaded them to rob another drug dealer named Romalis (Walter Washington). of this, now what are Romalis and Kulunda are killed during a gun battle. Churchboy is the only person to be arrested, prosecuted and convicted for you going to do for me? both murders. The Judge (William White) sentenced him to two life sentences in Angola. “I see so many young brothers’ pants sagging,” said Dickerson. The story further depicts the challenges that younger offenders “Young brothers, when we pull our pants up our knowledge have to face when serving time in an adult prison such as Angola. comes up.” Churchboy had to defend himself against a rape attempt by an Newspaper clippings relating different stories about juvenile older convict named Dirty (Wilfred Jones). Then Churchboy violence were passed out and used to enhance his points. The moved to another cell with a convict named Malcolm (James morning concluded with former YOP graduates Jerel Jackson Favors) who had a more refined mentality. Malcolm gave him and Timothy Pugh performing their original hip-hop song that different perspectives about life in general and prison life. The was inspired by the Program’s motto. skit concluded with Churchboy coming to a better understanding “”The Forum resumed after lunch with YOP tutor/Forum about himself and a deeper appreciation toward life. coordinator Kendrick Volter introducing the first guest speaker, An ensemble of the DCI choir, lead by Gary Spears, performed Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed. “Silky Slim” is founder and former inspirational songs and hymns throughout the program. leader of the South Side Wrecking Crew Street Gang and former Members of the choir included: member of the L.A. Rolling 30’s Crips Gang. He is now the Andrew Mitchell, Timothy Pugh, president of Stop The Killing, Inc. a program organized to stop Gregory Riley, Kevin Marshall, Kelvin violence. Reed also hosts a radio show on Sunday’s, which targets Robertson, Erin Neoland, Clifton Jones, the younger generation. Jerry Floyd (Sound), and Kevin Davis Silky grew up Arthur Reed in a poor area of South Baton (Sound). Rouge called the “Bottom.” As a teen dropout, he said he quickly Maurese Dickerson was one of the two gravitated to a life of drug dealing, intimidation and crime. Silky topic speakers that gave brief talks on was just 14 years old when he first entered the Louisiana penal specific subject matters. Dickerson’s system for attempted murder and armed robbery. He spent the Maurese Dickerson speech Youth in Peril focused on how this next 17 years bouncing between gang life and prisons from generation of youth has displayed more California to Louisiana. Silky Slim’s life was turned around in violence and senseless criminal acts than any generation before January of 2003 when Silky and a SUV full of friends were it. He also discussed how the graveyards are full of children that driving from California to Louisiana. Their SUV struck another could have been in college. vehicle and flipped several times. The violent crash killed

Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed expounds on the perils of “Thuggin’ It and Lovin’ It.”

8 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

Neil Clark and Demond Brock are interviewed by Michael Bryant in a talk-show themed skit. everyone in the vehicle, except the person off our youth. The audience viewed raw before they became winners—J.C. wearing a seat belt—Silky Slim. It was images of a murder scene being processed Penney, Walt Disney, and Ray Charles. then that Silky says GOD spoke to him, by crime scene investigators. The This served to introduce the talk show’s telling him, “Now I just brought you out coroner’s van poised to load the body. theme Living for Today by Learning from of this, now what are you going to do for “This guy used to always tell me how Yesterday’s Mistakes. me?” he was going to die packing. Well, if you Demond Brock, the undisputed Now, Silky is working to make the notice,” he said while pointing to the gun Louisiana Institutional Boxing “Bottom” better by helping the elderly still tucked into the victim’s waistband, Association Welterweight Champion, and setting examples for the youth. He is “they got to him before he could even pull grew up in an impoverished filming a documentary on life in the it.” neighborhood and unfortunately entered ‘hood, and has been featured in many He stressed the importance of getting the adult penal system at the age of 15. news articles for his work as an activist an education and changing patterns of His original sentence was 5 years. such as The Wall Street Journal, The thinking in order to change our Because of an aggravated fight, he ended Advocate, Playboy of Japan, The Final circumstances and conditions. up getting more time added to his Call and a full story of his life in 225 “That’s the only other option. Or, you sentence. Through boxing, he was able Magazine. could end up right back here or like this to learn discipline and control his anger. “Silky” immediately attacked the guy,” Silky said. [Referring to the picture He also recognized that a seventh grade sagging pants syndrome. When of deceased victim before the education wouldn’t suffice for what type I first walked in I couldn’t help coroner zipped up the body of man he envisioned himself to be. He but notice how many guys bag]. said he worked hard and earned his GED. were saggin’,” Silky stated. The next portion of the He is active in Toastmasters and he has “When I first come through program was Lockdown with completed college courses. the system [DOC] in the 80’s, Michael Bryant, a skit with a “Whenever I feel like things aren’t if you seen a man saggin’ that talk-show format that going right, I think of the acronym PUSH, meant he was advertising Whilliam featured peer facilitators, which means Pray Until Something goods for sale.” White Demond Brock and Neil Happens,” concluded Brock. Reed told the audience Clark, as guests. The third Neil Clark talked about the other side about how he became guest, appearing as an expert of the coin. He was raised in a home with involved with gangs at an on moral reasoning, was all the advantages of the middle class— early age. By the time he was Chaplain Clyde Ennis. nice neighborhood, good schools, and 14 years old, attempted Bryant welcomed the crowd plenty of opportunity. Yet Clark murder and armed robbery to the sounds of the DCI band squandered his opportunities, dropped were the first two charges to playing big band music similar out of school, and fell in with the wrong “stain my rap sheet.” Through to The Tonight Show. During the crowd. a PowerPoint presentation, he monologue, Bryant related Chaplain Ennis emphasized the power showed how this generation’s three real-life stories of faith and prayer. He pointed to the truth “Thuggin’ and Lovin’ It” about successful people contained in Scripture that lets people mentality is drastically killing who were once losers know they don’t have to face their 9 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

Chaplain Clyde Ennis explains the power of faith. problems alone—God is with them every step of the way. Lockdown ended with questions for the panel from the audience. After the talk show, Jerel Jackson and Timothy Pugh performed another original song Into the Future. The second topic speaker of the day was Edgar “Big Ike” Isaac (cousin of NFL and former LSU receiver Michael Clayton). His speech Gangster for God was very emotional and dramatic. He talked about how for 11 years he stayed in prison indulging Tampa Bay and former LSU wide receiver Michael Clayton in every institutional game chats with the offenders at YOP. you can think of. His mentality caused him to leave The featured speaker of the afternoon was Tampa Bay prison as a worse threat to Buccaneers wide receiver Michael Clayton. Clayton was the society than he was when he number one receiver on LSU’s first BCS championship team was incarcerated. that defeated Oklahoma 21-14 in the 2003 Sugar Bowl—a game “I pimped men, strong- that was much more lopsided than the score indicates. armed people, dealt drugs and Entering the NFL draft after his junior season, he was drafted manipulated security!” he by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 15th Edgar Isaac exclaimed. “And, when I got pick in the first round. He went on to break out nothing changed.” all of Tampa Bay’s rookie receiving records, He urged young offenders to change their lives now. “Please, and by the end of the season, he was voted as little brothers, don’t do like I did and go back out there like you the NFC Rookie of the Year. He came in came in.” He urged them to put their faith in God because He is second to Ben Rothlisberger as NFL Rookie their ultimate source of power against evil. of the Year. The Pittsburgh Steeler Kendrick Volter then presented a poem entitled The Truth quarterback won the Super Bowl that year. Shall Set You Free, which detailed how his Michael Clayton is married and has three misconceptions about life blinded him to children. what life really meant. He described how Clayton arrived in the DCI visiting facility coming to prison opened his eyes to how during the break for lunch and promptly asked life is taken for granted and fellowship with if it would be okay to go down to the YOP God is a necessity of life. dorm to visit with the youthful offenders. Lt. “In an abyss of despair I’m coping Harris escorted him to Dorm K, and when he because the truth keeps me hoping,” he arrived, the offenders assembled in their recreation room. yelled. (The poem in its entirety appears in After some one-on-one interaction with various offenders, the poetry section of slm.) Kendrick Volter Clayton addressed the group. One anecdote he told the group 10 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

Left: YOP offenders enjoy the show. Center: Michael Clayton urges offenders to make the right decisions in life. Right: Michael Clayton’s, autographed Limited Edition LSU poster. was the story of the summer before he His friends, knowing his drive, talent, continue being. entered LSU. Clayton said he had a and work ethic pleaded with him to return Clayton detailed what kind of daughter and was working a job in a to the game of football. They rightly dedication it takes to remain a warehouse for SHAW Industries. He was believed it was his calling to play at LSU. professional football player. “The clearing about $400 a week. He was They eventually talked him into fulfilling moment you step into the league, they’re happy and had made the decision to stay his commitment to LSU—a decision trying to replace you. They’re waiting for with SHAW and try to work his way up which changed his life. you to drop one ball,” he said. “But you in the company. Support of his child was “I’ve made the right decisions all of can only control what you can control. first on his mind he said. He felt that my life,” Clayton said. “I was always the “Use this time as a stepping stone,” he football and college should take a back best athlete in every sport along with said. seat to the responsibilities incurred by being a good student I finished school During his presentation in the visiting being a father. with good grades.” facility, Clayton related some of the trials His message to the faced by a professional athlete who has youthful offenders was a millions of dollars in salary and signing positive one that was based bonuses. The temptations to fall into the on personal decisions. He lifestyles that cause many athletes to fall encouraged them that, from grace. He also talked about the “Making the right decisions friction between him and Coach Jon will open doors for you, and Gruden, and his perseverance through that 90% of the time success will rocky relationship. follow,” he said. “My The underlying theme of his mentality is what gets me presentation involved decision-making, through.” yet it also subtly emphasized the He brought a DVD that importance of the people one associates contained highlights of his with. If a person surrounds himself with high school, college, and good people who truly care, it helps us professional games. He said with our ability to make good decisions. that it wasn’t an egotistical Conversely, if one surrounds himself with thing but that he used these people who are negative and truly care videos to remind him of what only for themselves, bad decisions he had to do to become inevitably follow. successful. “Mentally, you After the program, Clayton have to put yourself in that autographed limited, numbered, editions place to be that person,” he of a poster depicting him during his LSU said. career along with official autograph cards Michael Clayton poses while autographing posters. A person he wants to provided by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

11 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Information provided by DCI Classification Dept. Information provided by DCI Classification Dept. Information provided by DCI Classification Dept. Information provided by DCI Classification Dept. Information provided by DCI Classification Dept.

12 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 YOU KNOW ME!

RETIRED LDPS&C SECRETARY RICHARD STALDER SPEAKS AT DCI YOUTHFUL OFFENDER PROGRAM GRADUATION

By Michael O’Neal, slm reporter n May 29, 2009, Dixon close ties to the theme of his Correctional Institute inspirational presentation. O conducted graduation He used four examples of people ceremonies for five offenders who he met early in his career—all of them completed DCI’s Youthful Offender incarcerated for relatively minor Program. The graduations for the one- offenses. He ran across each of these year-program, for youthful offenders offenders at different times later in his 19 years old or younger, are generally career while touring death row, or the held every month. dormitories and cellblocks of Angola. Former DPS&C Secretary Richard Stalder Mr. Richard Stalder, retired- “‘Hey…Secretary Stalder….You Louisiana Department of Public know me!’ they would say,” Stalder He told the graduates that he did Safety and Corrections Secretary, was explained. not want any of them to be ones that, the guest speaker. “I pray that over the months and later on, run across Warden Rader, Stalder held the post of Secretary years that you take advantage of Assistant Warden Coston, or any for sixteen years through four opportunities available to you. You other officers and staff they have met different Governors. have authority over your own life,” during their incarceration, and be the He started his career as a he told the audience. “With that one to say, “Hey…Mr. (fill in the corrections sergeant, a fact that had authority, comes responsibility.” blank)—You know me!”

At Left Richard Stalder applauds as Warden Steve Rader presents certificate to YOP graduate. Above: Assistant Warden Bruce Coston presents a gift, made by offenders in the Art Shop, to Richard Stalder.

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YOP GRADUATIONS FEBRFEBRFEBRUUUARARARY 27, 2009 APRIL 24, 2009 JUNE 26, 2009 (Top Left) Andre Alexander, Curtis (Above Left) Andrew Giles, Juan Neely, and (Bottom Left)Darren Braud and Jamar Price. Donaldson, Norman Griffin, and Freddie Dartrell Smith. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, East Mayor Bennie Jones, Village of Wilson, Asst. Washington. Ms. Alice Roeling, LAC, CCS, Baton Rouge Parish, and Colonel John Warden Bruce Coston, and Colonel John Spring Recovery Adolescent Program, and Smith. Smith. Colonel John Smith. MAMAMAY 29, 2009 JULJULJULY 31, 2009 MARMARMARCH 27, 2009 (Above Right) Antoine Cooper, Johnathan (Bottom Right) Warden Steve Rader, Kendall (Top Right) Ronald Belsha and Anthony Dorsey, Stephen Farrell, Sidney Jenkins, Asst. Temple, Johathan Taylor, Mayor Barbara Pittman. Mr. Gus Richard, MCI Phone Warden Bruce Coston, and Christopher “Bobbie” Bourgeois, Town of Slaughter. Specialist, and Colonel John Smith. Tynes. Not Pictured: Mr. Richard Stalder, retired-Secretary of DPS&C.

14 slm –Volume 10Education – Number 2 – 2009

By KKBy endrick Volterolterolter, slm reporter ixon Correctional Institute and Louisiana Technical speaker. Munson captured the audience’s attention by describing College, Folkes Campus, held their annual the first 18 years of his life as a straight-A student with a Dcommencement ceremony for the graduating class of promising future to play football at LSU. During his college 2008. Draped in green traditional caps and gowns, 83 offenders years, his life took a turn as a result of becoming addicted to received General Equivalency Diplomas (GED) in the presence drugs. He failed to maintain the required grades needed to stay of loved ones and friends. Another 107 offenders were either in school and he said he was banned from campus. Five years completers—students who fin- later, he said he was paralyzed ish a substantial amount of by a drug-induced stroke and work in a particular curricu- Whatever your past was personally rehabilitated by his lum—or graduates of various father, who told him, “…don’t trades offered at the prison like could be used to help let anybody tell you that you through the Louisiana Techni- can’t do anything.” Unable to cal School System such as: Au- someone in the present, accept squandering a multi- tomotive Technology, Carpen- million dollar inheritance—to a try, Collision Repair, Communication Electronics, Culinary Arts, $2,000-a-day drug habit—Munson said he attempted suicide in Electrical, Horticulture, Masonry, and Welding. 1987. Years later, as his life began to get back on track; Munson The ceremony, on March 10, 2009, began as the GED said he tried to reenroll at LSU three times but was denied. graduates marched to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance. So he decided to enter a Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Chaplain Clyde Ennis delivered the invocation and DCI’s Soon after graduating, LSU allowed him to attend school there. Warden Steve Rader welcomed everyone. He then introduced “Whatever your past was like could be used to help someone special guest, La. State Representative Patricia Haynes Smith, in the present,” Munson said. “Bad company destroys good D-B.R., who strongly encouraged offenders to, “…use self- character. So watch the people you hang with. Hang with the discipline as a tool for success.” She“” emphatically turned toward winners! This isn’t the finish line—this is the beginning.” family members of the offenders and emphasized the need for After Kell Munson’s dramatic presentation, diplomas and strong family support. certificates of completion were presented to students/offenders. Followed by Rep. Smith’s presentation, DCI’s Educational Seventy-eight—ABE/GED and Literacy & Vocational Director Angela Day acknowledged and praised the hard work Training—tutors were recognized for their efforts in helping their of her department’s sixteen faculty members. peers achieve their educational goals. Kell Munson, an officer of the East Feliciana Parish The ceremony closed with Chaplain Ennis delivering the Courthouse and Substance Abuse Counselor, was the guest benediction. 15 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 EDUCATIONAL GRADUATES GED GRADUATES Todd Ballard * Darrin Faucheaux * Emanuel Jewitt * Efrem Ogwin Kevin Torrey Steve Barbaree * Franklin Fitzgerald * Benjuiel Johnson * Keith Patterson Anthony Trahan Terrell Barnes * Leonard Flakes Bernest Johnson * Broderick Payne Dashawn Tuckson Brandy Bass William Ford * Brian Johnson * Brandon Phillips * Leon Tyson John Blackledge * Wardell Gentris Michael Jones * Broderick Phillips Marquice Videau * Ivan Brady * Andrew Giles Kristen Lawless * Austin Porter * Gary Washington * Darren Braud Timothy Glynn Frankie Lemm Harry Porter Lamario Washington Jeremy Buford Ronald Green Chris Lewis James Randolph Dion Watkins Kennard Burnett Markham Guidry * Dashawn Lewis Tamarcus Reed Steven Wiggins Artis Calhoun William Hall Jeffery Lewis Richard Roberson Bryant Williams * Quinton Carter * Derrick Hill Christopher Magee * Cortez Robinson * Cedrick Williams * Corey Casto * Emmanuel Hooker Samer Malahmeh * Keriston Simon Jonathan Williams * Edward Charles * William Hubbard * Damien McLendon Arthur Stampley * Melvin Wilmore Joey Coleman Damien Jackson Ahmad McQuarter * Alfred Synigal James Wilson Brett Crist * Dalmaus Jacobs Robert Mercadal Adren Thompson Willie Woodard Melvin Davis * Christopher Jenkins * Domino Nelson * Travis Thorne James Young James Delaune * Tyree Young Jesse Deville*

COMMUNICATION AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY HORTICULTURE GRADUATES GRADUATES GRADUATES GRADUATES Daniel Bezar Taisi Alo Jamil Jenkins * Xavier Odom Kenneth Balthazar John Loyd * Steve Prejean * Cody Cannon Gerald McKnight Jopoel Robertson Thomas Cotton * S Huglon * Anthony Eugene Carnell Mercier Quinndell Gould * Dermon Rodriguez MASONRY Donald Harris COMPLETERS GRADUATES Donnie Harvey Ronald Belsha Manuel Clark * Richard Holiday Gus Hurst * Timothy Pugh Gus Hurst * Frederick Preston Anthony Scamardo Earl Mayer Calvin Watson Corey Riles COLLISION REPAIR Kevin Williams GRADUATES Jeremy Stroud COMPLETERS Curtis Walker * Darren Zeno Faron Deriuse Clynt Williams COMPLETERS Melvin Edwards Christopher Ybarzabal Antoine Cooper Kevin Hennagir Ernest Jackson CULINARY ARTS Roosevelt Jackson * James Jackson GRADUATES Sean James Leon Tyson Linroy Douglas Jonathan Nixon * 16 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 ELECTRICAL CARPENTRY COMPLETERS COMPLETERS Brandy Bass Brandon Mitchell Michael Alford * Calvin Garner * Kareem Nicholas * Sidney Bergeron * Johnny Peabody Steve Allen Glynn Griffin * Rodney Offray * Thomas Briggs Gary Penn * John Balbach Darryll Hamilton * Christian Pena Julius Carter Austin Porter * Randy Bersuder * Lee Hartman * Patrick Reaux * Sherman Collins Joseph Powell Brian Camese Kevin Hennagir Aubry Simon Marlon Davis Harold Robinson Michael Clark * S Huglon* Brillance Smith Ronnie Felder Andrew Sampson * Cozell Cooper David Jones Robert Stewart * Markham Guidry * Rob Terrebonne * Alfred Dubois Earl Mayer Michael Thomas * Gregory Jackson At Thach Chase Edwards * Ahmad McQuarter * Wayne Winesberry John Lagrue * Travis Thorne Perry Evans * Andrew Monroe * Larry Wix* Charles Marshall * Karl Vanderbilt WELDING COMPLETERS Joseph Davis Conrad Heisser Howard Brown * Lawrence Conners * Samuel Kelly Tyrone Hall * Barry Bickham * Terrell Carney * Kevin Joseph * Clarence Lyles *

TUTORSTUTORSTUTORS ABE/GED AND LITERACY Jamey Albarado Shane Falcon Damien Jackson Earl Mayer Tracy Tatman Kevin Armstead Merlin George James Jackson Robert Mercadal At Thach Brandy Bass William Giles Elliot Johnson Andrew Mitchell Chad Thibodeaux Jeremy Buford Ronald Green Roderick Johnson Juan Nunez Adren Thompson Michael Coates * Stanley Gunter Tracy Johnson Efrem O’Gwin Dashawn Tuckson Joey Coleman William Hall Willis Lacour Darryl Robinson Kendrick Volter George Dargis Darrin Harris Christopher LeBlanc * Euridices Sanchez Lamaril Washington Joe Dawson * Martin Hatten Jeffery Lewis Brian Sapia Calvin Watson Vertis Duplesis Travis Hawkins Kerry Lundy Justin Smith William White Anthony Evans Derrick Hill Aaron Magoun Darryl Soloman Melvin Wilmore Brandon Ewing

COMMUNICATION ELECTRONICS COLLISION MASONRY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRREPAIRREPAIR Sean James TECHNOLOGY Kevin Burlingame ** Carl Maloney * TECHNOLOGY Clifton Jones John Borskey - ASC Joseph Conrad Anthony Martinez * Jared Bolt Anthony Scamardo Joseph Dixon Kenneth Gedric * Curtis Rodriguez Jamil Clark Kyle Lastrapes - ASC Donald Harris Lance Sarkozy Kelvin Robinson Richard Holiday Jeremy Stroud Brian Johnson * Ralph Willie Wilfred Jones Completers are students who finish a substantial amount of work in a particular curriculum. CULINARY WORKPLACE CARPENTRY ARTSARTSARTS READINESS Danny Dillard Linroy Douglas Scott Stansell Kentrell Vance *Released or Transferred Jerry McCallister **Deceased 17 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 DIXON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS LITERACY COMMUNICATION ELECTRONICS Offered to offenders who do not possess a high school diploma Program includes instruction in using equipment or educa- or GED (General Equivalency Diploma. Placement is dependent tion trainers in various types of motors, mechanical diagrams/ on TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Test results. Day and schematics; radar; fiber optics; laser technology; computer ap- Evening classes are offered. Students are TABE tested quarterly. plications; telecommunications; microwave; diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques; the use of testing equipment; Fed- GED (GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA) eral Communications Commission (FCC) and National Association Offered to offenders who do not have a high school diploma. of Business and Educational Radio (NABER) license requirements. Day and evening classes are available. Students are TABE tested quarterly. CARPENTRY Program prepares individuals to ABE (ADULT BASIC EDUCATION) apply technical knowledge and skills to Offered to offenders who have a high lay out, fabricate, erect, install, and school diploma or GED, but have low- repair wooden structures and fixtures test scores, or to those who do not have using hand and power tools. enough time to earn a GED. This class Program includes instruction in areas is designed to raise skill levels for such as common systems of framing, admittance to vocational school. construction materials, estimating, Students are TABE tested quarterly. blueprint reading, and finish carpentry techniques. SSD (SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT #1) COLLISION REPAIR Program is designed for special Program prepares individuals to education students. Students are repair modern vehicles. This includes screened, monitored and taught by identi-fication and analysis of damage, Special Education Teachers provided by straightening, welding, structural repair the Louisiana Department of Education. and replacement, corrosion, alignment, The following classes are offered by refinishing, trim and glass replacement, Louisiana Technical College. Entrance plastic repair, and working with is dependent on TABE scores. All electrical and mechanical components students are tested prior to admittance. as they pertain to collision repair.

YOP—YOUTHFUL OFFENDER PROGRAM Program is designed to provide an environment where Youthful Offenders can develop self-esteem, self-discipline and positive attitudes along with the cognitive skills necessary to re-enter society and be successful. The program provides tailored case management plans to meet the specific needs of each Youthful Offender as well as to create or repair family relationships. Youthful Offenders must be 19 years of age or younger to participate in the program. They must also have 5 years or less to their earliest release date. Youthful offenders 16 years of age or younger will participate in the program regardless of sentence length. The program is based on voluntary enrollment and will last for a minimum of 12 months.

YOG SERVICES VOCATIONAL CLASS ASSISTANCE Independent Study College Courses are currently offered YOG can assist qualified participants in any Vocational class through LSU Independent Study. YOG funds tuition, books, and offered at DCI. Grants funds can be used to purchase classroom any other fees required to complete one of these courses. supplies, books, and other materials used for classroom instruction. CASE MANAGEMENT/JOB LIFE SKILLS CLASS The YOG coordinator will meet with participants and offer ACT TESTING guidance in the areas of educational goals, release planning, American College Testing is offered periodically to YOG career counseling, life skills, etc. YOG staff will assist in the participants. This is offered to those participants who plan to development of a plan to assist each participant in becoming attend college upon release. successful upon release. 18 slm –Volume 10 – NumberClubs 2 – 2009 VETS ARE THE DIFFERENCE By KKBy endrick Volter and Michael O’Neal, slm reporters ets Incarcerated held here tonight has played a part in the success of this organiza- its annual awards tion,” said Club Sponsor M/Sgt. Robin McDonald. “You have VVVceremony on August proven that we stand united.” M/Sgt. McDonald, along with Cdr. VV26 in the prison’s Compound Borskey, issued awards to 5 visiting area. The theme for members and supporters of the evening, Making a the organization. Difference, was predicated After the awards pre- upon the group’s mission to sentation, Emcee Howard serve others. Crowder, introduced The offender organization is DCI’s Classification Di- under the direction of Warden rector Ivy Miller as the Steve Rader, Deputy Warden Janet ceremony’s keynote Lorena, and M/Sgt. Robin McDonald, speaker. Sponsor. Maj. Douglas McDonald is Co-sponsor; Herbert Miller is a retired Mas- “Whimp” Ballard has volunteered as the outside Sponsor since ter Sergeant who served 24 the Vets inception, 18 years ago. Col. John Smith serves in an years in the United States advisory role and helps the Vets with logistics during fund-rais- Air Force—starting in Sponsor Robin McDonald ing events and security-related issues. 1979—where he specialized in communications, and later in Howard Crowder—a four-year veteran of the U.S. Air his career, law enforcement and security details. His commit- Force—was the master of ceremonies. The mood was celebratory ment to his country and the military has earned him numerous as Crowder opened the event. “I hope everyone sees the need to decorations. He said he believed that joining the military was a celebrate and recognize what this group time-honored tradition. does rather than look at it from an individual According to a biography listed on the ceremony’s program, perspective,” Crowder explained to the 90- Mr. Miller was stationed to stateside duty early in his career, He plus guests in attendance. served at Kunsan AB, South Korea, and RAF Alconbury, United Eric Matthews, Compound 2 Chaplain’s Kingdom. In 1992, Miller joined the Air Force Reserves in Belle Assistant, delivered the opening prayer; Chasse, LA., and was assigned as a training NCO for the 926th followed by Nicholas Dunn, the Vets’ Ser- Security Forces Squadron. He was activated after the Septem- geant-at-Arms, leading the guests in the ber 11, 2001 terrorist at- Pledge of Allegiance. tacks and was shipped to Major Douglas McDonald, welcomed an active duty base in everyone and thanked all involved for do- John Borskey Idaho. After six months, nating their time and efforts toward helping the organization he returned to the New fulfill their mission in helping others. Orleans area where he The current Commander for the Vets, John Borskey, a U.S. conducted counter-ter- Navy veteran, gave the organizational overview. “There’s an rorism patrols. example given here tonight that shows people from any diver- In November 2002, he sity can cross over to form a common bond for the betterment received orders to a of mankind,” Borskey observed. small air base in Pakistan “Whimp” Ballard has where he flew Raven Se- been an outside volunteer curity Missions into Af- for over 18 years. His ghanistan, which brought motive in supporting the necessary supplies and group is mostly faith- reinforcements to our based. Ballard also said ground troops. Mr. Ivy Miller that this also ties in with Miller explained that these missions landed him and his secu- making a difference. rity detail in some of the hottest landing zones in the region. “I want to make a dif- Miller’s address focused on three core values: Duty, Honor, ference in these guys’ and Country. He described them as follows: life,” Ballard said. “I be- “Duty is a moral obligation… [that] compels us to do the lieve I can be of great en- right thing at the right time. It’s the precursor of discipline and couragement to them by obedience. sharing what Christ has “Honor is when we adhere to a higher standard with the utmost done for me.” integrity. Herbert “Whimp” Ballard “Every individual in “The people of our Country reaffirmed our commitment to 19 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 living a free and democratic The club uses the profits to give way of life through great back to the surrounding sacrifice,” Miller concluded. communities. Miller also noted several Deputy Commander Henry inspiring and patriotic quotes Reed, U.S. Army veteran, said, with a military theme from the “Throughout the year we great General George S. Patton constantly give to others, so Jr. “I am a great soldier; I fight tonight we want to take time out where I am told and I win where to give back to our very own I fight.” Another quote from who provide services to Patton was “There is only one others—to let them know we type of discipline, perfect appreciate them.” discipline.” This summer the club Miller also read A Soldier’s sponsored 25 kids to 4-H Prayer by Mary Rogers along leadership summer camps with a piece he called The governed by the LSU Ag Warrior’s Creed, which was Center. based on The Airman’s Creed Additionally 200 box fans posted recently on the website were distributed to elderly airmanmom.blogspot.com. Deputy Commander Henry Reed recieves people in the parishes of East The DCI Vets Incarcerated certificate from Sponsor Robin McDonald. and West Feliciana through the is comprised of former respective Councils on Aging. members of the United States Annual donations to the Capital Armed Forces. All five Area United Way through branches are represented in the DCI’s United Way drive were club and members’ service also made by the club range from the Korean Conflict Year-round, Vets members and the Vietnam era to the construct crepe-paper poppies liberation of Iraq. The mission for donation to the American of the DCI Vets is simple yet Legion. The American Legion important. They try to make a then distributes the poppies for difference in the world by cash contributions on undertaking many charitable Memorial Day. tasks throughout the year, Last December, the Vets including donation of services donated 85 bikes and trikes to or monetary contributions. The disadvantaged children through Vets earn money through the Baton Rouge City concession and food sales in Steve Amort enjoys dinner. Constable’s Office and Holiday the visiting areas of the prison. Helpers.

20 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

By KKBy endrick Volterolterolter, slm reporter OVER 50/DISABLED CROWD ENJOY NIGHT OF FUN ETS Incarcerated held their annual 50 and over Game it felt to receive the gift, Walter Coleman responded, “Oh, it’s a Night, inside DCI’s main visiting area. On July 23, 2009, blessing. Now I just need to win Bingo.” VMembers of the VETs hosted the spades and checkers Checkers’ finalist Michael Love and Renaldo August decided tournaments for about 140 offenders in attendance. The main to split the pot. Sometimes something is better than nothing at event was BINGO! all. Spades champions Lee Williams and Billy Bennett were Vets Secretary Jeremy Stroud proclaimed, “This is the biggest excited to win their competition. “When is the next VETS Game organized gaming event for any club in this institution.” Night?” they asked. According to VETS Commander John Borsky, the purpose The atmosphere was charged with hope and excitement. Many of the event was to, “…give back to the community and show of the attendees wore big smiles and expressed their amusement. them we appreciate them.” Sitting at a table with other offenders of Spanish descent, Coffee, soda, popcorn, and tea were served throughout the Napoleon Bueno (Bingo Game 8 Winner) said, “I’m really night. “Some of these guys don’t get visits, so it’s a blessing to enjoying myself.” them as well,” Borsky added. “Each year this is the most exciting function. I like to see the Not only was the invite for offenders 50 and over, the big smiles on their faces and watch how they enjoy themselves. permanently disabled were invited to attend as well. It lets me know we’re really giving back,” stated VETS member Dwayne Granger—VETS member/checkers game host— Harold Monley. expressed his sentiments. At the conclusion of the night, everybody in attendance Throughout the night, attendees played a total of twelve games received bags filled with cheeseburgers (with lettuce, tomato & of Bingo. Deputy Commander Henry Reed and Sgt.-at-Arms onion on the side), chips, and a 20 oz. bottle of water. Nicholas Dunn hosted this event, while member Lewis Love Members of VETS Incarcerated raise money for civic projects worked the floor and provided services like swapping out game through a portion of concession stand proceeds in the prison’s cards for those trying to change their luck. visiting area. The organization includes veterans from the The first winner of the night was Michael Love. VETS’ Vietnam era to the late 1990’s. Rodney Jones and Jerry Hayes distributed earnings to all winners. Corrections Master Sergeant Robin McDonald, a U.S. Air For some of the winners it was the first time they have ever won Force veteran and club sponsor shared her sentiments toward anything. “That’s the first thing I’ve won since I’ve been in the organization, “I believe whatever you put out comes back to prison,” stated game four winner, Norman Borne. you. When you do good, you will reap good as well,” she said. Fifteen individuals received consolation/door prizes, and for “This organization is a service oriented group and they’re here some it was almost as good as winning Bingo. When asked how to serve others.”

Major McDonald and M/Sgt. McDonald flank members of Vets Incarcerated. 21 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 VETS INCARCERATED DONATE FANS TO ELDERLY

By Michael O’Neal, slm Reportereportereporter he VETS Incarcerated, an inmate organization at Dixon Correctional Institute, have donated Ttwo hundred new box fans to the elderly in two parishes. For the ninth straight year, the organization, which is comprised of former members of the five branches of United States Armed Forces, has distributed the fans to the East Feliciana and the West Feliciana Council on Aging. Recently elected, Deputy Commander Henry Reed has been in the offender organization since 2003. “We give back to the community. Many of our elderly citizens are on fixed incomes,” Reed said. “So we try to provide something to combat the heat.” Reed went on to say, “This was the second of our annual summer projects, the other was the sponsoring of 25 kids to the 4-H camp.” John Borsky, Commander of the DCI Vets Incarcerated, also recently elected, said, “As a member and representative of the VETS, the only thing I want to say with the world hurting is doing something nice for somebody is never wrong. The VETS are about giving back.” Borsky said that the number of fans donated has increased over the years. Originally, the VETS donated 50 fans and this was exclusively to the East Feliciana Council on Aging. Since 2004, it was expanded to Henry Reed include West Feliciana Council on Aging. The money used for all VETS charity projects is earned through a concession stand operated on weekends to serve offenders’ visitors. A former member of the Air Force, DCI Master Sergeant Robin McDonald is the sponsor, and Major Doug McDonald is the co-sponsor. “Kindness is such a small act with a large payoff,” said Robin McDonald. “This is a service oriented organization that wants to help people. We’re not motivated by what others think, we’re motivated by ourselves and our own integrity—we use this to help people.” All six offenders detailed to load the fans on a truck for delivery were members of the VETS, and every branch of the service was represented. The fans were purchased for $14.50 each. DCI Vets Incarcerated is an offender prison organization like no other. Year-round, the VETS donate goods, services or funds to organizations and charities such as The American Legion, The United Way, Louisiana Prison Chapel Foundation, fans for the elderly, bikes for needy kids, and 4-H leadership camp.

Above: M/Sgt. Robin McDonald talks to John Borsky and Jeremy Stroud about the loading procedure.

Left Photo: A chain of VETS load the van bound for the East and West Feliciana Council on Aging warehouse.

Left to Right: Nicholas Dunn, Donald Richardson, John Borsky, Dannie Hayward, Alvin Stalling, Jeremy Stroud. In Truck: Johnny Balbach and Henry Reed.

22 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 JAYCEES IMPACT YOP FORUM By Gary Spears, Public Relations Director, DCI Jaycees he Dixon Jaycees take pride in the positive activities of anticipating the next event by using stories their members. Recently, six Jaycees participated in the - some personal - at just the right moment. TYouthful Offender Program Second Annual, Youth Gary Spears, Dixon Jaycees Public Leadership Forum Relations Director, served as Musical This year’s theme, “Visions for Today, Creates Leaders for Coordinator. In this position, Spears Tomorrow” afforded everyone who participated great demonstrated personal and leadership skills opportunity to be creative and to make a positive impact. in selecting music conducive to the Forum’s The Dixon Jaycees seized the theme. He organized a group of his peers Gary Spears moment to animate the vision of from the DCI Choir (Choir Ensemble) to the United States Junior learn and sing songs. Spears also conducted a band of Chamber: “To become the instrumentalists who arranged and played the selected music. organization of choice for young Spears and his group performed music throughout the forum, people, providing direction and including the Talk Show, “Lockdown with Michael Bryant,” and leadership to our communities.” the skit, “Hard Time.” The YOP participants were Eric Johnson, Individual Development Vice President of able to witness Jaycees put into Dixon Jaycees, and Duane Joseph, Dixon Jaycees Member, action, their personal and utilized acting and speaking skills in their parts in the skit as a leadership skills through this lead actor (Goldie) and as the narrator, respectively. medium, the 2009 Youth Neil Clark, Community Development Vice President of Dixon James Jackson Leadership Forum. Jaycees, shared personal testimony about decisions while The United States Jaycees portraying a guest on the Talk Show. Mission Statement, “To provide young people the opportunity Jerrel Jackson, Dixon Jaycees Member, demonstrated to develop personal and leadership skills through local professional skills in writing and performing two original Rap community service and organizational involvement while songs that relate to Youthful Offenders and their struggles; yet expanding the Jaycees movement,” was in full throttle throughout encouraging positive change. the Forum. The Dixon Junior Chamber is proud to mention its impact in James Jackson, President and CEO of Dixon Jaycees, served the Second Annual Youthful Offender Program Youth leadership as host. Jackson’s personal and leadership skills were constantly Forum, because “Visions for Today, Creates Leaders for visible as he kept the Youthful Offenders motivated and eagerly Tomorrow.”

23 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 JAYCEE WHEELCHAIR WASH ALTRUISM DEMONSTRATED By Gary A. Spears, DCI Jaycees Public Relations Director The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) members at Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI) have demonstrated true altruism—unselfish concern for the welfare of others—by presenting their first Wheelchair Wash. The last stanza of the Jaycee Creed, “…service to humanity is the best work of life…” employs its members, with benevolence to seek ways to serve others—so…we did! On Saturday, July 25, 2009, with the assistance of Assistant Warden Lane Thomas and Jaycees sponsor Master Sergeant Antrinetta Tate, the Wheelchair Wash was held on the yard of Unit 1, Compound 2. At this present time, DCI is the Jaycees’ community. Offenders live together in several quarters which are called James Jackson and Kentrell Vance detail wheelchairs. dormitories. Dixon Correctional Approximately thirty wheelchairs were washed, lubricated Institute has an entire and shined. One offender commented that the only thing missing dormitory, Dorm 7, that was Armor All. houses many offenders Joseph Arabie, a resident of Dorm 7, is a perpetual dependant who require the assistance of a wheelchair to transport himself from place to place—he of wheelchairs everyday. has only one leg. Joe, as he is affectionately known, said, “The No DCI Jaycees member Wheelchair Wash was a very nice thing to do. Some are too needs a wheelchair, so weak or too sick or too old to clean their own wheelchairs. We why present a Wheelchair really appreciate what the Jaycees did for us. They ought to do Wash? The answer is it again and again and again!” benevolence—an All Dixon Jaycees participated; however, members who were inclination to do a good, actively present at the Wheelchair Wash were James Jackson kindly, charitable and (President), Neil Clark (Community Vice-President), David unselfish act to benefit Benedict (Treasurer), Denzell Tate (Sergeant-at-Arms), Michael someone else. Anthony, Jerel Jackson, Kentrell Vance, and Stanley Gunter. Four Some may refer to the offenders showed up, who are not Jaycees members, and actively Denzel Tate scrubs spokes. Jaycees Wheelchair Wash participated in the Wheelchair Wash—Jesse Augustine, David as a community service. Jaycees prefer to call it “altruism in Johnson, Paul Crawford, and Travis Davis. action.” Community service is defined as unpaid work which We deeply appreciate Asst. Warden Lane Thomas, Master benefits the community imposed on a convicted person as a Sergeant Antrinetta Tate (Jaycees Sponsor) and all Dixon security sentence. Altruistic implies deliberately putting the welfare of staff for their contributions. others before one’s own interests and therefore stresses freedom Dixon Jaycees are Altruistic Jaycees because: “We from selfishness which is priceless. believe…that service to humanity is the best work of life!”

Wheelchairs are lined up at the wash. Some took advantage of valet parking, while others watched and waited. Several offenders had their chairs delivered to them in the dormitories by Jaycees.

24 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

TOASTMASTERS OFFICER TRAINING SESSION By Michael O’Neal, slm reporter he Distinguished Gentlemen the situation with prison administrators. Crowder explained a vision that goes Toastmasters held their annual “District 68 was ranked 38th in the beyond the manuals. He envisions the officer-training seminar on Au- world by Toastmasters International,” “formation of a Speaker’s Bureau” gustT 18, 2009. Although the format, as said Ms. Gayle. “…and there are more manned by qualified Distinguished well as purpose of the seminar was ba- institutional clubs here in Louisiana Gentlemen that could be called upon sically the same as in years past, there than in any other state.” to speak at any event or function. This was one major difference. There were The Division B Governor empha- would let the Toastmaster do what they not any other clubs from District 68 sized the importance of training ses- do best in a variety of settings and present, only DCI’s Distin- sions as related to the success situations. guished Gentlemen attended. of the club. She did this with The meeting dispersed into breakout Mrs. Faith Cuevas, Distin- an illustration of an idiom— sessions for each different executive guished Gentlemen Sponsor, know the ropes—and the ori- board office. Each small group was coordinated the event. gins of this phrase. given three scenarios for discussion. At The training sessions are a Originally a nautical term, the end of the allotted time, each group part of the Toastmasters Inter- know the ropes referred to the had a representative stand to deliver national program and are nec- complex rigging aboard sailing that group’s conclusions. essary for the individual clubs ships. With the advent of steam The second set of breakout meetings to qualify for annual awards. power, the term lost its literal required each executive board member DivisionB The Distinguished Gentlemen Governor meaning and became a term to explain their duties and receive input, won the President’s Distin- Anna Clara used for expanding one’s famil- suggestions and pointers from the guished Award for 2008-2009. Gayle iarity about any particular thing guests about each position. Since no institutions are permitted or procedure. In this case, it referred to Division B Governor Anna Clara to travel due to the current budget crisis, knowledge of the duties of each execu- Gayle, Jeanette Donlon, Bobby Division B Governor Anna Clara Gayle tive board office in the Toastmasters. Donlon, and Marjorie Donlon were all took the requisite training sessions to Howard Crowder, president of the granted honorary membership in the each individual institution. According Distinguished Gentlemen said, “It’s Distinguished Gentlemen Toastmasters to Gayle, this requires much more very important that we follow the of DCI. The only other honorary expense and time on the part of the manuals. Then we can set goals that go member to this point was David volunteers and said she plans to address beyond them.” Breaux.

Howard Crowder presents Distinguished Division B Governor Anna Clara Gayle, Jeanette Donlon, Bobby Donlon, President’s Award to Immediate Past- and Marjorie Donlon enjoy one of the speeches. President Alfred McQuarter. 25 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Graphics, design and printing courtesy of Straight Low Magazine.

DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN TOASTMASTERS

The Distinguished Gentlemen Toastmasters have recently achieved their 8th straight ‘President’s Distinguished Club’ award from the District 68 Toastmasters and Toastmasters International. Apply now! Membership rolls are limited. Write sponsor Lt. James K. Edenfield or Mrs. Faith Cuevas.

26 slmPrison –Volume 10 –Spectrum Number 2 – 2009 OFFENDERS OBSERVE CRIME VICTIM’S WEEK By Michael O’Neal, slm reporter ffenders from around the prison for that purpose,” Mrs. Ellerbe said. “But volunteered to participate in the I also want to remember and honor a ONational Crime Victim’s Week hidden victim of crime that rarely gets observance held in the visiting building mentioned during observances such as on April 20, 2009. The commemoration this and that is the children of incarcerated ceremony is held annually at Dixon parents—your children.” Correctional Institute to honor citizens Elain Ellerbe also shared with the who have been the direct or indirect audience some startling national statistics victims of crime. concerning children of incarcerated Michael Ellerbe, DCI Director of Pre- parents. She qualified the statistical array release, opened the occasion with a short with the statement that Louisiana’s introduction of the guests in percentages “most always mirror” attendance. Special guests national statistics. included: Jean Wall, Victims *2 percent of all minors in the Assistance Coordinator for the U.S.—more than 1.5 million Department of Public Safety and children—have a parent in a state Corrections and Elain Ellerbe, or federal prison Director of Prevention Services, *10 percent of all minor children in Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana. the U.S.—7.3 million children—have a Elain Ellerbe Elain Ellerbe, a former classification parent in prison, jail, on probation, or on A study conducted by Urban Institute’s officer at DCI, presented the parole Justice Policy Center implies that commemorative address. Her words *More than half of the 1.4 million separation of parents and children due to emphasized the impact that crime has on adults (55% for men and 65% for women) incarceration can have powerful children, especially the children of incarcerated in state and federal prisons consequences for the kids. Such a loss can incarcerated offenders. are parents of minor children likely have a significant impact on the “…I wish to remember and honor the *Over half (58%) of the minor children emotional, psychological, developmental, victims of crime in our nation through the of incarcerated parents are less than 10 and financial well-being of the child(ren). observance of this special week set aside years old. (See: “Hidden Victims of Crime– Children of the Incarcerated on page 28.”) ...to remember and honor the hidden victim of crime that rarely gets mentioned during observances... CHILDREN OF JAILED PARENTS SUFFER By James Minton JACKSON, LA. – The children of April, Ellerbe said. nurtured as children. incarcerated parents are just as much the Elain Ellerbe said an Urban Institute “That doesn’t let them off the hook, “victims of crime as the people directly study suggests that parental separation but it explains a lot,”” she said. harmed by the offenders’ criminal acts, a because of incarceration can have Ellerbe, who also teaches a spokesman for a child abuse prevention immediate effects on children such as “fatherhood” course for inmates, said agency told a gathering of state prisoners feelings of shame, social stigma, inmates who participate before their on Thursday (April 30, 2009). weakened ties to the parent, changes in release have taken a critical first step in Losing a parent to prison affects family composition, poor school preventing child abuse, which is not multiple aspects of children’s lives in performance, increased delinquency and always about physical abuse but also the varying degrees, Elain Ellerbe, of Prevent increased risk of abuse and neglect. failure to provide nurturing care to the Child Abuse Louisiana , said during a talk Long-term effects include the liklihood child. to about 100 inmates at Dixon that these children “will follow their “Children don’t care that you’re here, Correctional Institute. parents’ footsteps into the front door of a they just want to know you care about The program bridged National Crime prison,” she said. them,” Ellerbe told the inmates. Victims’ Week, April 13-19, and National Before addressing the inmates, Ellerbe Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is said the vast majority of inmates were not Reprint: The Advocate, May 1, 2009 27 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 HIDDEN VICTIMS OF CRIME– CHILDREN OF THE INCARCERATED e are gathered here today in Let me share with you a few startling imprisonment can have profound observance of National Crime statistics about our nation and its children consequences for children. The immediate WVictim Rights Week. For the past of the incarcerated: (Provided by the U.S. effects can include feelings of shame, social 25 years, a week in April has been set aside Justice Department, Bureau of Justice stigma, loss of financial support, weakened across the nation to remember and honor Statistics. While these stats are based on ties to the parent, and changes in family victims of crime. This year’s theme is 25 national numbers, Louisiana’s percentages composition, poor school performance, Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the most always mirror that of the national increased delinquency, and increased risk Victims of Crime Act. This landmark piece statistics.). 2 percent of all minors in the of abuse or neglect. Long-term effects can of congressional legislation was enacted in U.S.—more than 1 .5 million children— range from the questioning of parental 1984 and through this act, a Crime Victims have a parent in a state or federal prison. authority, negative perceptions of police Fund was established, financed not by 10 percent of all minor children in the and the legal system, and increased taxpayers, but by fines and penalties that U.S.—7.3 million children—have a parent dependency or impaired ability to cope with many offenders are mandated to pay as in prison, jail, on probation, or on parole. future stress or trauma, disruption of restitution for their crimes. This fund More than half of the 1 .4 million adults development, and intergenerational represents a national commitment to (55% for men and 65% for women) patterns of criminal behavior (in other victims of crime by providing victims with incarcerated in state and federal prisons are words, they are more likely to follow in access to mental health services and parents of minor children. Over half (58%) their parent’s footsteps into the front doors financial support where needed. of the minor children of incarcerated of a prison). My role here today is two-fold. As I have parents are less than 10 years old. But let’s return to the fact that children just related, I wish to remember and honor According to a study published by the of incarcerated parents are at more risk for the victims of crime in our nation through Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center, abuse and neglect. According to the Crime the observance of this special week set losing a parent to prison affects multiple Clock published each year by the Office for aside for that purpose. But I also want to aspects of children’s lives and affects them Victims of Crime, a child is reported abused remember and honor a hidden victim of to varying degrees. Such a loss can likely or neglected every 34.9 seconds. So in the crime that rarely gets mentioned during have a significant impact on the emotional, last 10 minutes approximately 17 children observances such as this and that is the psychological, developmental, and have been reported as abused or neglected, children of incarcerated parents—your financial well-being of the child. Yet there and according to national statistics many children. You see, April is also child abuse has been little research exploring these of which could be children of incarcerated prevention month and as you may have seen consequences of parental incarceration. To parents. the Pinwheels for Prevention garden as you date, most research has focused on the I’d like to share with you some entered the building today, those pinwheels aspects of parental separation and loss additional facts about child abuse and represent your children—full of life and through divorce or death. The findings of neglect. The study of child abuse and with so much potential for success in their the Urban Institute study, which to date is neglect is a fairly new field. In 1874, the future—yet they will struggle with unique the most comprehensive study of its kind, first abuse case was prosecuted using obstacles because of your incarceration. suggests that parental separation due to animal welfare laws because no legislation was yet in place to protect children. In the 1900s, states’ authority over parents began to be initiated, but it was not until the 1960s with the use of xray technology that the battered child syndrome was identified and so named. From there, many states then began to implement reporting and protection laws. So really it is just over the past 50 years, since the ‘60s, that we have been dealing with the issue of child abuse and neglect in a meaningful way. We first had to grapple with how to help children in trauma. For the past 20 years or so we have begun to focus on prevention and what this means. In just the past five years, several breakthrough studies have been released that are changing the way we think about preventing child abuse and neglect. Prior to this time, prevention was confused with Jaycees members give away school supplies to offenders’ children in the Visiting Room. intervention, which is stopping abuse from

28 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 happening to a child again—this was, and Prevent Child Abuse America showed that neglected are viewed side by side, the scan still is accomplished by reporting abuse, taxpayers paid more than $103 billion of the neglected child will show almost no taking children away from their homes, and dollars per year on the ramifications of activity in the very important temporal punishing the abusing parents or child abuse and neglect. This does not take lobes indicating that this child never had perpetrators. into consideration the personal toll on the the important positive interactions and In the prevention messaging used during victimized child. This is an astounding nurturing that is needed to insure normal this time, imagery focused on the horrors amount. $103 billion dollars. It is a loud brain development. This is critical of child abuse and neglect, much of which and clear signal that if we continue to information that we now have to portrayed the number of deaths of abused neglect prevention, we will greatly inhibit understand the importance of preventing children or the heinous abusive acts the economic prosperity of our nation’s child abuse and neglect. perpetrated on children. What we have future and many more young lives will be By educating parents and caregivers and learned is that this does not engage the affected. giving them the tools necessary to be general public in prevention, nor does it But let’s turn our attention back to the nurturing, we can prevent these potential teach them what role they can play in victim—a young victim—possibly your outcomes. We know that by increasing what preventing child abuse and neglect. The child. We know that most abuse happens we call protective factors, we can now general public did learn that child abuse is to children under 5. We also know that brain measure the prevention of child abuse and bad, that there are different types of abuse, development in early childhood is neglect. Programs, such as the Fatherhood and that it does have long- term effects on extremely rapid and any type of toxic stress class Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana children. But what it also created was a during this time has lifelong effects. I think provides here at DCI, that foster social feeling of helplessness—of people not we can all agree that the incarceration of a connections, parental knowledge of child getting a clear understanding of what they parent is certainly a type of toxic stress. In development, parental resilience, parent- could do to prevent child abuse and neglect, a recent groundbreaking study called the child attachment, and concrete support for except through the intervention actions of Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACE parents are preventing child abuse and reporting and locking up the abusers. study, researcher Dr. Rob Anda in neglect. If you have participated in this Over the last five years, however, a collaboration with the Centers for Disease class or are presently, good for you, you reassessment of what prevention of abuse Control, was able to correlate adverse have taken a critical first step in preventing and neglect really means has child abuse and taken place and a new neglect. If you have approach on how to ...we owe our children...a not, may I suggest you successfully communicate sign up the next time with the public about life free of violence and it is offered. prevention has been The issue of child undertaken. We know that stopping abuse childhood experiences with many adult abuse and neglect is not about spanking or and neglect from EVER happening is onset diseases and maladies such as social, the terrible and extreme case of horrific absolutely possible. This is called primary emotional and cognitive impairment; abuse—it is about parents having the prevention—stopping it before it happens. health-risk behaviors such as smoking, drug supports that they need to be the nurturing And what you will see today in Prevent abuse, and obesity which brought on caregivers they want to be to their children. Child Abuse Louisiana’s“” message is diseases such as diabetes, high blood It is about minimizing toxic stress in early symbolized by the Pinwheels for pressure, heart problems, leading to early childhood and assuring that all children are Prevention garden we have planted here at deaths. given the maximum amount of positive DCI. The pinwheel represents our efforts For children age 0 to 5, brain interactions with a caring loving adult. to change the way our nation thinks about development is most critical and for the I know I’m leaving you today with very prevention, focusing on community 18,000 participants in the ACE Study, the heavy burdensome information and quite activities and public policies that prioritize beginning of their downward spiral in frankly I’ll make no apologies for it. I can’t prevention right from the start to make sure health related issues started with the let you off the hook in your responsibilities child abuse and neglect never occur. It impairment of their social, emotional and as fathers. I care too much for your children represents our efforts to ensure the healthy cognitive skills which is directly related to and I know you also want the best possible development of children, while recognizing their early childhood brain development life for them as well—a different life for that child development is a building block being compromised due to abuse and/or them than what you’ve experienced so far. for community development and economic neglect. I close with this quote from Nelson development, for you see, the future really So what does that mean? When children Mandela: “Safety and security do not just is our children. Our pinwheel garden here experience ACEs or any type of toxic stress, happen, they are the result of collective at DCI is part of the more than 400,000 blue the levels of bad chemicals released in their consensus and public investment. We owe and silver pinwheels that have been brains, cause damage. Oh, and did I our children, the most vulnerable citizens displayed in communities across the U.S. mention that one of the ACE’s in a child’s in our society, a life free of violence and this year. Shining in the sun, the pinwheel life is an incarcerated parent? You see, fear.” is reflective of the bright future all children positive interactions with parents and Remember this day, remember your deserve and our belief that getting it right caregivers create needed connections that children. Return to them, stay with them, early is less costly than trying to fix it later. are critical to brain functioning and future love them, and nurture them. They deserve And just how costly is child abuse and development. When brain scans of a normal it and after whatever time you’ve been away neglect? A study released in 2007 by child and of one who was severely from them, so do you. 29 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

30 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 RAPID FIRE

By Jan Joseph Porrettoorrettoorretto, editor slm started to go real slow. His “better way” selection was cruising upscale Seemed like it really neighborhoods and apartment complexes in search of potential stopped. Then I realized burglary victims. why.“My I was trying totime maintain a relationship with a girl and I “I would drive through the neighborhoods and look for houses wasn’t getting involved in a lot of prison programs like I used where the people weren’t at home. Cars not in the driveway or to,” Donjarrel Thomas said. parked out front. I would ring the doorbell or knock on the door. Thomas, 31, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is in his last If nobody answered, I’d head on to the back of the house, bust a year of a 10-year prison sentence for simple burglary. During window, and climb inside. I would get what I could carry and his two-for-one good time stay, he has been housed at Tallulah, stop at the refrigerator for something to eat on my way out the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center (EHCC) and David Wade Cor- door,” Thomas explained. “I got so fast at it; my boys started rectional Center (DWCC). A stint at a half-way house/work re- calling me “Rapid-Fire.” lease program in Lafayette, was short-lived when he returned “I didn’t need the money – that’s the kicks part! My granny late from what was sup- would have given me any- posed to be work. thing I asked for. I just “I was doing good and I didn’t care. We would go had a girlfriend. She picked into clothing stores and me up at the job site one supermarkets and just bag day when she wasn’t sup- up things and walk out. posed to. She didn’t have It’s like I wanted to get to do much talking to con- caught and come to vince me to go with her to prison.” a motel. We fell asleep and During this time, when she woke me up, it Thomas’s girlfriend had a was two-hours past my re- child. “For two years I porting time,” Thomas ex- provided for that baby. plained. “When I got back My girlfriend and I split to the half-way house I was up and then she filed for taken into custody and sent child-support payments back to prison. I was and I was making those charged with escape and payments. My little boy got three more months was over at my granny’s tacked onto my time.” house playing with my Thomas was raised in little cousins when my East Baton Rouge by his granny said to me, grandmother, Edrenia. “My momma is only fifty. She has been ‘Donjarrel, I don’t think that baby belongs to you.’ I got to look- like a sister to me all my life. My grandma raised me. She’s my ing real close and saw that my baby didn’t look like me, or his baby!” Thomas exclaimed. mother either!” Thomas said. “When I was going to school all I wanted to do was play Granny told me to go get my cousins and line them all up baseball. Loved baseball. Colleges started getting interested in with my little boy. She told me to feel the back of their heads. me but I couldn’t get a scholarship because my grades weren’t Granny claimed that all the Thomas’ had what she called the good enough. When I was told that, I just sort of gave up,” Thomas Hook, a little knot on the back of the skull. ‘If that baby Thomas explained. “I quit school and went to work for my don’t have the Thomas Hook, it’s 99 percent sure it ain’t yours,’ grandpa doing construction work. I started drinking and that led she claimed. I started feeling and sure enough, all them kids had to weed, crack, and burglarizing houses.” the Hook, except for mine.” “I was sitting there loaded one day and I started looking at “I had my real suspicions then and stopped making the child- my grandpa. He’s been in construction all his life. The sun has support payments. My girlfriend took me to court and I’m made his skin hard and dark from being in it every day. I was on standing there wearing a boosted suit with my lawyer, who might that dope and figured there was a better way for me,” Thomas have been wearing a boosted suit too. The judge put his little claims. glasses on and read the paternity test results and then looked at 31 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 my girlfriend and then at me and said, ‘Mr. Thomas it is 99.9 To “speed up” his free time, he occupies the rest of his time percent certain that you are not the father of the child in question.’ playing softball as a member of the 2008 DCI champion Tigers, It was like a Maury show! I felt my jaw drop and looked over at going to religious services regularly and enrolling in self-help my ex-girlfriend. She covered her face with her hands and started programs like, Anger Management, a substance abuse class called shaking her head from side to side. I heard my granny say from Living In Balance, Marriages That Matter and Read to Me Daddy. the back of the courtroom, ‘I told him so! That baby don’t have “I’m not married or involved with anyone right now, but I the Thomas Hook. 99.9 percent sure!’ I was thinking to myself, wanted to learn things that will help me in understanding what it all the Pampers and Similac I stole and that ain’t even my baby!! takes to have a marriage and to get along in the future. And, I’ve I felt hurt.” Thomas explained. learned a lot. For instance, you have got to know how the person Thomas was eventually arrested and sent to state prison. you are married to was raised. How she got along with her people. “I got my GED while I was in the parish prison. I got the She needs to know how I am with my people. I never did that in certificate in my locker.” past relationships. Who does really? Who talks, really talks and “I’m almost a year short of going home. I got to DCI on August who listens, really listens, to the one they are married to. If you 11, 2008 and I started getting involved in all these self-help don’t really know the woman you’re with – how can she know programs offered here because I really want to do right when I you? Thomas asked. get out.” “In Read to Me Daddy, I was able to do a 10-minute DVD Now assigned to the DCI Unit 1 Canteen, Thomas, along with that explains to my cousins and nieces how to avoid the bad another offender, works 9 to 5, Monday through Fridays choices like I’ve made in life. It also let me tell my baby, my unloading, unboxing and stacking merchandise on shelves for granny, that I’m straight and that I’m coming home to stay straight the posted correctional officer. and do for her,” Thomas said. READ TO ME DADDY PRE-RELEASE DIRECTOR TAPES OFFENDERS

By Jan Joseph Porrettoorrettoorretto, slm editor ichael Ellerbe, Pre-Release Director at Dixon Families provides the resources, equipment and personnel to Correctional Institute has garnered local television videotape incarcerated fathers as they record a children’s book Mnews coverage for a program that permits offenders for their own child. to read to their children via DVD. “The video will then be burned to DVD for presentation to Named Read to Me Daddy, offenders are videotaped reading the incarcerated fathers’ children along with a copy of the book a short, children’s book. The 10-minute tape is then converted read.” to DVD and mailed by According to Pre- DCI to the offenders’ Release Director children through their Michael Ellerbe, the caregivers. fathers will encourage Literature distrib- their children to have uted by the trade- Daddy read to them marked Read to Me anytime they wish, Daddy Project explains even when he can’t be that: with them in person. “In an effort to re- Appropriate permis- connect incarcerated sion will be obtained fathers to their children from the children’s le- in meaningful ways, the gal guardian before Read to Me Daddy taping is conducted. Project was launched in Read to Me Daddy Spring 2008. Statistics is a pilot program that clearly indicate that a is presently being strengthening of the tested at Dixon Correc- bonds of incarcerated tional Institute and C. parents to their children WAFB-Channel 9 Street Beat reporter Greg Merriweather (with red folder) filmed story Paul Phelps Correc- about the Read To Me Daddy Project spearheaded by Pre-Release Director Michael affords that individual Ellerbe on the Unit 1 Compound. Also pictured are offenders who participated. tional Center in with a much greater Dequincy, Louisiana. chance for success once they return home. It also provides the According to Mr. Ellerbe, DCI offenders interested in par- child the opportunity to reconnect to the parent to be loved and ticipating in the Read to Me Daddy Project, must first complete nurtured. the 12-week Nurturing Fathers Program, conducted through “Through the Read to Me Daddy Project, Reentry Benefiting the DCI Mental Health Department. 32 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

With a little ingenuity and a lot of sweat, offender maintenance workers pump concrete to lay foundation.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION—VETERINARY CLINIC & INFIRMARY ADDITION By Michael O’Neal, slm reporter ffenders and Dixon Correctional buildings. Construction crews are Pharmacy,” said Mike Elam, Facility Institute staff members have been building the Veterinary Hospital between Maintenance Director. “The supplies Oworking hand-in-hand this spring the Infirmary and Sally Port 5. from the storage room in the front would and summer in two separate construction These animal facilities were funded in be moved into the location of the old projects. response to the need—realized during Pharmacy, and the old storage room One of the projects is the second phase Hurricanes Katrina and Rita—for viable would be used as a holding room for of the emergency animal shelter, which evacuation and shelter plans for pets. cellblock offenders [on callout to the is to include a Veterinary Clinic on the Most shelters for humans will not allow Infirmary].” grounds of the prison. The emergency pets for obvious reasons. The project was The new addition is being constructed shelter has already seen action during funded with a $600,000 grant for in the old driveway area on the southwest Hurricane Gustav, last September. construction from HSUS. corner of the building. Masonry The temporary shelter is located on the The other project is an addition to the graduates, Carpentry class, and inside/ north side of Compound 5 behind the Infirmary. “The latest plan is for the new outside maintenance were among the Youthful Offender Program and Infirmary addition to the Infirmary to be used for a offenders utilized in the construction.

Offenders smooth concrete foundation and lay brick at new Veterinary Clinic. 33 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 ecent tax and price increases on tobacco products have made smoking very expensive. AlthoughR state lawmakers didn’t pass any tobacco taxation bills this year because of stiff opposition by the public and the Governor, new Federal tobacco taxes took effect in April. The taxes, according to The Advocate, increased the price of each pack by $0.62, By Michael O’Neal, a modest increase by most standards. The slm reporter largest increase was for the roll-your-own brands, which are taxed by the pound (an over 2,000% increase over the rate of about 2¢ per pound). In addition to the tax increases, and in anticipation of the enforcement smoking laws passed in 2007, Warden Bugler Can Rader said in a meeting of the Offender Welfare Committee that he anticipated manufacturers and/or wholesalers would also increase prices. Rave Carton The price for a carton of Rave cigarettes increased the most for pre- rolled, rising 66.7%. A carton of Kool only rose 17.9%. A can of Bugler (equal by weight to 9.23 packs), Kool Carton however, rose a whopping 174.4%,— while packs of Bugler rose 157%. The highest percentage of increase was for packs of (roll-your-own) Top Menthol, 258.6%. Camel Carton Chewing tobacco and snuff prices were the least affected with Timber Wolf only rising 8.8%, Red Man stayed even, and Red Seal actually $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 dropped 4%. What’sWhat’s ininin Your YourYourOld Federal Change New Percent What’sWhat’s ininin Your YourYour Wallet?Wallet?Wallet?Wallet?Wallet?Wallet?Price Tax After Tax Price Change Camel Carton $65.80 $6.20 $12.50 $84.50 28.4% Kool Carton $56.00 $6.20 $3.80 $66.00 17.9% Rave Carton $26.10 $6.20 $11.20 $43.50 66.7% Bugler Can $12.12 $8.88 $12.26 $33.26 174.4% Top $1.11 $0.96 $1.91 $3.98 258.6% Black & Mild $0.60 $0.16 $0.28 $1.04 73.3% Bugler Pack $1.51 $0.96 $1.41 $3.88 157.0% Levi Garrett $4.13 $0.06 $2.23 $6.42 55.4% Red Man $4.02 $0.07 ($0.07) $4.02 0.0% Timber Wolf $2.51 $0.07 $0.15 $2.73 8.8% Red Seal $3.50 $0.09 ($0.23) $3.36 -4.0% 34 Prices appear on the Store Sheet dated 6/15/09. slm –Volume 10 – NumberReligion 2 – 2009 WHAT IS A DISCIPLE? By KKBy endrick Volterolterolter, slm reporter erving time in prison is not always an easy task. There are many mental, Sphysical, and spiritual challenges that come with serving a prison sentence. Some prisoners choose to go to school or read self-help literature to build up their intellects. Others exercise or play sports to stay physically fit. Sure, these two methods of doing time take discipline and patience—if you hope to see results; however, many prisoners have mastered this way of serving time. Deep down inside they still experience a longing for something more. Lastly, there is a third group who lives in Discipleship group discusses the daily lessons completed throughout the week. search of spiritual fulfillment. In it they have experienced a richness of joy, peace, and tranquility that passes Saturday. Compound 1 Offender Minister Dewayne Hill and all understanding. These men are living as disciples for Christ. Compound 2 Offender Minister Eric Matthews—both graduates This form of living takes a little bit more than patience and of Angola’s New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary— discipline; nevertheless, its rewards are plentiful. oversee the discipleship programs held on their respective units. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed in Him, ‘If ye For beginners these courses could be a life changing continue in my Word, then are ye My disciples indeed.’” John experience. “I think it’s a very positive way to do time,” admitted 8:31 KJV. offender Steve Amort, a first-time group leader. For more The official start of another discipleship class began August experienced Christians, on the other hand, the courses are 1, 2009. About forty participants arrived in Unit 1’s Conference designed to help them become more equipped to share the Word Room 2 with their first weekly lesson completed and ready for of God. group discussion. “In order to become a good follower of Christ, you have to Discipleship classes are a faith-based initiative that involves acquire enough knowledge about Christ,” offender group leader various subject matters related to Christianity (i.e. Life in the Christopher Peters stated. Spirit, Experiencing God, etc.); each one is for a twelve-week The foundation of the Discipleship Program is based on the period. Each Bible study has twelve units that are broken down belief that to fully experience God, a Christian has to establish a into five days. Participants are encouraged to do their studies relationship with Him (God) by diligently on a day-by-day basis as opposed to rushing through the lesson searching the Scriptures (God’s Word), meditating plan. On Saturday mornings, they all meet together and have on it, and living it. group discussions. Minister Hill reminded the group, “What you According to offender Colby Calais, one of the group leaders, put into a thing, is what you will get out of it. So I after completing several courses, his understanding about the encourage you to be disciples, a learner, a student. Bible has been enhanced and his faith in Christ has been Be a disciple and see how God works out in your Dewayne Hill strengthened. life.” “By taking these courses, it will allow you to move forward Offender Joe Dominick, a long-time program participant and in discovering God’s will besides your own,” Calais stated. Christian for fourteen years, stated, “These groups show me who Discipleship classes are held on Compounds 1 and 2 every I really am in Christ and what He created me for. God is using me to bring others to salvation. At the end of the group, all groups come together as one. Then, a member is selected by their individual group to openly share with the whole body what was discussed during their group session. “You can see in just the first week the evidence of a real, powerful tool that all Christians can use in their daily walk,” observed Amort.

Note: Discipleship classes are held on Compounds 1 and 2. They are sponsored by the DCI Chaplain’s Department. For more information visit the Chaplain’s office on your unit. Intercessory Left to right: Colby Calais, Dewayne Hill, Christopher Peters, and Steve Amort. prayer is held every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. before classes begin. 35 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 EVER HAVE A PRAYER UNEQUIVOCALLY ANSWERED IN 30-SECONDS? GOD’S CELL PHONE By Jon Marc TTc aylorayloraylor, Missouri ave you ever had God answer a prayer in 30-seconds? I mean moments after you murmured it across your lips, HHHyou turn the corner and there is the fulfillment of your beseechment. Have you ever been so amazed and inspired all at once at His beneficence? I have. Earlier this year. On a blustery February morning.

Before placing the Heavenly call… It was a rather surreal conversation to be having. We were debating whether or not to send a card to an administrator. This it in the internal mailbox, or giving it to the attending Institutional person had been surprisingly (for this environment at least) Activities Coordinator to facilitate delivery. supportive of our program. We were actually sipping the first I was hesitant. Experience had demonstrated time and again cups of fresh brewed coffee (a monthly treat he had just how things were lost, misrouted and simply disappeared into the authorized) as we conversed. black hole of the prison mail system. We didn’t want this unique Our KAIROS ministry elder, Dave Fulton of Kearney, earlier message being lost as well. I should have, however, had faith that evening had advised us that this man was ill and in the that as the Spirit has guided us this far, it would steer the card the hospital. He would not be able to attend our forthcoming daylong rest of the way to its destination. The activities coordinator was retreat he had also approved. Someone in the impromptu koffee asked, in turn, to deliver the envelope. klatch jokingly quipped, “We should send him a card.” We laughed. What an initially outrageous idea. The A PPA rayer Answered administrator was the deputy warden and we were long-term A month passed. The administrator was back on the job. No prisoners. The old school convict ethos engraved a permanent word, response or acknowledgement of any kind. Had the card state of war between the sides; it was a matter of honor not to been lost? Was the action deemed inappropriate? Were the cooperate, not even to recognize our shared humanity. sentiments dismissed? When queried as to if the card had indeed “What’s so funny about that?” Gideon, one of our new brothers been received, figuring if there had been any feedback it would from the most recent class, said matter-of-factly. “We are having go through him, the chaplain, David Mansingh – who had been our hearts opened to a different way. Isn’t that what this is all on missionary training to Honduras during the time of the retreat about: W.W.J.D.?” (What Would Jesus Do?) – responded, “What card?” That succinct statement decided the matter. The discussion “Our KAIROS Get Well card.” turned to logistics. How would we get a card? Who would buy Then a miraculous thing happened before my eyes. (Like this one off commissary? Someone suggested that with all the artists chance encounter moments after my prayer wasn’t a miracle in in the KAIROS brotherhood we should make a card. itself.) His whole body language changed. Mr. Morgan turned “Yeah, that’s the ticket,” another said. “Remember how mom facing me. He straightened his frame, pulled back his shoulders always said she preferred those crayon scrawled cards we made and beamed a smile. It was transformative. I smiled back in simple as kids, much more than whatever Hallmark ones we bought with reflex, if not instantaneous relief of having my answer. our milk money.” Moreover, by making our card we could cre- He stuck out his hand to shake. I don’t know if my jaw dropped, atively customize it with the KAIROS emblem (the sign of the but mores of this place simply does not include staff shaking fisher of men inside the crossbar of the Cross), theme (God’s inmates’ hands. Special Time”) and message (of Agape to all). Quickly offering my own, we warmly shook, while he said, “Yes, I did. It’s sitting on my desk and I show it to everyone who PPPosting the Spirit comes into my office.” An inspiringly talented brother, Eddy Wilkes, was recruited For the next several minutes, we talked of the KAIROS to draw a Get Well card for the administrator. At our annual retreat ministry. He wanted to know what class number I had gone shortly thereafter, we utilized the opportunity of the gathering of through, what were we currently doing, how we felt the ministry all the brothers – both inside residents and outside volunteer was impacting the institution, and on. witnesses – to sign the card not only with our names, but In turn, I invited him to drop by one of our Tuesday Prayer personalized messages as in I Corinthians 13:13 of faith, hope and Share Sessions to give his testimony to the men. He graciously and charity. accepted and later did so, once good-naturedly quipping during So verbose were the brothers passing the card amongst the his talk that he had family members who hadn’t sent him a card tables, we ran out of space to record our missives. Quickly while in the hospital, but a bunch of convicts had! scrambling, I had to craft a design-compatible insert, so all the As we parted, he going to his office and me back to my cell, I more than sixty brothers could send their get-well thoughts and was no longer aware of the cold. I marveled at the power of prayer. thanks. “Ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it At the end of the invigoratingly exhaustive day, I tried to give shall be opened unto you” it is written in Matthew 7:7 (King the card to our ministry leader to hand deliver to the deputy James translation). But come on, I chuckled to myself, 30-seconds warden. He declined acceptance, explaining institutional later! procedure precluded that process. He in turn, suggested dropping God’s cell phone had rung: “Can you hear me now?” 36 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 LIVING LIFE IN THE SPIRIT By KKBy endrick Volterolterolter, slm reporter n 1974, Leo “Slim” Jackson Jr. was arrested, tried, and prison a person’s decision to obey authority, abide by rules, or convicted for distribution of heroin. It wasn’t long after that, even serve God can be mistakenly taken as a weakness.” Ihe was sentenced to serve a mandatory life sentence at hard “To be a Christian behind prison walls,” he confirmed, “is labor without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of challenging. For the person who is performing this task, he’s sentence in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. While in risking everything he believed in and valued, to try something Angola, Jackson, said he realized he was waiting in darkness, new and outside of his normal comfort zone, in hopes of receiving and decided to live in Truth. better results.” Eventually, others stopped calling him “Slim” and started “I had to feel my way through. Instead of abandoning my old calling him “Brother Leo.” friends, I developed new relationships with them,” he continued. Several years later, he was sent to Dixon Correctional Institute “I began to live a totally different life and eventually, I went where he preached the Word of God, and provided servant from being called ‘Slim’ to ‘Brother Leo,’” he finished. leadership to the offender population. More After completing four years at Angola’s New Orleans Baptist than two years after his release, Jackson said Theological Seminary, he acquired an Associate Degree in he is reaping the rewards of being patient, Pastoral Ministry and a Bachelor Degree in General Studies. It faithful and God-centered—all evidence of wasn’t long after, when Jackson was transferred to DCI and was living life in the Spirit. assigned to the Chaplain’s Department to perform clerical and “That the righteousness of the law might pastoral duties. be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the At DCI, he decided to file for clemency. After being granted flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:4 (KJV) a hearing, he was blessed with a favorable recommendation. As During the early period of Jackson’s Leo Jackson, 2004 he waited for then-Governor Kathleen Blanco to sign it, he incarceration, Angola was a brutally violent place where described that period as “a very suspenseful time.” Louisiana housed its most dangerous criminals. Daily survival Amazingly, on June 6, 2006, he received word that the was a convict’s primary focus; and the reality of being free one Governor had signed his pardon; however, he also learned that day was only an afterthought in the back of the minds of many another charge would hold him up from being immediately whom were conditioned to believe that tomorrow wasn’t released. Asked what it was like going through that, he responded, promised anyway. “I felt mixed feelings, but primarily there was apprehension and This was especially true for prisoners like Jackson, who found fear.” themselves going back and forth to lockdown; as a result, of In January of 2007—after serving 32 years in prison—he generally prohibited behavior. learned that the charges he was being held on were not open, “I stayed locked down. I went to Camp J several times,” which legally made him a free man. “That day was surreal. It Jackson quickly admitted. Although an ever-present strength can be felt while in his presence, his calm and meek persona doesn’t reveal a hint or trace of his past chaotic nature. Furthermore, during the 1980s after having an aggravated fight with another prisoner; Jackson was rebooked for another charge - which he was later convicted of. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that he began to desire a change of direction in his life. He quickly learned that change wasn’t easy when you have been trained to respond a certain way for so long, he explained. Courageously, Jackson gave up his ways of thinking and behaving to live according to the Gospel of Christ. “There were some very uncertain times during this moment of transition,” Jackson recalled George Foreman III, Richard A. Johnson, III, James M. Le Blanc [then Warden of DCI], and Leo retrospectively. “Sometimes in Jackson at the DCI Chapel Dedication Ceremonies held in 2006. 37 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 was a jubilant time. I wasn’t sure A third part of the program it was real,” he exclaimed. Although I left prison with two consists of leadership develop- Upon his release from Dixon— college degrees...opportunities ment and job opportunities for having only meager resources he ex-offenders. “We’ve trained 50 brought with him from prison—he were few for an ex-offender... ex-offenders in which 23 are still found himself faced with the task in active training. We believe of rebuilding his life. Nevertheless, he quickly learned that find- mentoring helps an ex-offender learn how to become a servant ing gainful employment in post-Katrina New Orleans would in- leader, and that ties in with our leadership development pro- deed be his most formidable task. He remained unemployed until gram,” Jackson explained. April of 2007 despite his efforts to find work. That was when he “Although I left prison with two college degrees, work op- met Ronnie Moore, Director of Cornerstone Builders. portunities were few for an ex-offender like myself,” Jackson Cornerstone Builders is a civic justice initiative of Catholic pointed out. “Therefore, the chance to earn a regular income Charities of New Orleans and AmeriCorps that offers and the other provisions offered by the Cornerstone Builders employment and leadership training to formerly incarcerated were quite appealing.” persons to help reintegrate them into“” the community. Its mission He strongly believes that none of this would have been is to reduce recidivism, create alternatives to incarceration, and possible had it not been for the grace of God and his trust in confront violence through prayer, service, advocacy, and servant Christ. “Be patient and wait on God,” Jackson advised. “He’s leadership training. going to deliver on his promise.” “Men and women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds In addition to his Cornerstone Builders duties, Jackson is the are involved,” Jackson explained. director of a program called Second Zion Cops and Clergies, In addition, participants work at area non-profit agencies in funded by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; which has a exchange for a living stipend of $11,867, health care, and receive mutual interest with Second Zion Baptist Church of Marrero, a $4,750 scholarship upon completion of eleven months of Louisiana, to reduce recidivism. They provide reentry assistance community service. to formerly incarcerated persons, mentoring service to children Other services provided by the organization involve providing of incarcerated parents, substance abuse and addictive disorder free bus trips for family members to the Louisiana State support group, and adult basic literacy and pre-GED classes. Penitentiary, Dixon Correctional Institute, Elayn Hunt “Before becoming a part of Cornerstone Builders, I didn’t Correctional Center, Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women, have a clear vision of what I wanted to do. But the simple concept and B.B. “Sixty” Rayburn Correctional Center. They provide a upon which the program is based—changing lives and building mentoring service to the children of incarcerated parents. servant leaders through service—provided me with a clear Jackson now serves as Assistant Director for Cornerstone perspective. Service has long been a part of my life, the work Builders. “We strongly believe in uniting the families of I’m doing through these programs are an ideal fit for me,” incarcerated individuals,” he said. “We transported over 800 Jackson concluded. people to visit with their loved ones whom are incarcerated, and Through faith, determination, and living the Word he we’re actively mentoring 20 children whose parents are currently preached, Leo Jackson’s desire to be free and serve others finally serving time.” manifested itself after 32 long years of trials and tribulations.

Jackson represented Cornerstone Builders at the Resource Fair Jackson proudly displays his official pardon papers in May 2006. held at Dixon Correctional Institute in July 2009. 38 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

ININ REMEMBRANCEREMEMBRANCE OFOF LYNNLYNN By KKBy endrick Volterolterolter, slm reporter eath is not a factor of life that most One morning before going off to work, I had been diagnosed with cancer. of us are quick to embrace. If it decided to have a seat on one of the green Out of curiosity I asked, “Why do you DDwere, it would be frequently concrete benches to smoke a cigarette and still smoke knowing you have cancer?” discussed amongst us. The thought of savor the morning breeze. With his cane Without hesitation he answered, losing a loved one or friend would not in one hand and a cigarette in the other, “Kendrick, sometimes we rather learn result into feelings of grief and mournful Lynn, silently walked up things the hard way,” as if sorrow. The thought of being in the and took a seat. he had been asked that presence of someone who was dying After sitting there question a thousand times. would not seem so eerie either. If the silently for what seemed to As I walked to work that circumstances were reversed, and you be 10 or 15 minutes, Lynn morning, those words con- were the one about to expire, can you broke the silence by tinued to echo through my imagine how you would feel? What would saying, “This [prison mind. He had spoken a your thoughts be? More importantly, how experience] doesn’t even truth that was directly re- would you want to be remembered? feel real.” lated to many of us living These are the things I—the writer—had It was somewhat ironic inside and outside of the to consider as I thought about my good because Lynn said what I chain link fences. friend Lynn Rogers whose time on earth was thinking. This initial As the months rolled expired on August 19, 2009 statement lead to a brief by, I got to know Lynn It was the summer of 2008, when I first conversation in which I Gregory Riley sings a solo much better. He had sev- met Lynn. I had recently transferred from learned he was in his late lamentation. eral brothers and sisters DCI Compound 2 to Compound 1, and 50s, early 2010 was his expected release who kept in close contact with him. He was placed in the same dormitory as he. date, and after smoking for 40 years he was a strong supporter of LSU sports, and he loved the Saints. I can’t ever remem- ber a time when he was angry because almost anything made him laugh. When I asked him why he laughed so much, he replied, “I died twice and came back. I guess God’s not finished with me yet.” It was during the winter months when I began to notice a change in his behavior. I often found him balled up under his blanket in his bunk. He admitted that he was cold and his stomach wasn’t holding down anything he ate. Holding to the belief that he could fight it off, Lynn refused to seek medical attention, even after the constant urging of some of his peers. Chaplain James Jones delivers eulogy to the family and friends of Lynn Rogers. After a few weeks, Lt. Dominique Spears, while working Dorm A, declared 39 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 him a medical emergency. The reality of what Lynn was going through hit closer to home with me. Instead of “learning things the hard way,” I decided to learn from Lynn’s experience. I quit smoking— cold turkey. Two months and several surgeries later, Lynn came back to DCI frailer and smaller. There wasn’t even a hint of the old familiar smile and laugh I had grown accustomed to. It was hard for me to look upon my friend and remember his former state. As I rested my gaze upon my old friend’s face, I wondered if he truly knew what was happening to him. “I just wish I knew what was wrong with me. Everything I eat, I throw back Chaplain Clyde Ennis, Asst. Warden James Stevens and up. I can’t sleep because all I feel is pain,” Asst. Warden Lane Thomas console Rogers’ family members. Lynn cried as if he had read my mind. know how much I appreciated him as a too late for that?” “It’s kind of scary, huh?” I sincerely friend, and how hard it was for me to see Just like in the past, I guess I executed asked as I looked into his eyes. He just him in that condition. I placed my hand the punch line well, because he gave a nodded his head. on his shoulder, and with a matter-of-fact slight chuckle. Less than a week later, he After a few moments of thought he tone, I told him, “Lynn, sometimes the passed away. confessed, “Kendrick, I never hurt decisions we make bring greater harm to Editor’s note: Lynn Rogers, born May 8, 1951, died at anybody. I always respected others, and ourselves than to others.” Earl K. Long Hospital on August 19, 2009. He was given a Christian burial at the Dixon Correctional Institute helped people when I could.” He looked up and declared, “I think prison cemetery on Saturday afternoon, August 22, Hearing these words from him I’m going to stop smoking.” 2009. A dozen of his family members, two DCI assistant wardens, a colonel, two chaplains and their assistants revealed to me that he knew time was With an inquisitive expression, I as well as the DCI choir were at his graveside service. running out. So, I took the time to let him jabbed back, “You don’t think it’s a little –jjp

1)1)1)1)1)1) CURCURCURCURCURCURTISTIS JJTIS JJTIS AMESAMESAMESAMESAMESAMES 6)6)6)6)6)6) ALALALALALALVINVIN SOCSOCVIN SOCSOCVIN OOOOOO 1111111)1)1)1)1)1)ALBERALBERALBERALBERALBERALBERTT LEELEET LEELEET 6/36/36/36/36/36/31/21/21/21/21/21/244 –– 9/5/029/5/02 3/23/23/23/23/23/21/561/56 –– 3/13/15/05/05/05/05/05/0777777 1111112/12/12/12/12/12/11/491/49 —— 5/25/24/084/084/084/084/084/08

2)2)2)2)2)2) EDEDEDEDEDEDWWWWWWARDARD BRBRARD BRBRARD OOKOOKOOKOOKOOKOOKSSSSSS 7)7)7)7)7)7) RRRRRROBEROBEROBEROBEROBEROBERTT FFT FFT OSOSOSOSOSOSTERTERTERTERTERTER 1111112)2)2)2)2)2)GREGGREG SMITHSMITH 1111111/8/531/8/53 –– 112/8/022/8/022/8/022/8/022/8/022/8/02 7/17/17/17/17/17/17/27/27/27/27/27/277 –– 4/14/17 4/14/17 0/00/00/00/00/00/0777777 1111111/11/11/11/11/11/12/532/53 —— 9/29/24/084/084/084/084/084/08

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40 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 PRISON RELIGION IN THE NEWS TRANSFORMING FAITH NEW ORLEANS BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ALLOWS INMATES TO EARN DEGREES IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY, PUTTING THEM IN A POSITION TO CHANGE PRISON CULTURE By Shelia Byrd, Associated Press writer PARCHMAN, MISS.–For the 28 men who were awarded their STAYING OUT OF PRISON bachelor’s degrees in Christian ministry recently in western A similar program administered by Columbia International Mississippi, the decision to pursue higher education did not come University operates in South Carolina. It graduated 15 inmates without risks. in December. Some were beaten out of prison gangs or mocked by the Mark Early, president of Prison Fellowship, a national prison hardened criminals they’ll soon attempt to counsel and even lead ministry, said Liberty University in Virginia, New York to faith. Theological Seminary and Mercy College are some of the The commencement exercises for the Class of 2009 was held institutions that provide educational services to inmates. in May at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, where At Sing Sing Prison in New York, where more than 100 razor wire and guards greeted friends and relatives of the convicts have completed the Mercy College program, Early said graduates. 45 have been released and haven’t returned to prison. With caps and gowns draped over prison stripes, the new “This is very effective,” he said. ministers – many of them convicted rapists and murderers – Becoming a minister wasn’t Jerry Mettetal’s plan when he accepted their degrees knowing they would face skepticism. entered Parchman 20 years ago on a life sentence for killing two “The people are scared of you,” said the graduation speaker, people, including a sheriff’s deputy. Burl Cain, longtime warden at the Louisiana State Penitentiary “This will be my new job,” said Mettetal, a former member at Angola. of the Simon City Royal prison gang. “I came here and for a “Everybody’s watching you. They’re waiting for you to fail.” long time I didn’t care. God allowed something to come into But Cain said they will be expected to help transform prison this prison to show that people can change.” culture through their faith. James Wash, serving a life term for murder, said some inmates The Parchman inmates received degrees from the New had to survive beatings to be released from prison gangs. Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The accredited institution In his own case, he said he was “questioned” by gang members first began offering prison courses to Angola inmates in 1996. when he told them he wanted to get out for the program. He Provost Steve Lemke said the school is also working with wouldn’t be more specific. correctional systems in Georgia and Florida. The Parchman inmates research the old and new testaments The seminary program that grants undergraduate degrees to and are taught how to preach, evangelize and counsel. inmates is a rarity, Lemke said. Graduates hope to become “missionaries” and be allowed to go to other state facilities to minister to inmates.

BENEFITS AT ANGOLA Cain said the ministry education program has made all the difference for the prison he runs in Louisiana, where he said acts of inmate violence decreased from 500 to 100 in a year’s time. Cain said that in the 1970s, with 40 murders in one year at Angola, Life magazine dubbed it “the bloodiest prison in America.” “It became a moral place,” Cain said. “I have 145 bachelor degree inmates. When you have that many preachers walking around in the prison, starting churches, how can it be violent?” He said inmate-on-inmate assaults with weapons at Angola now average fewer than 100 a year. Mississippi State Penitentiary inmates cannot hide their uniform reminder they are Violence once marked Parchman too, said in prison as they listen to Charles Kelley, president of the seminary, prior to receiving Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Chris their degrees from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s Christian Ministry Epps. program in Parchman, Miss. “We haven’t had a major incident since August 41 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 2007. That’s how I know what we’re doing is working,” Epps But college can be intimidating, particularly behind prison said. walls. Bley said some Parchman inmates haven’t been in school Johnny Bley, director of Parchman’s faith-based initiative and for decades. a course instructor, said the program is financed by the Others enter the program with only a general equivalency Mississippi Baptist Convention so it’s not a taxpayer expense. diploma. Inmates are held to the same standards as students at The convention has provided more than $250,000 for the the seminary’s campus in New Orleans. program, which began in 2004. “Many realize that academically they are not able to continue,” Bley said the programs are open to individuals from all said Bley. “Others press on, despite consequences. religions. “They undergo persecution in various forms because of their “We’ve had quite a few Muslims who have gone through and faith. We’ve had a lot of gang members that have put down their graduated and they become ministers in their own faith,” Bley flags because of their new commitment to Christ. Some of those said. “What we try to do is get the men to see that this is their have been beaten out,” Bley said. “It’s a difficult decision.” world for as long as they’ve been sentenced. They can make a Reprint: The Advocate, difference in it.” June 13, 2009 PRAYER AT ANGOLA GATE ERASED Biblical reference also goes at behest of ACLU By Ed Anderson, Capital Bureau, The Advocate Officials of Louisiana State Penitentiary The power of God protects you/And the visit – and “all deserve to have their own at Angola have ordered the removal of a presence of God watches over you;/Wherever religious beliefs respected as they go about Biblical reference and a prayer on a you are, God is.” their business at Angola.” monument outside the gates of the sprawling Fontenot said that side of the monument Esman stated in a letter that she accepted West Feliciana Parish maximum security will be filled with artwork or a more secular Cain’s plans to rework the monument and lock-up. inspirational message. asked him to let her know when it will be Cathy Fontenot, assistant warden for Cain said he chose the location by the finished. “We thank you for recognizing the programming and public relations, said entrance gates of Angola to help with the need to protect the religious freedom of all,” Angola officials submitted work orders to “moral rehabilitation” of new inmates Esman wrote Cain. have what was known as the “Phillippians “arriving at Angola to see that their past The organization filed two lawsuits against Monument” stripped of the religious stopped when they entered the gates of Cain, the state Department of Public Safety references after a complaint was lodged last Angola…It advises them we are not going to and Corrections and some employees of year by the Louisiana arm of the American look at the past; to let it go and begin change Angola. Civil Liberties Union. for the better.” In one, the ACLU claimed that Angola The monument featured a verse taken from “I am expecting him to keep his word,” officials deprived a Catholic death row inmate St. Paul’s letter to the Phillippians – Chapter Marjorie Esman, the state ACLU’s executive from watching televised Sunday Mass or 3 Verse 13 – dealing with “forgetting what is director, said of Cain’s promise to revise the having access to a Mass near his death-row behind and straining toward what is ahead.” monument. cell, while requiring the inmates on death row Fontenot said the language will remain but She told Cain in a separate letter that the to watch televised Baptist services every the citation of the epistle verse will be ACLU “supports you in your efforts to Sunday. removed. encourage prisoners to look forward toward A second suit alleged that a member of the On the opposite side of the book-like changing their lives for the better; we expect Nation of Islam was not allowed to receive monument, there was a “Prayer of those efforts to be conducted in a way that religious materials to practice his religion and Protection,” which the ACLU complained will not endorse one religion over another or was barred from forming a study group for about and Warden Burl Cain is having religion over non-religion.” members of his faith, while inmates of other removed. Esman said the monument is seen by all faiths have similar groups. The prayer reads: “The light of God entering Angola – from delivery personnel to Reprint: The Times Picayune, surrounds you/The love of God enfolds you/ attorneys and family members of inmates who February 7, 2009 PRISON BOOK BAN IS UNDER FIRE Religious Groups Align Against Federal Plan

New York Times News Service The American Civil Liberties Union and comment. Several religious organizations and civil several other civil rights and religious groups In its proposal, the agency cited a 2004 liberties groups, often on opposite sides of argue that the agency is going beyond the report on prison religious services by the contentious issues, have joined to condemn provision of the Second Chance Act of 2007, Justice Department inspector-general that a proposed rule that they say would prohibit which included a restriction on materials that suggested censoring certain materials to some religious texts in federal penitentiary “seek” to incite violence.. prevent the radicalization of inmates. libraries. They argue that the act was meant to The Alliance Defense Fund, a group of The U.S. Bureau of Prisons last January prohibit only books that intend to suggest Christian lawyers who litigate religious-rights proposed that “materials that could incite, violence, and that the agency’s new rule cases, joined its arch foe, the ACLU, in promote, or otherwise suggest the would expand that ban to all books that could opposing the new rule. The groups are usually commission of violence or criminal activity” possibly lead to violence. on opposite sides of thorny issues like the role may be excluded from chapel libraries. An “Those one or two words have incredibly of religious expression in schools and same- alliance of groups – Christian, Muslim and broad significance because of what they do sex marriages. Jewish, conservative and liberal – opposed to the scope of what books can be taken Other groups opposing the rule change the ruling. away,” said David Shapiro, an ACLU lawyer. include Muslim Advocates, the Seventh-Day The word “could” is at the center of a two- “They could remove texts that are critical to Adventists and various Jewish organizations. year dispute between the agency and these prisoners’ ability to practice their religion.” groups over which religious texts should be Bureau officials did not (immediately) Reprint: The Times Picayune, banned from prison libraries. respond to calls or email messages seeking March 21, 2009 42 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 INCARCERATION – AND INSPIRATION FAITH-BASED WING AT EBR’S PARISH PRISON AIMS TO GET INSIDE PEOPLE KEPT INSIDE. NOT EVERYONE AGREES WITH THE CONCEPT – OR THE METHOD By Kimberly Vetter, Advocate staff writer, ike a lot of men serving time in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, Charles Brown has found God. Brown said his Ldiscovery started when he was booked into Parish Prison on a sex crime and placed on the facility’s faith and character- based wing. Since then, Brown said, he spends his days reading the Bible, praying and listening to sermons delivered by volunteer pastors, ministers and laymen. “It relaxes me,” Brown said of being on the wing. “It’s made my transition into prison much easier.” With the blessing of East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gauthreaux, warden Lt. Col. Dennis Grimes designated a 96- bed dormitory at Parish Prison a faith and character-based wing DCI Warden Steve Rader, East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Geautreaux, (in late 2008). It is open for male inmates who volunteer to go and EBRSO Colonel Dennis Grimes to the wing. from going down this route.” The purpose of the wing is “to emphasize the importance of In at least one case, Americans United for Separation of personal responsibility, meaningful work, education, substance- Church and State shut down a faith-based prison program. abuse treatment and peer support,” says a pamphlet detailing The organization won a lawsuit in 2007 against Prison inmate rules and regulations. Fellowship Ministries, which contracts with InnerChange A typical day for those living on the wing includes morning Freedom Initiatives and other organizations to conduct faith- and afternoon religious services as well as exposure to programs based programs. such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and The lawsuit alleged that state funds were used for an 18-month General Educational Development, Grimes said. evangelical Christian immersion program at Newton Correctional “If you can change their attitudes in here, you can change Facility in Iowa. The suit also claimed that inmates in the program their behaviors on the streets,” said Grimes, adding that he saw were given preferential treatment. positive results from a similar program at Dixon Correctional A federal appeals court ruled that the state of Iowa could not Institute, where he worked before coming to Parish Prison. fund the program. Doing so, the court ruled, advanced or endorsed religion, violating the Constitution’s separation of PROGRAM PROS AND CONS church and state. Faith-based immersion programs in prisons are common in As a result of the ruling, the program closed, Luchenitser said. the United States, where more people are incarcerated than any Esman said the ACLU recently filed two lawsuits against other country in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola on behalf of prisoners Justice. Louisiana has more people in prison per capita than any who are being denied the right to freely practice their religion. other state. One of the lawsuits is on behalf of death-row prisoner Donald At least two other prisons in Louisiana run faith-based Leger. He claims he is not being allowed to watch Catholic immersion programs, said Pam Laborde, spokeswoman for the television programming on Sundays, Esman says on her state Department of Public Safety and Corrections. organizations Web site. The programs are lauded by many who say they reduce The televisions, located outside death-row prisoners’ cells, recidivism and prepare convicts for better lives when they are are locked on predominantly Baptist programming on Sunday released. mornings, she says on the Web site. Critics, however, say evidence that the programs reduce The other suit involves Muslim prisoner Shawn Anderson, recidivism, or repeat offenders, is inconclusive, and others argue who says he is being denied access to religious literature and that the programs raise red flags on constitutional issues. publications, Esman says. Anderson, a member of the Nation of “Prisons should not be in the business of requiring religious Islam, also wants to gather with fellow believers to worship. participation of any kind,” said Marjorie Esman, executive “Catholics, Muslims and Mormons just want the same director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana. opportunities that Baptist prisoners are given,” Esman says on “And inmates should not be denied services because they do the Web site. “We fully support Warden (Burl) Cain’s efforts to not want to participate in religious services.” encourage prisoners to look forward toward changing their lives Alex Luchenitser, senior litigation counsel with Americans for the better, but he cannot do that through religious coercion.” United for Separation of Church and State, agreed. Laborde said Corrections Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc supports “There’s always a great potential for religious coercion when faith-based programs. He started the faith and character-based you start locating an entire prison unit and orienting it around wing at Dixon in 2005. religion,” Luchenitser said. “That’s why we’ve cautioned prisons “Faith-based programs are good for inmates while they are in 43 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 prison and when they get out,” Laborde said. “The programs Gerald Campbell, a member of Victory Harvest Church in offer inmates a continuum of care.” Baton Rouge, started delivering sermons to inmates on the prison’s faith-based wing two months ago, but has been involved PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN in prison ministry in Louisiana and Texas for decades. he religious programming on the faith and character-based “To me, it’s like a field that is white with harvest,” Campbell Twing at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison currently is said. “The people are open to the gospel. They know they have Christian-focused. to change their lives.” “We would fill any requests for other denominations to have Campbell and all the other ministers, preachers and laymen religious counsel,” said Casey Rayborn Hicks, a Sheriff’s Office provide their services for free, Hicks said. No public funds are spokeswoman. “But, as far as the warden is aware, there have used to support religious programming. been no such requests.” Most inmates who go through the Parish Prison are Christian, EVIDENCE NOT THERE Grimes said. A small group of Muslim inmates worship in the heriff Gautreaux said he hopes the wing will help reduce prison’s chapel, but have not expressed an interest in being part Srecidivism. of the wing. Sixty-seven percent of former prison inmates in Louisiana To get a bed on the wing, inmates must make a formal request will be re-arrested, according to Louisiana Department of Public to the prison’s chaplain, according to the inmate rules and Safety and Corrections statistics. Almost half, 46 percent, will regulations. be convicted of a new crime and 51 percent will return to prison. The chaplain screens an inmate based on such criteria as length “We have got to do something to reduce recidivism,” of stay at the prison, an inmate’s need for medical care and Gauthreaux said. “I want them to either become a productive whether an inmate needs to be in maximum security, the rules citizen or leave East Baton Rouge Parish.” and regulations say. Edward Shihadeh, an LSU sociology professor and “An inmate’s religious faith is not considered in determining criminologist, said there is not a lot of evidence that faith-based eligibility for admission into the Faith and Character-Based prison programs reduce recidivism. wing,” inmate rules and regulations say. “Crime is a structural phenomenon that has to do with where An inmate’s disciplinary record within the prison, Grimes said, people live,” Shihadeh said. “When prisoners are released, they is weighed heavily. An inmate cannot be admitted onto the wing go back to places where they are rewarded for negative behaviors, if he’s been written up within 30 days for some behavioral not positive ones.” infractions, and 60 days for others. In addition, he said, there is a difference between what staff “There’s zero tolerance in there,” Grimes said. “If they start expects from prison-based programs and what inmates want from causing problems, they are moved out.” the programs. If the only beds available in the prison are on the faith-based “What staff hopes is that inmates learn to follow society’s wing, new inmates will go there until other beds open, Hicks rules,” Shihadeh said. “What inmates want is something that said. Those people are not required to participate in the wing’s meets their physiological needs such as a job, a paycheck, religious programs. housing.” All 96 beds on the faith-based wing are full, and there’s a Dan Mears, a criminology professor at Florida State waiting list, Hicks said. University said he can’t say whether faith-based programs reduce The average inmate stay in Parish Prison is six months, Grimes recidivism because not enough solid research has been done on said. So he likes to move people out of the wing after 90 days to the issue. give others a chance to get in. The studies that have been done show varying results and Grimes said he hopes that inmates who move back into the have flawed methodologies, said Mears, who authored an article general population share what they learn. in a 2007 issue of the Journal of Criminal Justice titled “Faith- based efforts to improve prisoner reentry: Assessing the logic CHANGING BEHAVIOR and evidence.” apt. Johnny Scott, chief of prison security, said he’s seen “The people who volunteer for faith-based programs are Cchanges in some of the inmates on the wing, and seldom typically your ‘A’ students,” he said. “You are already weeding has issues with those staying there. some people out, so there’s a selection effect.” “The atmosphere on the line is a lot calmer than other places There also is an absence of a clear and consistent definition in the prison,” Scott said. “A lot of the people on the line know of faith-based, Mears said. they have to do something else with their lives.” Some faith-based programs include the delivery of secular Walter Jackson Jr., an inmate on the faith-based wing, agrees. services, such as vocational and drug counseling while others Everyone there is trying to get better, he said. stick only to religious programming. Jackson went to the wing last October, about a month after he In studies where positive effects were declared, “it was unclear was booked into prison on a count of cocaine possession. which practices or combinations of secular and religious Since then, he said, he’s been focused on his spiritual studies components generated them,” Mears said. and starting an auto technician business when he’s released. Overall, Mears said, faith-based programs are not bad, “but “They help us a lot in here,” he said. “They help us to better don’t pitch them as recidivism reducing techniques. ourselves.” Reprint, The Advocate March 29, 2009

44 slm –Volume 10 – NumberHealth 2 – 2009

HealthHealthby LLby eslie Schmidt, R.N., DCIWatch Watch Director of Nursing HOT WEATHER AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE How does hot weather affect the heart? Extremely hot weather causes dehydration, heat exhaustion morning or late evening, if possible. Know the symptoms of and heat stroke. These risks increase when the humidity is above heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If any symptoms appear, stop 70 percent and the temperature is above 70 degrees F. Heat and exercising and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with humidity interfere with the body’s natural cooling process. cold water. You may need to get medical attention. Heat If you plan to exercise outside in hot and humid weather, exhaustion can progress quickly to heat stroke, which can kill wear very light, comfortable clothing and work out in the early you. What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?  heavy sweating  a weak and rapid pulse  cold, clammy skin  muscle cramps  dizziness or fainting (syncope)  fast, shallow breathing nausea, vomiting or both What are the symptoms of heat stroke?  warm, dry skin with no sweating  high fever  strong and rapid pulse  throbbing headaches  confusion and/or unconsciousness  nausea, vomiting or both HIV RATE HIGHEST IN THE SOUTH By Steven Ward and Mike Stobbe, Advocate and AP writers new online atlas launched in June that usually high in prisons, Scalco said. to AIDS. highlights the areas of the country The highest numbers of HIV cases are in The map depicts reported numbers of Awith the highest rates of HIV and population centers like New York and people living with HIV and AIDS in 2006. AIDS shows East Baton Rouge, West California. However, many of the areas with Puckrein said the data came from state health Feliciana, East Feliciana and Iberville the highest proportion of people with the departments and was checked against parishes are hot spots for the disease in AIDS-causing virus – are in the South, information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Louisiana. according to the data map, which has Control and Prevention. The HIV/AIDS Atlas, created by the non- information for more than 90 percent of the Different states report data in different profit organization The National Minority nation’s counties and Washington D.C. ways, and there may be case duplications that Quality Forum, also shows Orleans and Allen HIV infection rates are higher in African- could impact some of the findings, Puckrein parishes as other areas in the state hard-hit American communities, and high minority said. by HIV and AIDS, said Becky Fleischauer, a populations in the South help explain the The CDC’s HIV and AIDS prevalence data spokeswoman for the forum. finding. While that’s not surprising, the high is reported on a state level, not by county. The new Internet data map finds the rates seen throughout states like Georgia and CDC officials were cautious about the data infection rates tend to be highest in the South. South Carolina were, said Gary Puckrein, map, saying they hadn’t seen all the Beth Scalco, the Louisiana AIDS director president of the National Minority Quality organization’s information. of the HIV/AIDS Program for the Office of Forum, the non-profit research organization “But we have long been part of the effort Public Health, said the six Louisiana parishes that put the map together. to identify geographic differences in the HIV highlighted in the map are six of 72 counties Of 48 counties with the highest prevalence epidemic, and we do see the need for efforts in the country with the highest rate of people rates for HIV that had not yet progressed to like these to facilitate better understanding living with HIV or AIDS. AIDS, 25 were in Georgia, according to the of these differences,” CDC spokeswoman Scalco said East Baton Rouge and Orleans map. Those were counties in which more that Elizabeth-Ann Chandler said. rate high because of population and large 0.7 percent of the population was infected urban areas. with HIV. On the Internet Even though the other four parishes are Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and The HIV data Map rural areas, they rate high because of the Virginia were heavily represented on another http://www.MapHIV.org number of correctional facilities in each map of counties, which showed the highest parish. Numbers of HIV and AIDS cases are prevalence rates for cases that had progressed Reprint: The Advocate June 23, 2009 45 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 NICOTINE STUDY HealthDay News Service lmost 75 percent of current smokers trying to kick the habit are now highly nicotine-dependent, which is a 15- Ayear high, a new study finds. In fact, nicotine dependence has risen 12 percent from 1989 to 2006, and the number of highly nicotine-dependent people has gone up 32 percent, according to research presented in November at the American College of Chest Physicians annual meeting, in Philadelphia. Nicotine dependence can vary from smoker to smoker, at Stony Brook University in New York and chief medical experts said. officer of the American Lung Association. He said there “My clinical perception has been that over the last five could be several explanations for the increase in degree of years, patients that I am seeing require much more intensive nicotine dependence among current smokers. treatment because tobacco dependence is more severe,” “I agree with the author’s conclusions with regard to said lead researcher Dr. David P. Sachs, from the Palo Alto increasing difficulty to be expected in achieving smoking Center for Pulmonary Disease Prevention in California. cessation,” Edelman said. “This may be the reason rates “Studies have shown that the more nicotine-dependent of smoking cessation have been declining.” an individual is, the less effective standard treatment will There might be, however, other reasons for the increase be,” Sachs said. “These people will suffer severe nicotine in nicotine dependence, Edelman said. “Is the reason for withdrawal symptoms, and they will be more likely to the increase in nicotine addiction due to the fact that relapse back to cigarette use,” he said. cigarette companies have been increasing the nicotine For the study, Sachs’ team compared the degree of content of cigarettes? Is the reason for this finding the nicotine dependence between 1989 and 2006 in three fact that we have been successful with the less-addicted, groups of smokers, a total of 630 in all, who enrolled in and now have the more addicted ‘hard-core’ smokers left?” smoking cessation programs. Nicotine dependence was he asked. measured using the Fagerstrom To1erance Questionnaire, In another study also presented, U.S. Navy researcher which assesses nicotine dependence on scale of 0 to 11 Michael A. Wilson reported that the prevalence of smoking points. Over 15 years, scores on the questionnaire increased among Marines and sailors serving in Iraq is more than by 12 percent, and the number of people with scores of 7 twice the U.S. average. to 11 went up 32 percent. Overall the proportion of people Wilson found that of 408 Marines and sailors in Iraq, who were ‘highly nicotine-dependent rose from 55.5 64 percent used some form of tobacco, much higher than percent to 73 percent during the study period, Sachs’ group the U.S. national average for tobacco use (29.6 percent), found. and a big jump from the 38.9 percent of troops using Sachs believes that it’s the most nicotine-dependent tobacco in a similar survey conducted in 2004. smokers who are now enrolling in programs to kick the Cigarette smoking accounted for 52 percent of tobacco habit. “If these patients are going to get effective treatment use, followed by smokeless tobacco (36 percent and the and not be at risk for relapse, they need more intensive use of both (24 percent). Most of the troops surveyed (74 treatment,” he said. percent) said they wanted to quit. About 10 percent of smokers actually are not nicotine- The long-term consequences of increased smoking are dependent, Sachs said. “These are smokers who can stop worrisome, Wilson said. “This study indicates the ‘cold turkey’ and not experience physical nicotine prevalence of tobacco abuse in combat units deployed to withdrawal symptoms. It’s really a matter of willpower Iraq is substantially higher than the national average,” he for them,” he said. Once these smokers have stopped, “that wrote. “Such abuse will likely cause a greater negative leaves the people who are genetically dependent on impact on the long-term health of U.S. veterans than nicotine,” Sachs said. combat-related injuries and will have great financial Dr. Norman H. Edelman is a professor of preventive consequences for both VA and U.S. health-care systems,” medicine, internal medicine, physiology and biophysics he said.

46 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 FLU FACTS It comes back like malicious viral new vaccine to inoculate millions of potentially fatal complications. clockwork every winter and strikes people, production must start before the HOW DOES THE between 5 percent and 20 percent of the exact identity of the year’s flu viruses is VACCINE WORK? population. known. That makes vaccine targeting an It’s designed to trick the body’s immune For most, influenza means about a week educated guess, subject to error. If a flu system into gearing up for a flu attack. of feeling rotten, but for older people and virus develops an unanticipated strain to The vaccine is made from millions of those with chronic illnesses such as heart which people lack immunity, a pandemic fertilized chicken eggs injected with flu or lung disease, flu can become deadly. could erupt. virus to turn the infected embryos into WHAT’S THE WHEN IS FLU SEASON? miniature flu factories. The virus extracted BOTTOM LINE? It usually runs from October to April, from those eggs is deactivated, so that the In a typical year, flu sends more than peaking in January or February. Immunity particles in the vaccine mimic the flu but 200,000 Americans to the hospital and from the vaccine builds up within two do not cause illness. When the vaccine kills about 36,000. Most die of respiratory weeks and lasts about a year, so there’s enters the bloodstream, the immune failure or heart failure triggered by flu no reason to delay getting a shot. system mistakes the harmless flu particles complications such as pneumonia. WHY WINTER? for real flu and starts producing protective Together, influenza and pneumonia No one knows for sure. Theories antibodies against it. That helps the body rank as the nation’s eighth-leading cause abound: more crowding indoors, more fight the flu virus later. According to the of death. Among people 65 and older, they cold, less humidity, less sunlight and Dept. of Health & Human Services in a rank sixth. Counting medical care and lost vitamin D. news conference on C-Span (August 7, work time, the national economy takes an WHO SHOULD GET A SHOT? 2009, 3:00 p.m. CDT), the vaccine for the annual $10 billion hit from flu. More and more people come under the H1N1 “Swine Flu” should be available in WHY IS IT CALLED official recommendation of the Centers for October. “INFLUENZA”? Disease Control and Prevention: “Anyone WHAT ELSE HELPS That’s Italian for “influence.” Centuries who wants to avoid being sick from flu, PREVENT FLU’S SPREAD? ago, Italians attributed the seasonal especially those who are at high risk of The old standbys: Wash your hands. outbreak of illness to the influence of the complications from influenza or are in Stay home if you’re sick. Keep sick heavens or the devil (if you’ve had the flu, close contact with those at high risk.” children home from school. Cough into you get to choose which is more apt). (Sounds like just about everyone.) your sleeve, not into your hand. Other antiquated names for flu are catarrh Top priority goes to: Those 50 or older. NOW WHAT? or grippe. Those with chronic heart, lung or kidney You caught the flu anyway. You’re in HOW DO I KNOW disease. Those with diabetes, severe for a lousy, rotten week or more. Get I HAVE IT? anemia or impaired immune function due ample rest. Get plenty of liquids — but Symptoms come on suddenly and last to cancer, HIV/AIDS or treatment such skip alcohol. Take acetaminophen a week or more: high fever, headache, sore as chemotherapy. People who live in a (Tylenol) to ease aches and pains. Don’t throat, dry cough, stuffy nose, muscle nursing home. Pregnant women. Health give aspirin to children (there’s a risk aches, loss of appetite and extreme fatigue. care workers. Anyone who works with or they’ll develop Reye Syndrome). Stay Overall, you feel really, really crummy. lives with people at high risk of home if you can. HOW CONTAGIOUS complications from flu. FLU—OR A COLD? IS THE FLU? There are exceptions. The following Some symptoms of flu and the common Very. It spreads through tiny droplets should NOT be vaccinated against flu: cold overlap. Both are contagious, expelled in a cough or sneeze or even people allergic to chicken eggs; people respiratory viral “bugs.” Nevertheless, flu breathing—and through physical contact who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome is more exhausting and usually involves such as shaking hands. Most people with previously; and children younger than 6 more body aches. the flu are infectious starting one day months old. People with a fever should MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS, before they get sick and continuing up to wait until — they feel better before getting MISNOMERS five days after symptoms hit. Children can a shot. “Stomach flu” usually isn’t. Influenza be infectious longer. HOW EFFECTIVE IS is a respiratory illness. Nausea and THE PUBLIC HEALTH A FLU SHOT? vomiting usually are caused by a CHALLENGE It’s by far your best bet against getting gastrointestinal upset rather than the flu The flu virus is shifty, constantly the flu, health officials say, but it’s no virus. changing both its genetic makeup and guarantee. In years when the vaccine You can’t get flu from a flu shot, appearance. The technical jargon is matches up well with the predicted virus, because the viruses in the vaccine are “antigenic shift and drift,” but think of it a flu shot can reduce a healthy person’s dead. At worst, the side effects of the shot in terms of getting a new job and a new chance of getting flu by 70 percent to 90 are minor, such as soreness in the arm, outfit each year. In addition, flu is actually percent. It’s slightly less effective in the low-grade fever or aches. Antibiotics don’t a whole family of viruses. No single very old and the very young. However, work against flu, because it’s caused by vaccine is effective against all strains, so even when it doesn’t prevent flu, viruses, not bacteria. makers must change the “recipe” each year vaccination can help reduce the severity to keep up. What’s more, to make enough and keep a case from developing Reprint Excerpts —The Times-Pimes-Pimes-Picayuneicayuneicayune 47 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Graphics, design and printing courtesy of Straight Low Magazine.

To apply for membership, write to Ivy Miller, Classification Director.

48 slm –Volume 10 – NumberSports 2 – 2009 FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

Jessie Augustine, Donald Dominique, James Jackson, Lester Stewart, Vernell Davis, Brilliance Smith, Broderick Payne, Hamm Clark. Bryan Johnson, Gerard Achelles & Brian Dupar, Earl Myers not pictured.

Unit two

35+ BASKETBALL CHAMPS Slo-Motion Jack Danzler Jack Ealy Eddie Fulgham Elliot Johnson D. McKenzie Jerry Richardson Craig Sullivan Warren Ward Rendell Washington Norman Wilson (coach) Louis Jackson (Official) Gary Mizell (Official)

Players with a basketball in front of their face are those who were not an official or on the Unit One winning team. 49 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 SOFTBALL

Group Picture Front row: Michael Sanders, Paul Metzler, Joe Lester, and Jerel Jackson. TTThe ShoShohe wstopperswstopperswstoppers Middle row: Vernell Davis, Broderick Payne, Brett Morvant. Back row: Unit TwoTwoUnit Two Kyric Mitchell, Chad Champagne, James Jackson, and Michael Zwieffel.

WWWin it AllAllin Above Brett Morvant tags Norman Wilson at second base on a throw from the outfield during the second inning, while base umpire Lawrence Henderson gets ready to make the call.

Left Vernell Davis takes the throw from Broderick Payne for the last out that sealed the victory in game four of the championship series.

FFFinal RRinal eeegular Season Standings Avg Avg Pct Team W L PF PA PF PA 0.895 Showstoppers 17 2 286 109 15.1 5.7 0.773 BTM 17 5 327 217 14.9 9.9 0.750 Tigers 18 6 311 177 13.0 7.4 0.550 SmashMouth 11 9 227 274 11.4 13.7 0.500 Bombers 9 9 241 204 13.4 11.3 0.278 Boys2Men 5 13 209 268 11.6 14.9 0.273 UnSuspects 6 16 255 355 11.6 16.1 0.263 Untouchables 5 14 156 279 8.2 14.7 1—Sho1—Sho1—Showstoppers (17–2)(17–2)s 0.150 Next Level 3 17 153 282 7.7 14.1 Showstoppers Advance 2–0 1—Sho1—Sho1—Showstoppersss

8—Untouchahahabbbles (5–14) Showstoppers Advance 3–1 1—Sho1—Sho1—Showstoppersss 4—Smashmouth (11–9)

Smashmouth Advances 2–0 4—Smashmouth 5—Bombers (9–9)(9–9)s

Showstoppers –4 1—Sho1—Sho1—Showstoppersss 2—BTM pt. 2 (17–5) BTM–0BTM–0BTM–0 BTM Advances 2–0 2—BTM pt. 2 7—Bo7—Bo7—Boyz2Men (5–13) BTM Advances 3–0 2—BTM pt. 2 3—Tig3—Tig3—Tigererers (18–6)(18–6)s

Tigers Advance 2–0* 3—Tig3—Tig3—Tigererersss 6—Unusual Suspects (6–16) *Unusual Suspects and Tigers re-played game two. 50 Prisonersslm –Volume 10 with– Number Pens 2 – 2009 {Prisoners with Pens is a forum in Straight Low Magazine that allows the men confined at Dixon Correctional Institute to express themselves in a civil, uncensored and virtually unedited manner. Submissions printed are the sole responsibility of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Straight Low Magazine, Dixon Correctional Institute prisoners, and/or employees of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. All submissions for Prisoners with Pens should be sent via farm mail to Editor, Straight Low Magazine, Unit I. Straight Low Magazine reserves the right to edit for content, space limitations and/or reject entirely.} OUT OF MY ELEMENT

Submitted by William White, DCI You wonder to yourself why things happen in your life. Then you begin to come up with all types of conspiracy theories, wondering… “Was this all plotted?” Even the people around you are confused as to what has happened. They look at your situation, evaluate it and realize that it is not your character trait. It’s out of your element… Sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, and when you are placed in a controlled environment, for whatever reason, you begin to see things objectively, realizing that you are not exempt because of your status. There are many events that will take place in our lives that we will never fully understand or be able to fathom why, but just knowing that “There is a greater purpose for this trial and/or test that we are going through…We begin to understand that we are out of our element. Totally Out of My Element. I have had the opportunity to experience the cell block, not This is an example of not being exempt because of whom by choice, of course. Throughout my eight years of incarceration you perceive yourself to be. During my stint in the cell block, a I have never been to the cell block, except for my intake through couple of scriptures ministered to my spirit. At first I was unable ARDC. I was the last person anyone expected to see or believed to do anything about it because I didn’t have my Bible. Once I to be placed in the cell block. I have always prided myself in finally got to my Bible, I looked up the two scriptures I didn’t being an extremely positive person. I am the type that had to be understand those two particular scriptures. So, I began to study a part of every program, class, club and call out. I tutored in Vo- them and break them down. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes Tech for GED. I was Dorm Rep for Dorms 5 & 6. before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” I looked I helped to facilitate a class called Nurturing Families. I also up the word pride: self-esteem; haughtiness, disdain. Then I helped to facilitate the A/A call out. I was an up-and-coming looked up the word haughty: proud, arrogant; contemptuous of member of Toastmasters (The Distinguished Gentlemen). I was others. an intricate part of the Jaycees’ executive board. I also I concluded that my justifiable self-respect rose up being the volunteered to help the VETS on the weekend. Even though I destroying agent and arrogance finished me off. I still didn’t engulfed myself in numerous positive activities, I have realized understand it, but I know that God does not lie. The second that I had neglected the obvious, such as Faith Base, Bible Study scripture, Isaiah 6:5 says, “So I said: Woe is me, for I am undone! and attending weekly church services. Those are the things that Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of should have been my first priority. At the beginning of this a people of unclean lips. For my eyes have seen the king, the paragraph, I want you to see all of the “I” statements I used. Lord of Hosts.” Then I looked up the word undone: to cause to That was the problem. Self-rightousness. Wait a minute, don’t be as if never done; to loosen; to bring to ruin; to disturb get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with those things, but if emotionally. you neglect the most important things, guess what, everything I did not understand what God was trying to minister to me else is done in vain. through these verses, but I do know that it had something to do

51 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 with not letting my misfortunes or afflictions cause me to be everyone can’t be wrong with me. So now I am yielding and doomed to spiritual death and spiritual impurity because of the willing to search this thing out to see what plans God has for me things I chose to consume myself with. There are a lot of people so that I will not be out of my element. like this that I have let into my realm, but the difference is that I In all truth think about it, if you are not in line with your have experienced God and I know what it is like to be wrapped destiny, the best thing that can happen to you is to be taken out in His presence. God is an awesome God and He is so amazing of what you think is your element. Once that has been done you that He has shown me through my cell block experience that I can see things clearly and vividly and accept your need to be in was out of my element. line with your destiny or should I say in your destined element. Many years before my incarceration, it was prophesied that I The cell block helped me to realize that I was out of my element. would be a messenger of God. On so many different levels, Am I conscious of this? Now I am, and I will put forth my various people that I have come in contact with throughout my best efforts to stay in line with my destiny. This message is not life prophesied the same prophesy over my life. As you can see only about myself, but also other incarcerated men and women I was not trying to be a part of that. One thing that is for certain: inside the penal institutions. This thing is even bigger than that. God is persistent! You will eventually give in to what you know This message is also for those in every walk of life, whether to be true. Even today, while I am doing my time, those same bound or free. What makes you who you are? What is your prophesies have come back to me through my mom and all of element? Figure it out and stay within that…your true element. my dearest friends. I began to question the matter in retrospect. One foot in front of the other, so that I will never be out of my I was questioning God’s plans for me. I have concluded that element again! WHAT IN THE WORLD?! By LLBy ouis LLouis ove, DCIDCIove, I am positive this article, by the time you finish reading it, are still a great mass of wildfires in will affect you one way or another. It is a very common, the west that have destroyed widespread question that has been asked generation after thousands upon thousands of acres of generation, culture after culture, and nation after nation —“What land and more people to go along with in the world?” it. We find ourselves asking, “What As children we use to always hear our parents and other adults in the world?” Now days you have so say, “There are so many drugs taking over our streets,” many major disasters happening at one time, “There are so many killings,” “There are so many that if you were to ask someone people getting and dying from HIV/AIDS,” Biblical, “What in the world?” Their “There are so many children being born response would probably be none with HIV/AIDS,” “What in the other than, “The world is world?” A lot of those things we coming to an end.” Or, did not understand because a lot “God is showing his of it was not and did not affect wrath to certain us or our families directly - countries or places for not to mention that we were a reason.” young. As we grow older we So, that leaves room begin to see a lot of what for a lot of questions. they were talking about. Are these things really Then we start to walk in acts of a higher their shoes and feel the power? Are these acts impact of just how of Mother Nature? Or, profound that question is the world just getting really is. “What in the so advanced and so world?” ahead of itself that it is Through the years, we have consuming itself? Well, come to find that life has many wherever the figment of twists and turns and no one is your imagination leads you, exempt from feeling its force one way we are in a very serious time. or another. Now days we have started On a daily basis we have come shaking our heads, almost in utter disbelief and to find that one thing is constant and that or disgust, every time we watch a news broadcast, be it is change. How we adapt to these changes is local or world news. We’ve seen events (disasters) such as a whole different story. tsunamis in India that destroyed and or took thousands of lives. Now I will start to get to the core of what this article is really We have seen hundreds of tornados in the mid-western region about. It will make some of us think. It may bother some of us, that has destroyed and or took a great number of lives. There but yet and still, others will appreciate it because these are things 52 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 that even though we are (in a lot of ways) shut off or isolated What can we do to lighten the load on our loved ones? from the world (society).Things are still very much a reality! How can we better prepare ourselves so that we will be able As we turn our focus to current events, it seems that the United to help once we are released? States is moving in the direction of a recession. A recession is What kind of skills or trades will we obtain that will make it simply a depression or a slump. During a recession, there easier to find some kind of employment upon release? becomes a financial burden. Every penny that one has is How true will we be to ourselves to stay off and or away from accounted for (even before they have it). There has not been drugs (no matter what kind) upon release? this type of situation since the Great Depression of 1929, so I tell you, these are things and the directions that we need to again we question, “What in the world?” start putting our minds in gear towards. As we can see, we don’t Today we can probably contribute a lot of these misgivings need to get frustrated or depressed when and if things change to the war in Iraq. Many houses are being foreclosed (lost) due for us (and they probably will). We need to be adults (men) to mortgage rates and people are just unable to afford them, about life itself and do what we can to turn things around and “What in the world?” make them better, The price of oil and gas There will be things or “What in the world?” is skyrocketing and a lot Yes, it is a very of people aren’t able to situations that we must valid question (What get to and from work. A in the world?) and I lot of people have mentally prepare ourselves for. ask, “What in the stopped taking world-will you do?” vacations. Still others Will you be have started carpooling and using public transportation, “What understanding? “Will you blame?” or “Will you take advantage in the world?” “The price of food to feed your family has gone of your opportunities?” (in order for more opportunities to come). up.” “What in the world?” These are the very things that lead to “Will you live up to your potential?” “What in the world?” a recession because these things constantly rise in price. The I will tell you from personal experience, I am blessed to have money that one makes or has, stays the same or even becomes lived 51 years so far. As most of you already know, I am a veteran less. This puts a pinch on everyone and everyone tries to save, of the U.S. Air force, during which a part of my tour was being stretch, and budget their money to the best of their ability, “What involved in the Persian Gulf War in 1991. I have also been a in the world?” drug addict, as well as a drug dealer. I have been homeless. I So keeping this in mind, we (incarcerated) are also in a now have irreversible lung disease. But all in all no matter what situation where we will “”also feel the pinch of what is going on. my circumstances were, I always remain positive and know that We will be facing some very tough and trying times and we will there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I have come to find have to absorb a lot of different things with our families, friends, that when I juggle too much, nothing gets done., but if I focus associates or whoever is trying to survive and make ends meet. on one or two priorities at a time, I see better results. For us, we will more likely than not receive less visits, less money As a son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather, I orders, make less telephone calls. This, however, will by no will start trying to show my family that I am concerned with means and in no way means that our families are going astray or what they go through as well. I will be more conscience of how don’t care. It simply means that times are starting to come to often I call, how much I spend, and let them know that one visit survival. We feel the pinch as well because we see canteen prices out of a month instead of two or three, means just as much. I and visiting concession prices on the rise, “What in the world?” will write more letters because that is still communication, but So now comes a time when we have to become more at a much lesser cost. understanding than ever. There will be things or situations that So before we delve deeper into, “What in the world?” Let’s we must mentally prepare ourselves for. take a look to see what role or part we can play in making a How will we deal with the situation when and if it should recession or depression - at the least - a bearable situation. arise? “What in the world?!” CRIME & PUNISHMENT By Anthony Barconeyconeyconey, DCI Inmate African-American men, represent a huge portion of the U.S. from the U.S. prison system and over prison population This is a serious threat to our youth growing seven million individuals are released up fatherless. Realistically, the priorities of our homes don’t have from jail, as stated in Black Man, Oct- no support. The African-American community becomes a reckon Nov 05 issue. There was a time when force of lost young Black men. prison was used not just as Free at last, Free at last…or are you? Now saying that—here’s punishment, but for rehabilitation as my story. well. As recidivism rates rise, What are the harsh realities facing ex-offenders and what can however, the penal system’s function as a way to rehabilitate they do to successfully reintegrate themselves into society? Each exiting inmates, appears to be non-existent. The disconcerting year in the United States, nearly 650,000 people are released statistics indicating approximately two out of every three released 53 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 inmates being rearrested within three years of their release from Now do you understand some of these obstacles affecting a prison. This high recidivism rate desperately needs to be former felon’s employment options? Then a lot of employers readdressed. Where the rehabilitation? With so many programs don’t want ex-felons and are disinclined to give felons a job. in prison, you would think this is not true. This fact makes an ex-offender’s job search extremely difficult. Here’s one fact—you served your time and paid your debt to Although you are not supposed to be discriminated against by society as a released felon. However, the sentence you’ve law—the reality of the matter is that companies can always find completed does little to restore your “free” status any number of vague and arbitrary reasons to dismiss an when you are reentering society. Then your re- employee or not accept one. entry into society can be very much limited Yes, after ex-offenders have been convicted if you’re on paper. Two significant factors and served their time, they are faced with an curtail that freedom. First, the numerous uneven playing field in the job market. Some state laws which deny ex-offenders the essential factors which often underlie the success restoration of some of their civil rights. of failure of an ex-offender’s release and re- Second, the stigma which brands released entry into society are housing, family support offenders—indefinitely—often making system, his or her personal conviction and their successful release into society an determination to succeed, access to medical uphill climb. Third, no money, nowhere to care, guidance and financial resources. And go, programs that are not told to you. Do this crucial factor, the ability to generate you know some states have laws that include income. Often is the key to whether or not barring ex-felons from access to public you stay free. housing; suspension of driving privileges; no The bottom line is, we need gainful employment; lack of voting privileges; being employment for a successful rehabilitation. ineligible to receive trade/vocational licensing. All Yes this is the only way to establishing a law- these factors can present obstacles to ex-offenders who wish abiding lifestyle. to achieve a successful re-entry into social mainstream. Then to If you’re about to go home, help lower the recidivism rate be released with only a $10.00 check, bus pass, and the clothes among ex-offenders by asking about all resources for ex- on their back, the majority of former felons have minimal offenders before your release. Try to get into any prison programs educational levels and lack of job skills. that can help you. If you believe you are worth the chance, maybe According to the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Statistics, someone else will believe. Only you can stop yourself from 54 percent of inmates have not graduated from high school. I achieving freedom. If you want recognition and credit you have believe this percent is even higher. to earn it—Free at last, or are you? WHERE HAVE ALL THE BOYS GONE? By Jon Marc TTc aylorayloraylor, PhD, Missouri prisoner The current cause celebre in higher education is the issue of number of black males than South the growing gender disparity between men and women enrolling Africa did during the height of in, and subsequently graduating from, the nation’s colleges. Apartheid. Articles and editorials in major news magazines and papers, With the fundamental lamenting the disappearing male-co-ed, have us wondering where restructuring of our society, relying have all the boys gone? on the prolific use of incarceration Some articles have analyzed the phenomenon more to control marginalized elements of encompassingly than others. Facets of class, race and economics, the populous, an African-American among demographic criteria, were all considered, but with only male born today will be twice as throwaway mention, if even this overlooked acknowledgement, likely to end up in a prison than on a to what is a substantial cause to this highlighted disparity: college campus. Already as a incarceration. consequence of these practices there The incarceration of huge numbers of citizens not only impact are more African-American men imprisoned in America’s keeps the potential student pool, but also adversely affects the costs than enrolled in the nation’s universities. for$ those still free to matriculate.$ The barely mentioned factor Despairingly, more African-American men this year will of incarceration – and altogether overlooked related financial receive prison-earned GEDs than college degrees. aspects – has not been placed in context nor analyzed for its When a substantial number of a demographic is structurally rippling impact. excluded from$ a recruitment cohort, disparity is a readily As a whole, the United States has the highest per capita predictable result. incarceration rate, imprisoning one-quarter of the world’s Not surprisingly then, with minorities composing nearly two- prisoners with less than five-percent of the planet’s population, thirds of the two-million-plus penal population, black and but moreover proportionally incarcerating nearly ten times the Hispanic men are the most under-represented group on

54 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 campuses, followed by poor white males. Coupled with the host two decades ago. Financial aid packages have not of educational obstacles in graduating from high school, those commensurately increased to help alleviate the growing burden, boys academically persistent, and lucky enough not to become further distancing those able to afford higher education and those ensnared in the criminal justice system, are increasingly unable not. The middle class, meanwhile, graduates in greater and to go onto college anyway. For the lower the family income, greater debt, in the end subsidizing a penal system bloated with minorities disproportionately composing the poverty and beyond all comparative measure. working classes, the greater the disparity between male and If these trends continue, warns Patrick Callahan, president of female enrollments. This, too, is a contributory consequence of the National Center for Public and Higher Education, society’s incarcerate policies. “increasing numbers of students may be discouraged from From 1985 to 2000, as prison populations soared, inflation attending” college, with most of them being poor. adjusted state spending for penal operations correspondingly This is already transpiring. In 2002, over 400,000 high school rose by$ 166 percent, while investment in higher education grew graduates were unable to afford enrollment$ at California public by an anemic 24 percent. The accompanying tables example the universities – once the national leader in affordable state- specific relationships between tuition escalation and supported higher education and now as the largest penal colony emasculating state university allocations and steroidal prison among the commonwealths spends more on prisons than colleges spending. In aggregate, over the last two decades of the twentieth – 170,000 potential students even locked out of less expensive century, prison spending expanded from 2.1 to 6.3 percent of community colleges as well. Millions more throughout the the collective national budget, as investment in higher$ education country, many have been the first in their families to have inversely contracted from eight to 4.3 percent. matriculated, are facing similar ivy hall lock out. The shift in state resources from supporting colleges and Thus, a perfect storm of poor public policy decisions is universities to funding the expansion of the prison-industrial creating $a growing segment of post-secondarily excluded complex has been a driving cause behind the 202 percent average Americans, whether they are incarcerated or not. tuition increase at public universities, compared to the 80 percent Where have all the boys gone? If not working at McDonalds inflation rate in the Consumer Price Index over the past twenty or Walmart - priced out of college classrooms - more and more years. are locked up in Attica, Folsom Leavenworth, Angola, or one of As tuition rates accelerated faster than wage growth, family the 2000 other prisons stretching across the land of the free. incomes, particularly those in the lower quintiles, have not kept John Marc Taylor, a Missouri prisoner, is a past recipient of The pace. Nationally, tuition$ for public universities now consumes Nation/I.F. Stone and Robert F. Kennedy Journalism awards for his one-quarter of poor families’ total income, double what it was reporting on correctional education.

CorCorCorrrrelaelaelation BetwBetwtion een TTeen op FFop ivivive StaStae tes with Highest Increaseeaseease TTTop FFop ivivive StaStae testestes in TTin uitions 2001 – 2003 and State Spending on Higher IncrIncrIncreases inineases EducaEducaEducation and Prisons Between 1985 and 2000 PubPubPublic-Collelic-Collelic-Collegggeee (Figures in $ millions and adjusted for inflation) TTTuition and Feeseesees 2001 -2003 SPENDING SPENDING SPENDING SPENDING HIGHER ED. HIGHER ED. PERCENT PRISONS PRISONS PERCENT Four-Year Tuition STATE 1985 2000 INCREASE 1985 2000 INCREASE MA 24% AR 400 526 32% 56 161 188% MO 20% IA 536 901 60% 115 238 107% IA 20% TX 20% MA 914 1,064 16% 194 723 273% NC 19% MO 611 927 52% 126 423 236% Two-Year Tuition NH 94 98 4% 24 57 138% SC 26% NC 2,196 2,365$ 8%$ 362 900 149%$MA 26% NH 17% SC 624 804 29% 202 431 113% AR 17% TX$ 3,069 4,512 47% 590 2,629 346% WA 14%

WA 1,080 1,222 13% 230 548 138% Source: The Washington Higher $ Education Coordinating Board, Source: National Association of State Budget Officers (1987; 2001) Nascimento and Laird (2003) 55

slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

Graphic Design and Printing Courtesy of Graphicof Courtesy Printing and Design StraightMagazine Low

For more information on the Dixon Jaycees, write to M/Sgt. Antrinetta Tate, Sponsor.

CONTRABAND FOUND IN ELEVEN LOUISIANA PRISON FACILITES 2006-2008

1,961 - Weapons 187 – “Home Brew” Alcohol 1,265 - Drugs

1,402 - Positive Drug Screens  *Marijuana: 1,167  *Cocaine 71  *PCP 1  *Morphine: 14  *Amphetamines: 30  *Other 119

(Source: Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections)

56 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 SIGNIFICANT MINUTIAE By Michael O’Neal, slm reporter I usually pick a single topic for commentary, thoroughly sweeps. Only one research it and then proceed to pummel the skeptic into exception occurred this submission with documented facts. Some opinion pieces, year—SmashMouth however, come from life experiences, daily interaction with took game one of the people, and even just gut feelings. semifinals 9–6, but the Reader’s reactions to commentary, whether agreement or Showstoppers went on disagreement, means the writer has done his job to spur thought to win three straight to on the subject(s) at hand. All in all, convincing someone to agree advance to the with my view is not always the goal; sometimes it is simply a championship, 3–1. cathartic moment when I am able to simply write about life and The Showstoppers proceeded to win the softball championship circumstance. with a sweep of BTM 4–0 with three routs and one game that I have chosen to touch on many seemingly small things that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. may have a much larger impact on our time spent in prison, We can get better competition if the leagues utilize a draft or while others are truly minutiae. Indeed, I may have more some type of lottery to form teams. The old guard will try to questions than answers. argue that it’s always been this way or that some players won’t WORK RELEASE MATH play with certain people or for certain coaches. Believe me, I’ve Many offenders are eligible for work release with three years seen a changeover from sign-who-you-want to draft leagues and left on their sentences. The increase—up from two years—seems true athletes who love the game will play—no matter what. to answer the call for reentry programs on the surface, but a Besides…Ever heard of a trade? more efficient approach would be to change it to six months NEVER FIRED A SHOT maximum for everyone. The result would be more bed space This morning at breakfast, I felt like I was in the old spaghetti for more offenders in these facilities. Many offenders do not get western Fistful of Dollars. The person across from me shifted the opportunity to go to work release because of bed space, and his eyes to look at the guy on my right. I was looking at the dude a convoluted screening process determines who gets to fill those across from me and then flicked my gaze to the fellow on the beds. Doing the math translates easily: 3 years times 1 offender right. During the process of glancing back and forth between is less efficient than 6 months for 6 offenders—a 500% increase. the other two guys, all our eyes would diverge to the two packets Everyone that needs it should be able to take advantage of work of sugar laying in the middle of the table. release programming. The only thing missing was one stubby cigar, a wool poncho, LIVING WILL and smoke blowing through from a nearby battlefield. It is Inter-institutional boxing is deceased (or at the very least in a customary to drop unwanted sugar, jelly, etc. into the middle of coma, on life support, and awaiting the reading of the Living the table (if you are sitting with people you don’t know). The Will). Its demise was signaled with the transfer of Demond Brock person in the fourth seat had done this and didn’t even notice who held multiple titles over the years and was the reigning the event. Clint would have been proud, I got the sugar without LIBA Welterweight Champion. It seems that all the other sports firing a shot. traveling are also done. The costs of security and gas appear to COLD CAUSES COLDS? be the deciding factors. “Don’t get wet; you’ll catch cold,” is a common axiom among Another casualty of the elimination of trips is the Toastmas- moms, grandmothers, dads, and grand-dads. Guess what? Many ters who recently held the annual officer training session. It was offenders still strongly believe the old wives’ tale that catching very small in comparison to past events which usually had five a chill will give a person a cold or the flu. other institutions with attendance of well over one hundred. This This common misconception has been discounted by scientific year there were fifteen Distinguished Gentlemen, four outside studies for well over 200 years. Benjamin Franklin—statesman, guests, and one sponsor—and, of course, one reporter. If the diplomat and scientist—even conducted experiments that outside guests hadn’t volunteered their time and travel expenses, discredit the idea that cold air causes these illnesses. and essential part of the Toastmasters’ program would have been Colds and flu are caused by different strains of viruses that on life support as well. are spread in the tiny droplets expelled by coughs and sneezes. I’LL GIVE YOU THREE GUESSES The most likely culprit for transmission is sneezing into your Is there anybody who doesn’t know what the words “Farm hand and then touching a surface such as a door knob, light Vegetable” means on the menu? We have had a variety of squash switch, or counter top. (We won’t talk about the “Say brah, save twice a day for several months now. There will be a collective me the short” method.) The next host for the virus unsupectingly sigh of relief when it runs out. Then you really won’t be able to comes along and touches the infected surface and later transfers guess what the vegetable is. the virus to his system by rubbing his eyes, or touching the inside PARITY/PARODY of his nose or mouth. Unlike the NFL, MLB, and the NBA, parity is not present or The only correlation between the cold/flu season and cold even possible in DCI offender sports leagues. The softball league weather is the fact that more people are enclosed indoors playoffs show this fact since virtually every round ended in breathing the same air and touching the same surfaces. 57 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 OTHER PERSPECTIVES...

EXECUTION DETERRENCE UNPROVED Marjorie Esman, executive director ACLU of Louisiana Contrary to the baseless claims of some penalty.” states with the death penalty have been 48 politicians, including Gov. Bobby Jindal, there Rather, as is clear from the FBI’s annual percent to 101 percent higher than in states is absolutely no credible evidence that the death compilation of crime rates, states without the without the death penalty. penalty deters murder or other crimes. death penalty have consistently lower murder Our bankrupting system of capital A survey of former and present presidents of rates than states with the death penalty, punishment cannot be statistically, morally or the country’s top academic criminological The South has the nation’s highest murder legally defended on the basis that it deters societies found that 84 percent of them did not rate and accounts for 80 percent of its homicides or other crimes. believe that the death penalty acts as a deterrent executions, while the Northeast has the nation’s to murder. As explained in a June 2008, op-ed lowest murder rate and accounts for less than 1 Reprint: The Advocate article in the Washington Post by Cass R. percent of our executions. Sunstein, a Harvard law professor and Justin According to a New York Times study in (Ms. Esman’s letter to the editor of The Wolfers, an economics professor at the Wharton 2000, 10 of the 12 states without the death Advocate, B.R., LA in response to that papers’ School at the University of Pennsylvania, “the penalty have above-average homicide rates. March 8, 2009 article, “Economics of best reading of the accumulated data is that they During the past 20 years, the homicide rates in Executions.”) do not establish a deterrent effect of the death

MONEY MAY DECIDE EXECUTION DEBATE DEATH SENTENCES CAN COST STATE MILLIONS

By Deborah Hastings, AP national writer

After decades of moral arguments reaching believe the opposite,” said Donald McCartin, a year-old-, self-described right-wing Republican biblical proportions. After long, twisted former California jurist known as “The Hanging whose sonorous voice still commands attention. journeys to the nation’s highest court and back, Judge of Orange County” for sending nine men Death penalty trials are more expensive for the death penalty may be abandoned by several to death row. several reasons: They often require extra states for a reason having nothing to do with Deep into retirement, he lost his faith in an lawyers; there are strict experience requirements right or wrong. eye for an eye and now speaks against it. What for attorneys, leading to lengthy appellate waits Money. changed a mind so set on the ultimate while capable counsel is sought for the accused; Turns out, it is cheaper to imprison killers punishment? security costs are higher, as well as costs for for life than to execute them, according to a California’s legendarily slow appeals system, processing evidence – DNA testing, for series of recent surveys. Tens of millions of which produces an average wait of nearly 20 example, is far more expensive than simple dollars cheaper, politicians are learning, during years from conviction to fatal injection – the blood analyses. a tumbling recession when nearly every state longest in the nation. Of the nine convicted After sentencing, prices continue to rise. It faces job cuts and massive deficits. killers McCartin sent to death row, only one has costs more to house death row inmates, who are So an increasing number of them are died. Not by execution, but from a heart attack held in segregated sections, in individual cells, considering abolishing capital punishment in in custody. with guards delivering everything from daily favor of life imprisonment, not on principle but “Every one of my cases is bogged up in the meals to toilet paper. out of financial necessity. appellate system,” said McCartin, who retired “It’s 10 times more expensive to kill than to in 1993 after 15 years on the bench. Reprint: The Times Picayune keep them alive,” though most Americans “It’s a waist of time and money,” said the 82 March 8, 2009

LOUISIANA LEADS U.S. IN INCARCERATION SECRETARY LE BLANC LAUNCHES COMMITTEE One of every 55 Louisiana residents is behind of this issue are changing,” said Adam Gelb, we’re not in a position to do that in my opinion,” bars. director of Pew’s public safety performance he said. “Probation and Parole is already over One in 26 Louisiana adults is under project. “The old question used to be, ‘How can tasked, and releasing even the best prisoners correctional control if probation and parole are we demonstrate we’re tough on crime?’ More would not be good. We’re kind of in a holding included. and more, policymakers from both sides of the pattern as far as that is concerned.” According to The Pew Center for the States aisle are asking a better question, which is: Secretary Le Blanc said he is planning to study of 2007, census data found that ‘How do we get taxpayers a better return on their convene a new committee to consider how Louisiana’s incarceration rate spiked by 272 dollars?” Louisiana could improve the way it handles percent since 1982. Gelb said Texas has saved $500 million by criminals. He said the panel, to be led by state The Pew Group argued that, particularly expanding parole and probation, while stopping Supreme Court Justice Kitty Kimball, would during a recession, rising costs of incarceration the construction of new prisons. include prosecutors, defense lawyers, judges and should push states to reduce prison spending by James M. Le Blanc, secretary of the lawmakers. moving more nonviolent inmates out of prisons Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety and The Pew group found that it costs the state and into community-based parole and probation Corrections said he is thinking along the same $39.75 to keep an offender locked up for one systems. One researcher pointed to Texas, where lines-but is unable to back a big shift toward day. As opposed to $2.70 per day on probation he said a recent shift in politics of corrections parole and probation, partly because those parts or parole. has led to policy changes and a leveling off of of his agency are already overburdened with (Source: The Times Picayune, that state’s incarceration rate. work. March 3, 2009, by Doug Simpson “I think what we’re seeing is that the politics “Some states are paroling people out, but Associated Press writer.) 58 slm –VolumePrison 10 – Number Briefs 2 – 2009 LOUISIANALOUISIANALOUISIANALOUISIANALOUISIANA Angola–The AP reported that Warden Burl Service participated in the roundup. Citizens Baton Rouge–The House rejected Cain cancelled a June speech in Edinburgh, seeking information on convicted sex-offenders legislation that would make nearly three dozen Scotland after learning of planned protests from can go online at http://www.tpso.org. inmates eligible for parole. reform groups who say inmates at the prison Amite–Via survellience cameras, House Bill 104 by state Rep. Patricia Smith, are mistreated. Warden Cain was invited to Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s deputies observed D-Baton Rouge, would allow inmates to apply speak by the “Winning Entrepreneurs” business Stephanie Higgins, 22, putting items on the jail for parole once they have served 10 years in network of Scotland after members of the group grounds before going inside to deposit money prison and reached age 60. visited the prison and were impressed by the in her boyfriend’s commissary account. After Inmates convicted of a violent crime, a sex annual rodeo, environmental initiatives and the questioning, deputies recovered a cell phone in offense or sentenced as a habitual offender warden’s rehabilitation programs. a plastic baggy on the fence line. would be excluded. Angola– W. Feliciana Sheriff’s Capt. Randy Higgins was arrested for introduction of State Rep. Joseph Lopinto III, R-Metairie, Holden told James Minton of The Advocate that contraband. argued that the legislation would undermine the Arthur “Skip” Siber, 43, was a key witness in Baton Rouge–A report in The Advocate justice system. the Dec. 29, 1999 stabbing and beating death details the exploits of state prisoner Robert State Rep. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, of Capt. David Knapps in the Education Thompson. said the move would allow the inmates to live Building at Angola’s Camp D. Offender Thompson, 43, pleaded guilty in out the rest of their lives in a peaceful Offender Siber was found dead at the prison May to federal charges of conspiracy, fraud, and atmosphere. of what appeared to be cardiac arrest. Asst. money-laundering that carry penalties totaling The House rejected the Bill 54-41. Warden Cathy Fontenot said an autopsy was 309 years. According to the report, U.S.Attorney Covington–The AP reported that the City ordered. David Dugas said that Thompson “acquired council approved a $300,000 promissory note Siber, an Ohio native, was serving a life bank-account numbers for more than $20 to Dennis Brown, whose 1985 conviction for sentence for a 1998 St. Tammany Parish murder. million in deposits while he bounced from prison aggravated rape was overturned in 2004 after Angola–James Minton of The Advocate to prison” over a three year period. Dugas said DNA evidence conclusively showed he could reported that Gary Midkiff, 32, a social worker the actual loss was “$100,000 roughly,” Dugas not have committed the crime. The $300,000, at the prison was arrested on one count of said. “But he was after much more.” which will be paid to Brown in 10 annual aggravated rape. Midkiff is accused of Thompson is alleged to have committed the installments of $30,000, plus $1.1 million from threatening to make false accusations against thefts between May 2006 and May 2008 while the city’s insurer, will be used to settle the suit an offender in order to have correctional officers a prisoner at four different prisons – East Baton Brown filed in 2005 against the city and the beat him, and the inmate said he submitted to Rouge Parish Prison, Elayn Hunt Correctional police. Midkiff’s sexual demands in the belief the Center, East Feliciana Parish Prison and Brown was positively identified by the rape threats were real. Concordia Parish Prison. Enlisting the aid of victim and gave a full confession to police. At The offender reported he pushed the social two prison guards and six civilians, Thompson trial, he denied the rape and said police worker away and collected DNA evidence on obtained the personal information of over 50 threatened him with a knife to confess. He was his pants. people and businesses in the Baton Rouge area. convicted and given a life sentence. Midkiff denied the allegations while being The investigation revealed that Thompson He served 19 years at Angola before he was interviewed by prison investigators and sheriff’s gave a $10,000 bribe to Hunt correctional exonerated. authorities. However, their investigation found officer, Ecknozzio Jackson to smuggle him two Donaldsonville–A new 300-bed expansion other complaints from different offenders cell phones. Jackson has since pleaded guilty to to the Ascension Parish Jail opened in March. accusing Midkiff of inappropriate sexual mail fraud and bank fraud. Four others have also The $11.5 million addition brings the jail’s conduct. entered guilty pleas. capacity to 564 prisoners. The new space allows Midkiff had been working at Angola since Within two weeks of entering that guilty plea, for the return of female prisoners from St. 2001. He refused to voluntarily provide a DNA Thompson, aka John Lawson, allegedly called Charles Parish. The Advocate reports that the sample. at least seven people from a West Baton Rouge sheriff’s office and parish government will share Angola–The Louisiana State Penitentiary Parish Prison phone pretending to be a law revenue obtained from housing state and federal Museum Foundation inducted seven people , enforcement officer and seeking personal prisoners. two posthumously, into the Louisiana Justice identification information. He faces additional Sheriff Jeff Wiley said he expects to house a Hall of Fame. The Angola Museum is just charges. And, his phone privileges at the jail minimum of 100 state and federal prisoners. outside the front gates of the prison. have been terminated That revenue will be shared 50-50 after Inductees were: Jeffrey Wiley, sheriff of Baton Rouge–The Advocate reported that expenses. Ascension Parish; Burrell J. Carter, chief judge deputy Jemal Barker, 40, was immediately fired Wiley promised that inmates would be of the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeals; Chet and arrested after a complaint by a fellow deputy treated “with dignity and respect.” D. Traylor, a retired associate justice on the state that Barker had committed a rape while on duty “We’re firm, but fair,” he is quoted by The Supreme Court; Harry J. Morel Jr., district at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Barker Advocate reporter John McMillan. attorney of St. Charles Parish; Morris E. Easley was working as a shift corporal in security at Harahan–An internal police investigation Jr., retired-state director of Probation and Parole. the prison when the alleged attack occurred. He discovered that a jailer stole $320 from an illegal Posthumous inductees were: Beauregard Parish was booked with aggravated rape and immigrant being held at the city jail for U.S. sheriff Bolivar Bishop, and Camille Gravel, an malfeasance in office. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officer Alexandria attorney and former gubernatorial Baton Rouge–James Minton of The Philip Papy, Jr., was booked with theft. adviser. Advocate reported that federal prosecutors Houma–Seven employees at the Terrebonne The Sheriff Harry Lee Memorial Law unsealed a two-year-old grand jury indictment Parish Juvenile Detention Center were arrested Enforcement Award of Excellence went to of alleged corruption in state prison agricultural amid allegations that they had sexual activity Ouachita sheriff’s deputy Joe Smith with 50 operations. with inmates. years of law enforcement service. The indictment charges former LSP horse The on-going investigation began after girls Amite–Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s deputies trainer Julius Harold “Buddy” Truax with four incarcerated at the center came forward to report arrested 23 sex-offenders accused of failure to counts of mail fraud in an alleged scheme to that they had sex with guards for snacks and comply with registration requirements and are sell state-owned horses to private individuals other favors. seeking 20 others who remain at large, The without going through public auction. David One of the employees, Lt. Angelo Vickers, a Advocate reported in June. Dugas, the U.S. District Attorney said the night shift supervisor, was indicted by a grand The parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals investigation is ongoing. jury for four counts of molestation of a juvenile Service, La. State Office of Probation and Truax retired from Prison Enterprises in and sexual malfeasance in office. Parole, La. State Police and the U.S. Secret August 2006.

59 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Houma–Approximately 700 prisoners Sheriff Gusman said he has not compared profit” state and federal prisoners to pay for jail evacuated ahead of Hurricane Gustav and the death rate at his jail with that of jails in other operations. A report in The Times Picayune said stranded at Angola by the flooding of Hurricane cities, but he said the people who end up in his that the jail can hold nearly 1200 inmates. It Ike last August and September, finally returned care have far more health problems than the now holds 616 state prisoners. to the Terrebone Parish Prison in April. Once at general population. Inmates often enter with Sheriff Strain plans to accept an additional the freshly repaired prison many of them were longtime drug and alcohol problems. 100 state prisoners in 2010 to help make up an required to shave their heads in accordance with “I don’t think we have had an abnormal expected $1 million drop in the sales revenue new jail rules. The jail has also banned the use incidence of death when you consider all of tax that makes up about half of the jail’s $19 of ink pens to prevent offenders from writing that,” Gusman said. million budget. The 716 state prisoners would on walls and using them as weapons. Eight of the 17 offenders who have died since bring in about $6.4 million for the Sheriff’s Jefferson Parish–Lum B. Jones, 23, was January 2006 died of natural causes, the coroner Office. being escorted inside the parish courthouse ruled. Four deaths were labeled accidental and Tangipahoa–Federal DEA agents arrested when he reportedly pushed a Concordia Parish two suicides. A cause of death has not been Deputy Kevin Whittington, 44, following an correctional officer escort to the ground and fled. determined in the three 2009 deaths. investigation of the jail where Whittington Jones shed his orange jumpsuit and wearing just Patterson–A federal grand jury indicted works. According to the DEA, a confidential his white boxer shorts jumped into a waiting police officer Jeffrey Prince on sexual assault source gave Whittington 24 grams of crack vehicle and made good his escape…temporarily. charges. Prince is alleged to have cocaine to deliver to an inmate in the jail. Which A Concordia Parish official said the prisoner inappropriately touched the victim and he did. was shackled, and handcuffed with a belly chain. attempted to coerce her to engage in sexual acts. Thibodaux–The Advocate reported that Jones was being housed at the River The Advocate reported that chief of police black parish jail inmates joined to beat up on Correctional Center in Ferriday. Patrick LaSalle placed Prince on indefinite white inmates – and got two white inmates to Lake Providence–Four guards at East suspension without pay. The chief said Prince join them by threatening to beat them up to – Carroll Parish Detention Center are accused of worked as a jailer but added that the alleged while the alleged ring leader stayed out of the smuggling cell phones and cash to inmates. All incident happened “outside in a parking lot.” fracas, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office were booked with malfeasance. Sheriff Mark St. Martin–The Advocate reported that reported. Shumate asked the state Dept. of Corrections to Bernice Broussard, a former parish correctional None-the-less, the ringleader, Terry shakedown the prison facility. The Times officer, claims in a federal lawsuit that a federal Wheaton, 44, was booked as a principal to a Picayune reported that warden John Gunter was prisoner at the correctional center beat her while hate crime and second-degree battery. Nine other fired. The AP reported that the all-male prison under the influence of crystal meth he received inmates were booked on hate crime and battery holds 428 offenders. from a makeshift lab inside the jail. The suit counts. East Carroll Parish detectives are reportedly names inmate Arthur Basaluda, warden The inmates attacked together after one running an ongoing investigation into employees Reginald Clues, and sheriff Ronald J. Theriot announced, “Five white boys had to leave the at the center. Gunter was accused of not properly as defendants. cellblock on their own, or through the hospital,” supervising or disciplining employees. Broussard claims that the offender hit her in a sheriff’s spokewoman said. New Orleans–An article by Laura Maggi of the head and body with a padlock in a sock after Thibodaux–State Police fraud investigators The Times Picayune said that 12 prisoners verbally threatening her. arrested Heather Erwin, 34, a Lafourche Parish housed at the Orleans Parish Prison died in 2007 Basulda, convicted of federal narcotic Sheriff’s Office correctional officer on criminal and 2008. That placed the institution near the distribution charges was sentenced to life in counts of theft, insurance fraud and malfeasance top in mortality rates compared with the most prison. He also faces charges in St. Martin in office. recent national statistics about deaths at large following an investigation that resulted in the Erwin suffered an on-the-job injury and jails. arrests of three correctional officers accused of claimed she could not work for medical reasons. According to Sheriff Marlin Gusman, six bringing drugs into the prison and distributing Investigators filmed her at the local bowling offenders died in 2007 and another six in 2008. them to inmates. alley participating in a league. Lane records Just 2 prisoners died in 2006. In the first five St. Tammany Parish–Sheriff Jack Strain has indicated she had rolled 54 games when she weeks of 2009, OPP reported three deaths. filled more than half of the jail’s beds with “for should have been at work counting convicts. THE UNITED STATES ARIZONA fired last March over a January incident at the Phoenix–Associated Press writer Jonathan Tucker Unit max-security prison. The report Sacramento–The AP reported that a riot J. Cooper reported that a 48 year-old female alleged a prisoner was left lying in his own feces involving three dozen prisoners at the 4900 bed prisoner died after being placed in an outdoor for a weekend and nearly died from septic shock. max-security Kern Valley State Prison left 1 uncovered chain-link fence holding pen. The The report also claimed that on-duty prison dead and 16 injured. According to a prison daytime temperature reached108-degrees. In guards received lap dances from prisoners and spokesperson, the riot broke out among 38 Arizona there are 10 state prisons which have didn’t patrol as ordered. Hispanic inmates. Oscar Cruz 23, died of stab 233 outdoor cells for temporarily holding of CALIFORNIA wounds, two others were treated for stab prisoners being sent to punishment wards, Chowchilla-Sara Jane Olson, 62, was freed wounds. Four offenders suffered gunshot medical units, other prisons or work from the Central California Women’s Facility wounds when officers opened fire on them to assignments. this past March. She was allowed to do a year break up the melee. Some of the cells have a shaded covering. of parole in Minnesota, the state she adopted Sacramento-James Kilgore 61, was paroled Some do not. They are used year round. Temps during her 24 years on the run, reported Don and granted permission to join his wife in in Arizona can climb over 100 degrees from the Thompson of The AP. Illinois. As a member of the 70s radical group spring through the fall, and top 110 in the As a member of the 70s radical group Symbionese Liberation Army, Kilgore played a summer. Symbionese Liberation Army, Olson played a role in the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, killings, A corrections spokeswoman said Arizona role in the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, killings, robberies and gun battles with police. prisons have had outdoor enclosures since at robberies and gun battles with police. He was arrested in Capetown, South Africa least the 1960s. Olson served seven years – half the original in 2002 after nearly three decades on the lam. Dept. of Corrections director Charles Ryan sentence – after pleading guilty to placing a pipe He had been sentenced to 6 years in prison. said he does not know whether other inmates bomb under LAPD squad cars and participating Los Angeles–The Dept. of Corrections have died or became seriously ill from being in a 1975 bank robbery where a 24-year-old reported in June that convicted murderer held in one. He has since ordered the cells used bank teller and mother of four was gunned down. Richard K. Overton, 81, died of advanced only in the event of prison brawls or riots. Los Angeles-The AP reported that California dementia and complications of diabetes at a ARKANSAS corrections officials released a new mugshot of prison hospice. Little Rock–The AP reported in June that Charles Manson – now bald with a gray beard. Overton was convicted in 1988 of slowly an internal Dept. of Corrections report obtained Manson 74, was taken for a new updated file poisoning his wife in 1988. He coauthored Final by The AP revealed that Lt. John Glasscock was photo in March at Corcoran State Prison. Affair, a book about the crime.

60 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 FLORIDA Travis Andersen of The AP reported that 39, died of asthma complications while Palatka-Two escaped inmates from the Guay was released after 35 years in prison and incarcerated. In 2008, DNA tests revealed that Putnam County Jail killed a 66-year-old woman ordered to serve parole in New Hampshire where Jerry Wayne Johnson, not Cole, had committed and stole two cars while on the run. The murder a prison chaplain arranged for Guay to stay with the rape. The AP quoted the judge as saying, victim was related to one of the escapees. the local reverend. “saddest case I’ve ever seen.” Tallahassee – McClatchy news reported that State officials had tried to prevent Guay’s Montague- Associated Press writer Angela 43 children were intentionally, directly or release as a dangerous sexual predator under K. Brown reported that Bill Keating, former indirectly, shocked by electric stun guns during federal law. sheriff from 2004-2009, and nine of his guards simultaneous “Take Your Sons and Daughters NEW YORK (7 females and 2 males), as well as four to Work Day” events at three Florida state New York–According to an article by AP offenders at the Montague County Jail were prisons last April. national writer David Crary, governors, indicted for official oppression, having sex with When the head of the DOC learned of the legislators and prison officials across the nation female inmates, and various other offenses incident he responded by firing three guards. are making or considering policy changes that involving sex, drugs and other contraband. The Two resigned. Sixteen others, from correction will likely remove tens of thousands of offenders jail was closed by the new sheriff and officers to a warden were disciplined. The from prisons and parole supervision to meet approximately 60 prisoners were moved to children, ranging in age from 5 to 17 were all budget reductions. another jail. children of prison employees. They were OKLAHOMA VIRGINIA exposed to the shock of stun guns and tear gas. Oklahoma City–The AP reported that Jarratt–The AP reported that condemned The practice has since been stopped. former Custer County Sheriff Mike Burgess, 56, cop-killer Edward Bell, was forcefully placed GEORGIA apologized to two victims but maintained that on the death gurney by six Greensville Savannah – The AP reported that two he was innocent of allegations that he had also Correctional Center officers. Bell reportedly inmates in the Chatham County Jail were burned abused others. would not voluntarily get up on the gurney. when they started a fire in their cell while trying Burgess was found guilty of 13 felony counts, Declaring his innocence until the lethal injection to light a contraband cigarette with a spark from including five counts of second degree rape and was administered Bell told the victim’s family an electrical socket. The jail banned cigarettes he was sentenced to serve 79 years in prison. “The truth will come out one day. This here, 10 years ago but according to a deputy there, it Prosecutors alleged that Burgess sexually killing me, there’s no justice about it.” hasn’t stopped inmates from improvising. abused inmates and drug court defendants; he Richmond–Retired circuit court judge Lloyd “Some of these guys have serious habits and had been a member of a team controlling a drug Sullenberger 68, died of apparent heart attack. cravings,” Deputy Ron Robinson said. court. Several female offenders testified that He was a judge from 1984 until 2000. In 1985 MISSISSIPPI they feared they would be sent to prison if they he stayed the execution of Earl Washington days Jackson-The AP reported that Kirksey did not provide sexual favors. before he was scheduled to die. Washington had McCord Nix Jr., the former Louisiana inmate PENNSYLVANIA confessed to a 1982 rape and murder. It was later who prosecutors say ordered the murders of a Allentown–The state’s high court overturned revealed through DNA that Washington, despite Mississippi judge and his wife in 1987 lost his hundreds of juvenile convictions issued by his confession, was in fact innocent. The AP appeals seeking a new trial before the U.S. Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella and reported that Washington was given an “absolute Supreme Court. Judge Michael Conahan after it was proven that pardon” in 2007 by Gov. Timothy Kaine. Nix, a reported member the Dixie Mafia, was they took $2.6 million in payoffs from a Troy-In an attempt to breakup relationships one of six people convicted on charges relating privately owned juvenile lockup. Ciaverella was and curb sexual activity, guards and prisoners to the killing. He received a life sentence. Nix accused of intentionally violating the claim that Fluvana Correctional Center for was transferred from the Louisiana State constitutional rights of youthful offenders Women administrators selected women who Penitentiary in Angola and sent to super max in appearing before him without a lawyer between wore loose-fitting clothes, had short hair or Colorado. He is now housed at the medium- 2003 and 2008 and sentencing them to the appeared to be masculine and moved them to a security facility in Marion Ill., according to the private lockup.Michael Rubinkam of The AP unit called “the butch wing.” U.S. Bureau of Prison Web site. wrote that prosecutors described a scheme in In response to a report by The AP, Warden Pascagoula – The AP reported that health which Conaham, Lucerne County’s former Barbara Wheeler called the policy “a figment officials investigated the report of 80 cases of president judge, shut down the county-owned of the inmate’s imaginations.” food poisoning at the Jackson County Jail. juvenile detention center in 2002 and signed an WASHINGTON D.C. Sheriff Mike Byrd said that Aramark World has agreement with PA Child Care LLC to send *The AP reported in June that the U.S. been the food service provider for the jail for youth offenders to its new facility outside Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Alaska, District 16 years. The company conducted an Wilkes-Barre.The judges pleaded guilty to fraud Attorney’s Office versus Osborne, No. 08-6 that independent investigation. and await sentencing that can net each a total of prisoners have no constitutional right to DNA NEBRASKA seven years. testing that might prove their innocence. Chief Lincoln – Gov. Dave Heineman signed a bill SOUTH CAROLINA Justice John Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority to change the method of execution from Gaffney-A state investigation reported by and concluded that the issue of when to allow electrocution to lethal injection. The state was Jeffrey Collins of The AP claims that state DNA testing was best handled by the states. the only one with electrocution as its sole means prisoner Kevin Bell was given really special Forty-six states already have laws that allow at of execution. treatment while serving time in a county jail. least some prisoners to gain access to DNA The AP reported that Nebraska becomes the The investigation has revealed that Bell, 42, evidence. Alabama, Alaska, Massachusetts and 36th state to use lethal injection as its primary convicted of cocaine trafficking in 1999 and Oklahoma do not have laws specifically dealing method. The Death Penalty Information Center sentenced to 13 years, was transferred from state with post-conviction DNA testing. said nine states still allow electrocution as a custody in 2002 after Cherokee County officials *The AP reported that Chief Justice John method. requested Bell be sent to their lockup. Roberts granted the Obama administration’s NEW HAMPSHIRE There, Bell was permitted to run a car wash request to block the release of certain sex Chichester-This town of about 2,200 service, have cell phones, a bank account, go offenders who have completed their federal residents was in an uproar after they learned that home to eat dinner, attend his children’s birthday prison terms. The ruling effects as many as 77 60-year-old Raymond Guay was being released parties at Chuck E. Cheese and admittedly have inmates at a federal prison in North Carolina. from prison and going to live for two months in sex with one of the female guards. *Darryl Fears of The Washington Post writes a local pastor’s home because he had nowhere When his jail cell was searched a wedding that the U.S. Sentencing Commission is to go. invitation was discovered. It was learned that considering alternatives to prison for some Guay, in 1973 was charged with abducting Bell and the guard were to marry just one day offenders, including treatment programs for and murdering a 12-year-old boy. Authorities after his release. The guest list included about 2 nonviolent drug users and employment training claimed that Guay planned to sexually assault dozen jail employees. for minor parole violators. the boy. Guay pleaded guilty to second-degree TEXAS If the commission moves ahead with murder and was sentenced to up to 25 years. In Austin–A state district judge ordered the recommending alternatives to Congress, it 1982, Guay escaped from state prison and exoneration of a prisoner convicted of rape in would send a strong signal to state sentencing kidnapped a couple. He was caught and sent to 1985. The judge also ordered Timothy Cole’s commissions and legislatures, and could pave a federal prison in California where he stabbed record be expunged. Cole was sentenced to serve the way for a major expansion of drug courts another prisoner in1991. 25 years in prison. In 1999, 14 years later, Cole and adult developmental programs for parolees. 61 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

THETHE RISKRISK REVIEWREVIEW PANELPANEL

n 2001, the Legislature made. In these regards, the established the Risk decision that was made by the IReview Panel under Act panel will be null and void in some 403. This act gave the circumstances. Department of Corrections the The panel will then have the task of reviewing all offenders option of bringing the offender that applied and were eligible, back in front of the panel for a for various recommendations. rehearing and a possible new Over the years, the three panels recommendation. For example, if an have reviewed thousands of offender has received a significant offenders and made the disciplinary report either prior to or after recommendations that each panel a panel hearing, this could make this felt were suitable to these offenders. individual ineligible for a recommendation The panels have also found that there for a work release program. This could also are several misconceptions by the make that individual ineligible for additional offender population as to what the panels programming or board hearings that may can do in the scope of their capabilities. This article is an attempt to have been recommended. These decisions will usually be made by the clear up those misconceptions. Panel Chairman. THE RISK REVIEW PANEL HAS THE AUTHORITY TO RELEASE CRIMES OF VIOLENCE AND SEX OFFENSE ARE ELIGIBLE FOR OFFENDERS FROM THEIR SENTENCES BY EARLY RELEASE. REVIEW. This statement has always been a belief of many of the offenders As of the date of this article, these types of offenses are ineligible that come in front of the board. The panels do not have the authority for consideration. These offenses are also listed on the Risk Review or the capability to grant an early release to any offender that comes in application as being ineligible for review. front of a panel. Only the Pardon Board has the authority to grant a Applications that are deemed ineligible during the screening process commutation of sentence for an early release. The panels can only will be returned to the offender with an explanation of the reason he/ refer the offender to be brought in front of the Pardon Board, usually she is ineligible. by record review, for a consideration for early release. Once this Applications can be denied at the staff level. recommendation is made, the decision is completely in the hands of WHEN AN OFFENDER TRANSFERS TO A DIFFERENT REGION the Pardon Board and the Risk Review Panel no longer has any input. THEY MUST SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION. The other option for a possibility of an early release is through the Once an application is received by any of the three Regional Parole Board. In order for the panels to make this recommendation, Executive Staff Officers, it is entered onto the database. If that offender the offender must have a parole eligibility date. Again, the panel does transfers to a different facility in a different region, the application is not have the authority to override the laws as they are written and transferred to that region for review. There is no need for an offender therefore cannot recommend a parole hearing if the offender is not to submit another application. eligible.  THE RISK REVIEW PANEL IS THE ONLY OPTION FOR  THE RISK REVIEW PANEL HAS THE AUTHORITY TO OFFENDERS. RECOMMEND OFFENDERS TO PROGRAMMING PRIOR TO Many of the recommendations that are made by the panel can be ELIGIBILITY OR EVEN IF THE OFFENDER IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR accomplished at the local levels. An offender can apply for the Pardon SAID PROGRAMMING. or Parole Boards, based on their crimes and eligibility as established This statement is also false. The panel can only recommend in Louisiana revised statutes R.S.15:572 through 15:574.4 individuals to programming if they are statutorily eligible. The panel Any offender that wishes to be reviewed for a substance abuse cannot recommend or override the requirements as set down by the program, work release, or boot camp can write the classification statutes or the Department Regulations. For example, the panel cannot department at their local facility for screening. recommend an offender for a work release program unless that offender The Risk Review Panel is not the only option. is currently eligible and meets the criteria as set down in the regulation These are the most common misconceptions in regards to the Risk for participation. Review Panel and its responsibilities. Hopefully, this information will  ALL DECISIONS MADE BY THE RISK REVIEW PANEL ARE help the offender population in their understanding of the workings of GUARANTEED. said panels. The Risk Review Panel is an instrument of the Department Sometimes the panel will make recommendations only later to find to review and recommend those deserving offenders for the out that the information that was provided the day of the hearing was programming and possibility of early release they are eligible for. inaccurate. This relates many times to an offender receiving educational Remember that it is ultimately the offender’s responsibility of goodtime prior to the hearing or receiving disciplinary write-ups that compliance with the rules and regulations to ensure a favorable the panel is not made aware of until after the recommendations are recommendation.

62 slm –Volume 10 – NumberDCI 2Law – 2009 2009 LEGISLATIVE ACTS By Michaelhe Louisiana O’Neal, slmLegislature reporter has passed several laws in the 2009 session, which may be of interest to the offender population. Governor Bobby Jindal approved most of the laws contained in this article. The new laws that affect Toffenders the most deal with changes in good time forfeiture, additional good time for participation in programs, and revisions in the eligibility requirements for work release. Laws that negatively affect certain sex offenders are prevalent, including increased monitoring, lifetime parole supervision (regardless of sentence length), and restrictions on where they may live and go. Regular text is existing law that has not been changed by the legislature. Underlined text indicates words added to statute by Legislative act. Struck through text are words deleted from existing law. In general, only newly added and regular text is cited, unless text deleted by lawmakers is needed for clarity or comparison. Language of the law directly quoted from the ACTS OF 2009 LEGISLATURE—published over several weeks in The Advocate—are in Arial font to differentiate between author’s words and those passed as law. Brackets enclosing an ellipsis […] indicates text omitted by the author. To find out more on these Acts, contact your Offender Counsel Substitute or put in a correspondence form to schedule a consultation. ACT 17 (HB 161) (1) A person convicted of a crime sidewalk from the nearest point of the A law signed by the Governor on June defined or enumerated as a crime of property line of the school or day care 12, 2009, that affects forfeiture of diminution violence in R.S.14:2 (B)…. center to the nearest point of the of sentence and provides for the adoption of (3)[…]the following persons shall be premises to be used to provide housing rules and regulations regarding the restoration evaluated by the panel: or temporary residence. of previously forfeited good time for (a) A person convicted of possession (2) Outside of municipalities and disciplinary violations. It amends and reenacts as defined in R.S.40:966(C), 967(C), unincorporated[…]the measurement of R.S.15:571.4(A) (C). Enacts R.S. 968(C), or 970(C). this distance shall be a straight line from 15:571.4(D). (b) A person convicted of distribution the nearest point of the premises to KKKey Language or possession with the intent to distribute provide housing or temporary residence In order to be eligible for restoration cocaine where the offense of conviction to the nearest point of the school or day of good time which has been previously involves less than 28 grams of cocaine. care center property. forfeited, the inmate shall not have been (c) A person convicted of distribution found guilty of any disciplinary violation or possession with the intent to distribute ACT 159 (HB 225) for a consecutive twenty-four month marijuana where the offense of conviction A law signed by the Governor on June period. Restoration of good time shall not involves less than one pound of 26, 2009, that amends and reenacts the Code exceed five hundred forty days. marijuana. of Criminal Procedure Article 894.2(A)(G) (d) A person sentenced under any to authorize home incarceration as a form of ACT 85 (HB 64) other violation of the Uniform Controlled sentencing for a misdemeanor or a felony. A law that amends and reenacts Dangerous substances Law who has This provision is for sentencing only, and R.S.15:873(A) (C). Signed by the Governor served the mandatory minimum sentence allows for home incarceration for a period of on June 19, 2009, this Act provides for in actual custody for the offense, or one- four years or less. increased wages for inmates assigned to half of the sentence imposed, whichever Key Language Prison Enterprises and certified academic is less. The court may sentence a defendant tutors. to home incarceration either in lieu of, or Key Language ACT 151 (HB 50) in addition to, a term of imprisonment. […]inmates who are assigned to A new law that enacts R.S.15-712 and When the court sentences a defendant, Prison Enterprises’ industrial, 1113 and R.S.40:2853—signed by the it may order the defendant to serve any agricultural, service or other programs Governor on June 26, 2009. This Act relates portion of the sentence under home may be compensated at a rate up to forty to work release facility housing and limits the incarceration. cents per hour and inmates who are location of them in relation to schools or day Certified Academic Tutors and Certified care centers. It does not affect facilities in ACT 168 (HB 707) Vocational Tutors may be compensated operation for a year or longer prior to August A law signed by the Governor on June at a rate of up to one dollar per hour.” 15, 2009. 26, 2009, that enacts Code of Criminal Key Language Procedure Articles 881.1(A)(4), 893(e)(4), ACT 103 (HB 822) A. No facility that provides housing and 895(B)(3) and R.S.15:574.4.1(J). This A law signed by the Governor on June or temporary residence for individuals Act allows the courts to sentence a defendant 18, 2009, that amends and reenacts who are participating in work release to not more than six months in the intensive R.S.15:574.22(G), which changes rules of programs as authorized by the provisions incarceration (IMPACT) program. It also eligibility for persons to be considered by of R.S.15:711 or 1199.10 shall be located provides for the possibility of the conviction Louisiana Risk Review Panel. within one thousand feet of any school to be set aside and the criminal record Key Language or child day care center property. expunged in certain cases. […]following persons shall not be B.(1) In municipalities and Key Language eligible for review by the Risk Review unincorporated[ … ]this distance shall be If the court finds that the defendant is Panel: measured as a person walks using the eligible for the benefits of Code of

63 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Criminal Procedure Article 893(E), then ACT 205 (HB 366) natural life and shall: the court with the concurrence of the A law signed by the Governor on June (1) Required to register Register as district attorney may set aside the 30, 2009, that provides for increased a sex offender in accordance with the conviction and dismiss prosecution in monitoring of sex offenders along with provisions of R.S.15:542 et seq. and accordance with law. evaluation of offenders by an assessment maintain such registration for the When a defendant […]has panel. It installs criminal penalties for remainder of his natural life. successfully completed the intensive violations of conditions of supervision and (2) Required to provide Provide incarceration program as well as creates lifetime parole supervision and community notification in accordance successfully completed all other electronic monitoring for certain offenders. with the provisions of R.S.15:542 et seq. conditions of parole or probation, Amends and reenacts R.S.15:560.1, for the duration of his natural life. [….].The dismissal of prosecution shall 560.2(B)(introductory paragraph) and (1), (3) Required to be electronically have the same effect as an acquittal […] (El, and (F), 560.3, 560.4(A), 560.5, monitored Submit to electronic 560.6(A), 561.2, and 561.4(A)(1) and (B)(1) monitoring pursuant to the provisions of ACT 185 (HB 462) and (3). Enacts R.S.15:560.2(H), (l), and (J) R.S. 15:560.4 for the duration of his A law signed by the Governor on June and 560.4(E). Repeals R.S.15:542.1.6 and natural life. 29, 2009, that amends and reenacts R.S. 543.1(14). (4) Report to the probation and parole 15:827.l(B)(5), (C)(1) and (2)(a), and (E) and Key Language officer when directed to do so. enacts R.S. 15:827.l(F). This Act concerns §560.1. Definitions For the purposes (5) Not associate with persons known reentry preparation programs, authorizes of this Chapter: to be engaged in criminal activities or with development of entrepreneurial education (1) Child sexual predator” means a persons known to have been convicted curriculum, among other changes. person determined by the sex offender of a felony without written permission of Key Language assessment panel as provided for by this his probation and parole officer. B. In compliance with the Chapter who has been convicted of a sex (6) In all respects. conduct himself requirements of R.S.15:827(A)(5), the offense as defined in R.S.15:541 and who honorably. work diligently at a lawful department shall identify a transition is likely to engage in additional sex occupation. and support his dependents. specialist at each of the state correctional offenses against children, because he if any. to the best of his ability. facilities who shall not necessarily be a has mental abnormality or condition (7) Promptly and truthfully answer all corrections officer and whose duties shall which can be verified by a physician or inquiries directed to him by the probation include but not be limited to: psychologist, or because he has a history and parole officer. (5) Placement in a work release of committing crimes, wrongs, or acts (8) Live and remain at liberty and program, if requested by any eligible involving sexually assaultive behavior or refrain from engaging in any type of offender…When an offender who is acts which indicate a lustful disposition criminal conduct nearing his date of release requests toward children as determined by the (9) Not have in his possession or placement in a work release program, the court upon receipt and review of relevant control any firearms or dangerous transition assistance specialist shall information including the weapons. inform the offender of program availability recommendation by the sex offender (10) Submit to available medical, and assess the offender’s needs and assessment panel as provided for by this psychiatric, or mental health examination suitability for work release participation. Chapter. and treatment for persons convicted of If an offender is approved for placement, “Sexually violent predator” means a sex offenses when deemed appropriate the specialist shall assist the offender and person an offender who has been and ordered to do so by the probation coordinate the release of the offender convicted of a sex offense as defined in and parole officer. with the selected program. R.S.15:541 and who has a mental (11) Defray the cost, or any portion C. (1) Eligible offenders shall receive abnormality or anti-social antisocial thereof, of his supervision by making a mandatory one hundred hour personality disorder that makes the payments to the Department of Public standardized pre-release orientation person offender likely to engage in Safety and Corrections in a sum and program which shall be completed prior predatory sexually violent offenses as manner determined by the department, to release. determined by the court upon receipt and based on his ability to pay. E. (1) The department shall offer an review of relevant information including (12) Submit a residence plan for entrepreneurial educational curriculum to the recommendation of the sex offender approval by the probation and parole eligible offenders selected by the assessment panel as provided for by this officer. department to facilitate successful Chapter. (13) Submit himself to continued reentry…” A. Notwithstanding any other supervision, either in person or through (3) An offender convicted of any of provision of law to the contrary, upon a remote monitoring, of all of the following the following offenses shall not be eligible determination by a Sex Offender Internet-related activities: for participation in the program: Assessment Panel and the court that the (a) The offender’s incoming and (a) A sex offense as defined in offender is a sexually violent predator or outgoing electronic mail and other R.S.15:541(24). a child sexual predator as provided for Internet-based communications. (b) A crime of violence as defined in by this Chapter, the offender shall be (b) The offender’s history of websites R.S.14:2(B). supervised by the division of probation visited and the contact accessed. (c) A habitual offender in accordance and parole. Department of Public Safety (c) The periodic unannounced with R.S.15:529.1. and Corrections, upon his release from inspection of the contents of the incarceration for the duration of his offender’s computer or any other

64 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 computerized device or portable media convincing evidence that the offender is Key Language device and the removal of such a sexually violent predator or a child Section 1 R.S.13:587.4 and 1344 are information, computer, computer device, sexual predator, the offender shall be hereby enacted to read as follows: or portable media device to conduct a ordered to comply with the provisions of § 587.4 District courts; specialized more thorough inspection. R.S.15:560.3 et seq. divisions or sections; subject matter (14) Comply with such other specific […]B.(2)(a) If the district attorney conditions as are appropriate, stated ACT 210 (HB 476) requests and expedited docket, the trial directly, and without ambiguity so as to A law signed by the Governor on June court shall schedule the case for trial no be understandable to a reasonable man. 30, 2009, that amends and reenacts R.S. later than ninety days after time has C. Except as provided in 14:81.4(A), (B)(2) and (4), and (E)(1), elapsed for discovery. R.S.15:560.4(E), any person who willfully 91.1(A)(2), 91.2(B),(C), and (D) and R.S. C. No rule adopted by the court may violates any condition ordered pursuant 15:538(A), (D)(1)(b) and (c), and (6)(b) and designate any division or section, without to the provisions of this Section shall be (c), and enacts R.S. 14:91.2(E), 91.3, and its consent, as a specialized division or subject to contempt of court. 91.4. This Act amends the age requirement section for a longer period than three E.(l) A person who fails to comply with for prohibited sexual conduct between an years. the requirements of electronic monitoring educator and student; created the crime of § 1344. Homicide section; Orleans shall, upon first conviction, be fined not unlawful presence of a sexually violent Parish Criminal District Court;[…] more than one thousand dollars, predator to apply to certain locations and […]B. Any homicide section may be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than activities. assigned the following cases:” two years nor more than ten years without Key Language 1. Solicitation for murder. 2. first benefit of probation, parole, or §81.4 [….] (A)(1) An educator has degree murder. 3. second degree murder. suspension of sentence. sexual intercourse with a person who is 4. Manslaughter. 5. First degree feticide. (2) Upon a second or subsequent seventeen years of age or older, but less 6. Assault by drive-by shooting. 7. conviction, the offender shall be fined than nineteen twenty-one years of age, Second degree feticide. 8. Aggravated three thousand dollars, imprisoned at where there is an age difference of assault upon a peace officer with a hard labor for not less than five years nor greater than four years between the two firearm. 9. Aggravated assault with a more than twenty years without benefit persons, […] firearm. 10. Attempt to commit 1-4 or 6 of probation, parole, or suspension of §91.2. Unlawful presence of a sex of this subsection. sentence. offender §560.5. Appeal of decision B. The following acts, when ACT 263 (HB 33) Any decision by the Sex Offender committed by a person convicted of an A law signed by the Governor on July 1, Assessment Panel may be appealed in aggravated offense as defined in 2009, that creates the Witness Protection accordance with the Department of Public R.S.15:541(2) when the victim is under Services Act Safety and Corrections administrative the age of thirteen years, shall constitute Amends and reenacts R.S.44:4(1)(B)(7) remedy .procedure provided for in RS. the crime of unlawful residence or to develop administration, board membership, 15:1171 through 1179. A sex offender presence of a sex offender: power and duties, procedures, etc., determined to be a sexually violent (1) The physical presence of the concerning the protection of witnesses. predator or a child sexual predator offender in, on or within one thousand Key Language pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter feet of a day care center, group home, § 1606 A. Protection services may petition the sentencing court for a residential home, or child care facility as provided to a critical witness or the review of this determination not more defined in R.S.46:1403, or a family child immediate family of a critical witness may than once every three years, provided day care home as defined in include but not be limited to any of the that the sex offender is currently receiving R.S.46:1441.1 following: treatment from a court, or a treatment (2) The establishment of a residence (1)Any necessary armed protection or provider approved by the Department of within one thousand feet of any day care escort[….] (2) Physical relocation [….] (3) Public Safety and Corrections, and good center, group home, residential home, or Reasonable housing expenses. (4) cause for such reconsideration is shown child care facility as defined in Transportation or storage of personal by the sex offender. If the court grants R.S.46:1403, a family child day care possessions. (5) Basic living expenses. the petition for review, the court shall refer home as defined in R.S.46:1441.1, (6) Assistance in assumption of a new the case to the panel for review in playground, public or private youth identity and relocation. (7) Petition for a accordance with the provisions of center, public swimming pool, or free protective order [….] R.S.15:560.2. and a recommendation to standing video arcade facility. the court for a judicial determination as ACT 266 (HB 62) to whether or not the sex offender ACT 215 (HB 574) A law signed by the Governor on July 1, continues to be a sexually violent This enacts R.S.13:587.4 and 1344, 2009, that amends and reenacts R.S.l5:711(G) predator or a child sexual predator. After which is relative to specialized divisions of and (H), 827(A)(4), 828(B), 893. 1(1), and receiving the recommendation of the state district courts for the purpose of 1111(B), (C), (E), (F)(introductory panel, the court shall schedule a hearing providing an expedited docket for violent paragraph), (H), (1), (1), and (K), 1199.3(7), and provide notice of the hearing in crimes and homicides. It creates a special 1199.4(C), (D)(introductory paragraph), accordance with the provisions of homicide section in the Criminal District (E)(introductory paragraph), and (G), R.S.15:560.2(1). If, after a contradictory Court for the parish of Orleans. The Governor 1199.5(C)(2) and (F) (l) (introductory hearing, the court finds by clear and signed this Act into Law on June 30, 2009. paragraph), 1199.6(A)(l), (B)(introductory

65 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 paragraph) and (C), 11 99.9(B), 11 99. produce, manufacture, distribute, or processing fee 10(B)(1) and (H), 1199. 11, 1199.12(D)(2), dispense a controlled dangerous A. A one-time fee of sixty-five dollars (3), and (4) and (E), enacts R.S. 15: 1111 (L), substance classified in Schedule I or shall be assessed for each case file 1199.3(8), 1199.4(D)(7) and (E)(6), and Schedule II of R.S. 40:964 shall be existing on June 30, 2009, and for each 1199.S(F)(l)(d), and repeals R.S. 15:1135 and prohibited from participation in the work new case file opened thereafter by a 1199.5(F)(7). release program eligible to participate in probation and parole officer of the office Provides for the awarding of one hundred the work release program if the inmate is of adult services[…] eighty days of good time for satisfactory otherwise in compliance with the participation in approved certified treatment standards for work release.” ACT 362 (HB 171) and rehabilitation programs. Allows that § 1111. Work Release Program A law that amends and reenacts R.S. inmates convicted of certain violations of H. Deductions for room, board, and 15:574.4(H)(4)(r) and Code of Criminal controlled dangerous substances law are other administrative costs resulting from Procedure Article 895(A)(13). Signed by the eligible to participate in work release participation in a work release program Governor on July 6, 2009, this provides programs if otherwise eligible and approved authorized by this Section shall not authorization to law enforcement officers to by the sheriff or the department of corrections, exceed fifty percent of the wages conduct searches of convicted sex offenders and permits inmates convicted of certain received by the inmate.” that are on probation or parole. offenses are eligible to participate in work § 1199.9. Workforce development Key Language release programs during the last twelve work release for participants and Revised Statutes (H)(4) (ii) and C.Cr.P. months of their term of incarceration if graduates of program administered by Art 895 (A)(13)(b) contain the same added otherwise eligible and approved by the the department text: department or the sheriff. Establishes that H. […]expenses listed in Subsection For those persons who have been deductions for work release expenses shall F of this Section resulting from convicted of a “sex offense” as defined not exceed fifty percent of the wages received participation in a workforce development in R.S. 15:541, agree to searches of his by the inmate in work release programs work release program authorized by this person, his property, his place of operated by the department; workforce Section shall not exceed seventy-five residence, his vehicle, or his personal development work release deductions from percent of the wages received by an effects, or any or all of them, at any time, wages shall not exceed seventy-five percent. inmate. by a law enforcement officer, duly These are just a few of many changes the Act § 1199.12. Program duration; commissioned in the parish or covers. development; selection of craft. municipality where the sex offender Key Language E. Upon completion of the one-year resides or is domiciled, designated by his § 711. Work Release Program workforce development work release agency to supervise sex offenders, with G. (1) Any inmate who has been program, the inmate shall be placed on or without a warrant of arrest or with or convicted of forcible rape (R.S. 14:42.1, supervised parole released on his without a search warrant, when the officer aggravated arson (R.S. 14:51), diminution of sentence release date and has reasonable suspicion to believe that attempted murder (R.S. 14:27 and 29), placed under good time parole the person who is on parole is engaged attempted armed robbery (R.S. 14:64), supervision for the remainder of his in or has been engaged in criminal activity attempted murder (R.S. 14:27 and 29), sentence. It shall be an additional for which the person has not been attempted armed robbery (R.S. 14:27 and condition of the inmate’s supervised charged or arrested while on parole. 64), and persons sentenced as habitual parole that he maintain employment as offenders under R.S. 15:529.1 shall be a skilled craftsman at a location approved ACT 533 (HB 630) eligible to participate in a work release by the department, unless extenuating This Act became law without the program during their last six months of circumstances prevent such Governor’s signature, and enacts R.S. their terms. Notwithstanding the employment.” 15:574.4(A)(4) and R.S. 40:966(H) provisions of this Section and unless the concerning parole consideration, with certain inmate is eligible at an earlier date, those ACT 299 (HB 649) stipulations, lifers serving time for heroin inmates who have served a minimum of A law signed by the Governor on July 1, offenses. fifteen years in the custody of the 2009, that enacts R.S. 11:546 and 15:574.4.2 Key Language department or the sheriff for those crimes to provide for a probation and parole (4)[…]serving a life sentence for the enumerated in this Section, shall be processing fee, which will be deposited into production, manufacturing, distribution, eligible to participate in a work release a newly formed fund and used to supplement or dispensing or possessing with intent program during the last twelve months the Adult Probation and Parole Officer to produce, manufacture, or distribute of their term. Retirement Fund. heroin shall be eligible for parole (2) Not any inmate convicted of Key Language consideration upon serving at least fifteen producing, manufacturing, distributing, or §574.4.2 Probation and Parole years of imprisonment in actual custody. dispensing, or possession with intent to —Offender Counsel Howard Crowder provided datum for this article—

66 slm –Volume 10 – NumberPoetry 2 – 2009 The voices of my children Is calling out my name The Voices of My Children And questioning their mother About who are the blame.

They asking questions in tears Why I left them like this My sons called me a junkie And said I betrayed them for a fix.

One of my daughters kept on crying Because she didn’t understand How can I explain to her Back then, I wasn’t much of a man.

How can you explain to your children That’s innocent and loves you so much That can only dream of their fathers Submitted by Jerry Marks, DCI And only in prison can they feel his physical touch? Saturday Morning at DCI —Submitted by Jerry Marks, DCI I am sitting upon my bed Hearing the inmates coming from breakfast In Unit Two and Dorm Six By the sound of their feet and voices Fans are blowing, the lights is off By the sound I can tell I’m wondering what can be fixed. That somes made the wrong choices.

Blacks and whites Others still remain in bed Sleeping side by side In their reality and distant dream Somes up and moving about Coffee being made black by some While others waiting to be fed. While others add sugar and cream.

Looking out the windows On Saturday morning at DCI Smelling the scent of rain It’s cinnamon rolls, coffee and cornflakes Waiting on the sound But many miss this special treat To run down the drain. They wakes up too late. 67 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 A Coming Together of Faiths—Vol. I By Jeremy “TK” Stroud, DCI Faith – No More No Less I never thought it would be such a conquest Death – Life – Twins separated at birth Both struggled to be what the other one is Both sucked down each other one’s kids

Crucification – Mind – Body – Soul Burns – Scars – Emotional Tear Drops One reaps what one – sows Pity – Self Pity – Boo Hoo Now we’re sad – Sorrowful Drowning in one’s own misery Torment – Torture Screwed – Glued – Now we have Tattoos Proof is in the ink – We’re – Robots Programmed to not-think – To Do Obey their commands Listen to Big Brother – As He Demands “Be Corrupt” Drugs – Women – Money Roots to our own epitomes? Go – Spread Multiply like Rabbits Babies – Kids – Adolescence

Train them to – What they want them to be – Be all you can be – Aim High – Full speed Ahead – The few the proud Now All We do – Mourn our Dead 68 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Love Alone Is… I love, Love is life’s mission, Because love alone is, Being a hundred percent in the moment, My universal truth, The moment of real love has arrived, The power of faith, alone only God gives… Love suffers love leading to the greatest atonement…

Love is but a walking shadow, Seek first the kingdom of heaven, KKK A rich prayer, And love will survive, Enlightened by the truth mmm Giving proper context to love, Fleeing into the mountain, supple and fair… Something divine and purposeful will derive…

We are sacred beings conscious of being sacred, You are in truth, Not missing the purpose of our birth, A hero of God’s divine love, A connectedness between two, You’ve embraced a shallow and ruined man, Essentials of a devoted spiritual bond and worth… Giving existence to love cherishes love… We have touched the deeper meaning of life, Love alone is, nnn That struts and frets its hour through eternity, Sacred love, sacred fire, divine opposition, Love’s sacred principles, Respecting your mind, body and spirit, God’s endless love is our paternity…LLL In concordance with love’s uncultivated mission… Let’s embrace life’s purpose, But, Existing simultaneously as formlessness and form, We must always remember, Loving God, truth, the Path, the most, Love Alone Is— PPP Accept my love as a poor token of gratitude and charm… —By William White, DCI A Daily Prayer for the Innocent Father, ______is serving time for a crime Father, send chaplains, Christian workers, inmates, he/she did not commit. Just as You sent an angel and others across ______’s path to minister and opened the prison doors for Your apostles who Your Word to him/her and cause him/her to keep had been imprisoned (Acts 5:18-19), I pray that You the faith for it is the substance of the thing he/she send a legal angel to appeal ______’s case is hoping for and evidence of things not seen (Hebrews and deliver him/her from the bars of injustice. Let 11:1). Do not let him/her become discouraged with credible witnesses come forth to refute the accusations the slow process of appeal. Give his/her attorney of the prosecutors; give ______favor with wisdom from on high and let him/her present an the judge and jury. Your Word says that You detest airtight case on ______’s behalf. those who acquit the guilty but condemn the innocent Continue to remind ______that You have (Proverbs 17:15). Yes, those who make the innocent plans for him/her; plans for prosperity and not harm; guilty by their false testimony will disappear. And plans to give him/her hope and a future (Jeremiah those who use false testimony to pervert justice and 29:11). tell lies to tear down the innocent will be no more In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. (Isaiah 29:21). —Submitted by Eric Gai, DCI 69 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 Snick, Clang, the food port Food Port Comes open with jangle of keys Tanka by Michael O’Neal, DCI And sliding doors hum To the squeak of food-cart wheels

Note: Tanka is a non-rhyming form of poetry, Japanese in origin, H/consisting of 5 lines with 5-7-5-7-7 pattern of syllables. Chow! Chow! it’s too hot to eat It’s similar to Haiku which has 3 lines with a 5-7-5 pattern. The TTThe ruth ShallShall MakMakruth e YYe ou FrFrou eeeeee AAAs I glance back over my life,, andand allall thethe situationssituations I’veI’ve Right herherRight e and right nonoe w I humble myself to Thee and pray thatthatay encounterencounterencountered….Over the yearyeared….Over s I have shed so many tearsss. II ww. asasas YYYou don’t alloalloou w me to succumb to my insanity. Give me peace,,, a fool! Blinded by my fearsss, andand whenwhen II criedcried, , II criedcried drydry teartear, sss... frfrfreedom, and liberty.liberty.eedom,

I wwI as misled by my pride and had solemnly sworn—that I’m aaorn—that Damn trying to fit in. Man, I want to win, but hohoant w can I winwinw do memedo , mymy heartheart isis inin thethe strstr, eetseetseets,, andand I’mI’m notnot goinggoing toto letlet anyoneanyone when I kkwhen eep doing the same things over and over again. change me—even if that means my demise. ButBut nono. w IIw My eyes—used to be wide shut, but now they’rthey’rw e wiiiide open.open.e rrrealizealizealize….all my past visions about my life wererere only mythsmythse ,,, In an abyss of despairdespairIn ,, I’mI’m copingcoping becausebecause thethe TRUTHTRUTH KEEPSKEEPS ILLILLILLUSIONS and LIES!LIES!USIONS ME HOPING!HOPING!ME

NoNoNow I’m in prison, and at one time, II didn’tdidn’t knokno, w hohow w long I’d bebew I SEESEE BETTERBETTER DDI AAAYZ!—I wwYZ!—I as rras aised frfraised om my grgrom ave and wwave asasas held captivecaptiveheld . THIS ISN’T THE WW. AAAY MY LIFE IS SUPPOSED shoshoshown better wayz of living. Life is a matter of perception. MyMyception. TTTO BE! AAO fter yearyearfter s of slinging ditch-bank blades in the hills of fearfearfears wws ererere only apprappre ehensions that cause me to make some badbade TTTunica, it’it’unica, s a shame to see hohos w thick the calluses have gotten on decisionsdecisionsdecisions... my hands and feet.feet.my Opportunity knockknockOpportunity s and doordoors s began to open. I used to walk withwithalk Sometimes I wwSometimes ent days without sleep, because in my mind it my head dodomy wn, but nonown, w it’it’w s held high because I’m focused, andand II, wwwas me against the wwas orld….Nah, nah, nah, better yet, WASASAS can see wherwhercan e I’m going.going.e THE WORLD AATHE GGGAINST ME!ME!AINST I wwI as searsearas ching for loveloveching , butbut firfir, st I had to find it in myself. But my back wwBut as against the wwas all, and my struggles wwall, ererere againstagainste That’That’That’s when I came to believe in a powwwer that is grgrer eater than memeeater ... principalitiesprincipalitiesprincipalities. GoodGood andand evilevil forfor. ces I CCces AN’T SEE! Oh, LLAN’T orororddd,,, what has become of me? God is goooooodgoooooodGod , andand thethe TT, ruth shall makmakruth e you frfre eeeeee... —By KK—By endrick VVendrick olterolterolter, DCIDCI, 70 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009 CLASSIFIED EMPLOYMENT FOR EX-CONS INFORMATION DISTRIBUTED AT DCI RESOURCE FAIR (JULY 30, 2009)

7200 Computer Haven 7230 IMC: International Maintenance ASSEMBLY WORK 577 Oak Villa Blvd. COOKS Contractors SEWING Baton Rouge, La., 70815 8687 United Plaza Contact: Darren Vallaire Eurest Support Service Baton Rouge, La. 225-923-0999 (Offshore) Contact: 225-922-5050 Webb Rite Safety Inc. Lafayette, La. 1148 N. Carrollton Computer Land Industrial Specialty Co. of LA Contact: Debbie 11612 Sun Belt Ct. Baton Rouge, La. 9843 Interlane Ave. 337-233-9153 Contact: Don Miller Baton Rouge, La., 70816 Contact: 225-756-8001 225-930-9045 Contact: 225-924-4600 IPC: International Piping Systems 7240 1770 S. Westport Dr. 7210 Computer Solutions CONSTRUCTION 2328 S. Range Ave. Port Allen, La. AUTO MECHANIC- WELDING Contact: 225-381-9422 TECHNICIANS Denham Springs, La., 70726 Contact: 225-664-3695 B&D Contractors Jacobs Constructors 4949 Essen Lane Chabills Computer Technologies Group 6430-C West Park Ave. 13002 Justice Ave. Houma, La. Baton Rouge, La. Morgan City, La. Contact: 225-769-7700 Contact: 985-795-2245 Baton Rouge, La., 70816 Contact: 985-872-9839 Contact: Gabe Rincon Barber Construction JE Merit Columbia Chevy/Toyota 225-293-2844 7600 Airline Hwy. Franklin, La. Baton Rouge, La. Computer Recyclers Inc. Contact: 225-355-6511 Baton Rouge, La. Contact: Jean Lopez Contact: 225-922-3340 985-828-5520 12330 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, La., 70815 James Hernandez Construction 7732 Goodwood Blvd. Kellogg, Brown & Root Reyes Auto Contact: Scott Hullinger Gonzales/Laplace, La. Morgan City, La. 225-274-8111 Baton Rouge, La. Contact: 225-927-5337 Contact: 225-746-5775 Contact: Jimmy Reyes 504-465-7279 985-384-4409 Computer Land 9843 Interline Ave. JRJ Aluminum Fabrication 3650 Barre Terre Blvd. Performance WalMart Auto Baton Rouge, La., 70809 9865 Pecue Lane Morgan City, La. Contact Kim Beaver Marrero, La. Contact: Melinda Boudreaux Contact: 225-751-4156 Contact: Pamela Murphy 225-924-4600 225-490-2000 985-395-9049 504-341-7412 Computerized Business Solutions Matrix Construction Shaw Wilburns Car Care 11714 Industriplex Blvd. 15556 Perkins Rd. Morgan City, La. Baton Rouge, La., 70809 10630 Old Lodge Ct. Baton Rouge, La. Baton Rouge, La. Contact: Rhonda Contact: 225-751-2274 Contact: 225-752-1541 985-385-1444 Contact: Bob Wilburn DEMCO 225-7528675 Spirit Constructors P.O. Box 15659 7220 Southern Structures Church St. Suite D COMPUTER COMPANIES Baton Rouge, La., 70895 Zachary, La. Contact: 225-261-1177 Lafayette, La. Contact: 337-856-5981 Contact: 225-655-6277 Baton Rouge Computers Formosa Computers 225-658-5995 862 O’Neal Lane 9885 Airline Hwy. Trinity Marine Port Allen 7555 Choctaw Rd. Turner Industries Baton Rouge, La., 70816 Baton Rouge, La., 70816 4554 Scenic Hwy. Contact: 225-257-1200 225-664-3695 Baker, La. (Night Work) Baton Rouge, La. Blue Cross Blue Shield Intersurf Contact: 225-749-3181 Contact: 225-357-9395 5525 Retex Ave. 4608 Jones Creek Rd. #229 Vector Industries Baton Rouge, La., 70809 Baton Rouge, La., 70817 7250 2052 Dallas Dr. Contact: 225-295-3307 Contact: 225-755-0800 INDUSTRIAL/ Baton Rouge, La. Comp USA PC Mart CONTRACTORS Contact: 225-927-7830 6051 Bluebonnet Blvd. 4215 Sherwood Forest Blvd. Volks Baton Rouge, La. 70836 Baton Rouge, La., 70816 BOH Brothers 17474 Old Jefferson Hwy. Contact: Twanda Augustine Contact: 225-296-0000 12203 Airline Hwy. Prairieville, La. 225-763-6886 Baton Rouge, La. Contact: 225-753-5713 PC Warehouse Contact: 225-753-0100 Comp-u-Cure 5251 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. 7270 2834 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, La., 70816 Cajun Contractors 15635 Airline Hwy. MACHINISTS & Baton Rouge, La., Contact: 225-296-0080 LABORERS Contact: 225-291-4094 Baton Rouge, La. Quick Internet Contact: 225-753-5857 Computer Destinations 2320 S. Range Ave. Fabricated Steel Pro 9848 Perkins Rd. Denham Springs, La., 70726 Excel Group 2487 N. Flannery Rd. Baton Rouge, La., 70816 Contact: 225-664-3695 17747 Airline Hwy. Baton Rouge, La. 225-767-4008 Prairieville, La. Contact: Carl Wyre Contact: 225-677-8700 225-272-8990 Computer Exchange 10224 Florida Blvd. Straight Low Magazine Harmony Gulf Liquids Baton Rouge, La. 80815 Now available online. 8687 United Plaza Geismer, La. Contact: Jim Caston The world’s first prison Baton Rouge, La. Contact: Francis Angermeier 225-274-1400 magazine on the Net. Contact: 225-922-5050 225-644-4951

71 slm –Volume 10 – Number 2 – 2009

Stupp Corporation Coastal Corrosion Offshore Island Operating Co. Straight Low Magazine 12555 Ronaldson Rd. 465 Flannery Rd. 1008 Zachary Dr. Baton Rouge, La. Baton Rouge, La., 70814 Scott, La. Your source for Contact: Doris Seale Contact: David Juncker Contact: Nicky Prison News, Views 225-778-2065 225-274-0470 337-233-9594 Sports, Law, Clubs, and Reentry Information. 7280 Crown Oilfield Service LaBorde Marine Now available on the 497 Hwy 182 1601 Hwy. 182 E MECHANICAL & World Wide Web. ELECTRICAL Buena Vista, La., 70392 Morgan City, La., Contact: Wayne Bernard Contact: Personnel Div. The world’s first prison 985-395-9335 985-399-9066 magazine on the Net. Frazier Recruiting Consultants 2332 Eastgate Suite E Danos & Curole Nabors Offshore Baton Rouge, La. 1602 W. Pinhook 3640 Peters Rd. Bailey’s Offshore Contact: Susan Hoffpauir Lafayette, La. 70508 Harvey, La., 70363 5520 Johnston 225-295-1188 Contact: Personnel Div. Contact: Personnel Div. Lafayette, La. 337-235-2767 Apply in person Contact: Charles Wilson 7290 504-362-8033 337-988-1865 RETAIL SALES Delmar Systems Offshore 8114 W. Hwy 90 Oceaneering International Coastal Services Lowe’s Broussard, La., 70518-8215 4212 Belleview Front St. 409 Lee Ave. Suite 6 9460 Cortana Pl. Contact: Personnel Div. Berwick, La. Lafayette, La. Baton Rouge, La. 888-365-9335 Contact: Kurt Veillon Contact: Personnel Div. Contact: 225-928-7200 800-889-1139 337-291-1791 Diversified Well Logging 711 Tenth St. Omega Natchiq Inc. Delta Catering 7300 Reserve, La., 70084 101 Irishbend Rd. 5749 Susitna Dr. LOUISIANA OFFSHORE Contact: Reuben Klibert New Iberia, La. Harahan, La. DECKHANDS, RIGGERS, 800-280-2096 Contact: Todd LeBlanc Contact: Personnel Div. ROUSTABOUTS, 985-536-4143 337-365-6028 800-375-8189 PAINTERS, BLASTERS, 337-266-9779 Edison Chouest EQUIP. OPERATORS Fireboss 7905 Hwy 90 West Performance Energy 16201 E. Main St. New Iberia, La., 70560 122 Industrial Blvd. Galliano, La. Acadian Contractors Contact: Mike or Blaine Houma, La., 70363 Contact: Personnel Div. 17102 W. Louisiana 337-367-6655 Contact: Personnel Div. 985-632-7144 Abbeville, La. 70510 985-868-4895 Energy Catering Contact: Robert Nugier Fire & Safety Specialists 204 Venture Blvd. 337-893-6397 320 W. Broussard Rd. Phillips Service Inc. Lafayette, La., 70506 543 Renaud Rd. Houma, La. Alford Services Contact: Personnel Div. Lafayette, La., 70507 Contact: Ron Gautreaux 207 Clendenning Rd. 337-993-9377 Contact: Don 985-879-3328 Houma, La., 70363 985-475-7770 985-868-8732 Contact: Personnel Div. Flow Petroleum Service Ensco 985-868-1860 209 Marcon Dr. PMI Environmental Lafayette, La., 70507 181 Anselmi Lane 620 Moulin Rd. Bordelon Marine Contact: Personnel Div. Contact: Troy Hux Broussard, La. 1601 Hwy 182 E. 337-593-9987 877-396-3084 Contact: Sean Sullivan Morgan City, La., 70380 800-322-8217 Contact: Donna in Personnel Div. GIS: Grand Isle Shipyard Preferred Electric 337-837-8540 985-399-9066 18838 Hwy 3235 4712 Hwy 182 East Galliano, La., 70354 New Iberia, La. Eurest Broussard Brothers Contact: John Smith Contact: Marvin 200 W. Congress 25817 LA Hwy 333 985-475-5238 337-365-5516 Lafayette, La. Abbeville, La., 70510 Contact: Personnel Div. Contact: Scott Greystar Premier Ind 877-387-3781 337-893-5303 2020 W. Pinhook 3450 Peters Rd. Suite 506 Harvey, La., 70363 Ocean Chef Catering C&C Technologies Lafayette, La. Contact: Mike Stevens 9203 Suite B, hwy 23 730 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd. Contact: Human Resources 504-362-5440 Belle Chase, La. Lafayette, La., 70508 337-354-1001 Contact: fax 504-391-0809 Contact: Human Resources Tetra Applied Tech Ocean Runner www.cctechnol.com Gulf Coast Marine Fabricators 309 Dixon Rd. Port of Vermillion Houma, La. 3639 Ambassador Cal Dive Abbeville, La. Contact: Jim Thatcher Caffre Pkwy 1902 Diver Dr. Contact: Personnel Div. 985-851-0331 Contact: Personnel Div. New Iberia, La., 70560 337-893-1799 337-406-0779 Contact: Personnel Div. Trussco Pride Offshore 337-374-0001 Houma Industries 11333 Veterans Memorial Hwy 1725 Destrehan Ave. Abbeville, La. 410 S. Van Ave. C-Port Harvey, La. 70363 Contact: Personnel Houma, La. 70363 106 9th St. Lot 1 Contact: Apply in person 337-893-5392 Contact: Personnel Div. Golden Meadow, La., 70357 504-347-4585 985-872-4700 Contact: Personnel Div. Wood Group Wireline Sonoco 985-396-1212 Hydraulic Well Control 201 Commercial Blvd. 116 Venture Blvd. Broussard, La., 70518 450 W. Main St. CETCO Houma, La., 70363 Contact: Apply in person only Houma, La. 309 W. 2nd St. Contact: Lightning 337-837-9780 Contact: Personnel Div. Broussard, La., 70518 985-851-2402 800-458-7012 Contact: Personnel Div. Trinity Catering 337-839-9944 International Snubbing Services 7301 190 Industries Lane LOUISIANA OFFSHORE 219 Corporate Dr. Chet Morrison Arnaudville, La. COOKS & GALLEYHANDS Houma, La. #9 Bayou Delarge Contact: Tony Petros Contact: Personnel Div. Houma, La., 70363 337-754-7233 985-872-5355 Contact: Personnel Div. Art Catering Universal Sodexho 985-868-1950 Hydrochem Indust. Services 132 Jarrell Dr. 5749 Susitna 15578 Airline Hwy. Belle Chase, La. Prairieville, La. Harahan, La. Contact: Personnel Div. Contact: Personnel Div. Contact: Personnel Div. 800-969-1252 225-925-2471 800-535-1946 72 Puzzles

1 234 5 6 7 8910 ACROSS 1 Health club 1 Cleans the deck 2 Victory 6 Koran topic 3 English writer of the 11 12 11 California grape ‘50s 12 Mubarak’s capital 4 Machetes 13 14 13 Scheme 5 Watch part 14 Computer key 6 Deck topper 15 16 17 15 Capital of Italia 7 State capital since 17 Baseball’s Musial 1847 18 19 20 21 18 Settles the bill 8 Car’s previous owner, 20 Silvers of the perhaps screen 9 Scope 22 23 24 25 22 Tarzan player 10 Saddle part 23 Most nasty 16 Greystoke extra 26 27 28 26 Ham it up 18 Banana cover 28 Intense suffering 19 ____ mater 29 30 31 29 Honor 21 Lukas of Witness 31 Track trip 23 Track competition 32 33 32 Evening, in ads 24 Unexpected problem 33 Zest 25 Use a keyboard 34 Marshes 27 Cut in three 34 35 36 37 36 Target 30 Journey part 38 Playwright Rice 33 Bother 38 39 40 41 42 40 To any extent 34 Ernie’s pal 43 Attain 35 Bread spread 43 44 44 Circle spokes 37 Rowing needs

45 Scout leader? 39 Letter after pi 45 46 46 Manner 41 Like Abner DOWN 42 Prevaricate Solution next page. 

WORD SEARCH AWARD PATH BACKGAMMON PAWN BLOCK PIECES Around the Bend CHESS PLACE When some words reach the edge, they will continue on the opposite side COLORS POINTS of the diagram. SYMBOL has been circled as an example. COMBINATION PROBABILITY COMPETE RANDOM AC KMC L MWA R I J U L OO YWR K E C U CONTESTANT RANK DICE ROLL BOAOY IUCDIKTAIVNDNATCEJ DIRECTION ROUND OBRHPSEVOORGRN I RENMYEUD FACEUP RULES REDARTLOSERAEENQKSAESPZ GAIN SCORE PONENTSROLOCVSGSELURQOP GROOVE SIDEWAYS HOME SQUARE SE TNOCGPASS S LML J VNWTNAT JUMP STICKS YNGZDSNAXSTTTABUCOMPETE LANDING STONES TAEHNK I TETURNNOMMAGKCAB LINES STRATEGY LOSER SYMBOL I DEKUCHHEC I DAS I PNO I TCER MARKER TILE LNRSO I COMB I NAT I ONZRRSON MATCHING TOKENS I OQORTT I ENPWSUEDPPEAPFL MOVING TRADE OBJECT TURN BHBELSANGLATQTMGEAKNI AU OPPONENT VARIANT PASS

slm - 73 Mail Call by PPby A inmateinmateA Dear Jan Joseph: The InSide by PPby A inmateinmateA Matt Matteo As usual, an outstanding issue. I’m Recently, I went up for my third parole Matt Matteo amazed at the graphic and production hearing, and the regional parole of ficer quality of SLM. If it wasn’t for the topic used the Kairos article as a club to beat matter, no one would guess it’s a prison me up with (SLM, vol. 10, no. 1, Truly rag, much less one whose editorial staf f “God’s Special Time”). She said she all wear numbers on their chest. I am also didn’t like it, because it was too self- envious of all the programming and centered and I didn’ t mention anything prisoner organizations that function at about victims. As a writer, how does one Dixon. This place is nothing but a respond to that? After thirty years in the warehouse. There’s not even a GED system, it still doesn’t fail to amaze how program. far down the rabbit hole Alice has fallen Regarding my article in the last issue, into the Wonderland of the prison- “Why Should We Care?” I have sent industrial complex. My next mailings are copies to Charlie Sullivan, executive to Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., and the White director of CURE-International; Dr. Steve House. Staurer, executive director of the Thanks again for publishing all of my Correctional Education Association; and other submissions. I have lost count of Benjamin Jaalous, president of the how many I have forwarded. NAACP urging them to utilize the -Jon Marc Taylor, PhD, materials in the best interest of the cause. Missouri prisoner LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PRISON REGULATIONS REQUIRE THAT ALL INCOMING MAIL CARRY ANANY INMAINMAINMATE’S HOUSING ASSIGNMENT. MAIL NOT POSSESSING AN INMATE’STE’STE’S NAME, NUMBER, HOUSING ASSIGNMENT WILL BE RETURNED TO SENDER BY DCI MAIL ROOM PERSONNEL. PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: STRAIGHT LOW MAGAZINE EDITOR INMATE JAN JOSEPH PORRETTO #98965 DIXON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE UNIT ONE, DORM I P.O. BOX 788 JACKSON, LOUISIANA 70748-0788 SUDOKUSUDOKUSUDOKU Solution to Crossword 762983 469 895 7 143 384 21 5 68 95 24 3 591

74 – slm Vol. 10 No 2–2009

DCI MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS CONTINUOUSLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE TWELVE WEEK ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASS CONDUCTED YEAR ROUND. OFFENDERS WHO WISH TO LEARN TO CONTROL THEIR HOSTILITY AND ANGER— AND TOLERATE IT FROM OTHERS, CAN WRITE THE MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

slm - 75 slm Straight Low Six issue Subscription subscription rates Dixon Correctional Institute $20 check, or money P.O. Box 788 order to: Jackson, Louisiana 70748