Persevering Prison Pages

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:46:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:36:00 +0000

Update On Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 03:06:00 +0000

March 8th, 2013

I have been having a great time readjusting back into society and breaking all those prison habits/quirks that unknowingly latched onto me (Such as not using a persons name when conversing with them). I am doing all that is expected of me by my parole officer (who has turned out to be a decent person), and am getting my personal life situated nicely with the help of my best friend Tony(and his great family), my girlfriend, my friend (and very active activist) Peggy Plews and a few other friends and family.

Part of my parole includes completing a course called "New Directions Offender Responsibility Lifeskills Course, by the American Community Corrections Institute. A home study course. A breeze for me to complete, however, it is obviously a simple sham course to bilk the parolee of $85.00 (to be sent in with the completed workbook). The course has some information that makes you think, but for the most part it seems to be poorly put together and not well thought out. In my eyes, it is just another greedy correctional predatory corporation prospering on the backs of the impoverished excon and his family. I will simply pay the fee, pass the course and move on in my adventure.

I may provide readers with all of my answers to the courses questions in a few weeks (i'd hate to fail it because I posted them prematurely). I haven't decided yet. I'd love to show everybody the $85.00 course's answers. I'd show the 60 page book, but that would likely be a copyright infringement. Wouldn't want that!

Shocking Noises

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:59:00 +0000

February 8, 2013

After being out for more than two weeks, I am startled out of a dead sleep nearly every morning to the sound of roosters crowing. You'd think that after a decade of the clinking of keys, slamming of doors and the tap of boots on the cold concrete floors every hour 24/7, I would be able to sleep through anything. Strangely though, the sound of roosters as the sun rises startles me awake. Foreign sounds I suppose will take some getting use to.

Comically, there are around three roosters who are just as confused as me early in the morning, because they start up about an hour before all the others. Way before sunrise. Either they are old and confused, or maybe they are just resisting their own societal norms. lol

Freedom!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 00:25:00 +0000

February 2nd, 2013

It has been 15 days since my release. I think it's been long enough now for me to safely begin politely blogging again.;) Where should I start? Hmmm Why not start at my release day...

January 18th: After being told that ADOC is required to transport me to my parole officer's office due to my being maximum custody and supervision level, I was driven to Northern Arizona and dropped off at his office. I arrived there at around 3:30pm. The transport officers gave me various paperwork, including an affidavit of identification (Lewis Complex's ID machine was down) and quickly departed. After a brief sit down with my PO (A very cordial and straight-forward guy), I was leaving the office for the 1 hour ride home when I noticed an error on my ID affidavit. Then another. And another! Returning to my PO, I showed him the error and took the document and said he'd take care of it and contact me. -This is the only document I had to obtain a real state ID, but it was useless to me. It had the wrong first name (Carlos), wrong Date of Birth, wrong Social Security Number and even wrong middle name! It did have my ADC#, height, weight, and last name, and MY PHOTO! Just wanting to get the hell out of dodge, I agreed to let my PO handle it and left.

After about 10 days with no ID, unable to do something as simple as get a mail box, I began to get restless and was able to get my state ID on my own. Then Satellite TV and internet. LOL

Comically, my PO informed me that my supervision level is only Medium and it was a mistake on ADOC's part that I was transported, rather than my having to pay the $800 cab fare I had previously been planning. Ooops :)

Since my release, I have went fishing every day, camping once (Huge mistake!) A water bottle froze over night INSIDE THE TENT) and have been living and enjoying life, as well as acting on future business plans. I even went to my first casino and left with an extra $40! And ate crab legs!

I am loving life and am getting in gear and rolling forward. Watch out now, I'm on a mission and all those who doubted my sincerity inside prison can watch me move forward and those who tried and try to get in my way now should just give up. I've got this! Thank you everybody who encouraged and stood by me and PPP over the years. You guys deserve your own credit for all this. You truly made a huge difference in this EX-prisoners life. Thank you.

Shannon (No longer in prison but still persevering)

Final Confined Entry!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:41:00 +0000

December 10th, 2012

As prison life and my fellow orangemen continue to swirl onward around me, in now what I call a chaotic ford, prison being the turbulent river, my remaining days seem to be significantly longer and pass by much slower. I am counting each day down now, 33 days and a wake up!

I have disconnected with everybody in orange and brown as much as humanly possible. I don't leave my cell for any reason, other than to shower and to use the phone. I speak to my cellmate, Jerry, a few times daily, usually about my plans in the free-world or to help him develop some of his own (he has 8 months left). I buy $40 in commissary a week for smokes, coffee, food etc. I am totally focussed on going home and staying out. Occasionally, I converse with a passerby, but generally I am outside of prison in my mind. I write and call my friends, family and my woman and am exclusively focussed now outside these walls.

My blogging will continue in 34 more days. I promise. Until then, feel free to read through old posts and discuss them. I will be responding to comments upon my release, so keep them coming! I'm happy, in love, feeling good and impatiently waiting to start anew.

Thank you all and see you on the other side!
Shannon

The Lesson Takeaway

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:42:00 +0000

October 16, 2012

After 123 months of confinement for a residential burglary, I am now less than 90 days until I'm released on Community Supervision. Many people ask me what I've learned from this and what I'm taking away from this decade-long sentence of imprisonment. Well, let me now attempt to provide the answer to this question.

First, and foremost, I've learned that I cannot do drugs. Ever again. I must be vigilant for any and all potential triggers which could lead me to relapse into using. There is no "just this once"! I've recognized and made mental notes of these triggers. I have relapsed, despite such great strides forward in my life and so much waiting for me in society, so vigilance is a must. In addition, I must surround myself with only friends & family who are clean and who provide support, rather than stress me with negativity. Which I've managed to arrange for in my woman, my sister, my best friend Tony, as well as a few long-range positive friends like Shaun, Sue O. and of course I can't forget my tiny Brit friend Louise, who has been there for me for nearly 15 years now. Yeah, I've got anti-drug use friends world-wide who I can count on. Also, I have and will continue to cut ties with active drug users.

Over the years, I've lived around all types of criminals. Brutally dangerous murderers, sick & depraved sex offenders, desperate drug-addicted thieves, and so many others. I will try to remain in somewhat quiet, peaceful social circles. Obviously, I won't run background checks on potential new friends, but I've learned to choose my friends carefully and am a fairly good judge of character.

I've also focussed numerous years on my writing & art skills, as well as educating myself through tons of books and college courses I paid for. These skills and knowledge I will apply upon my release. Skills and knowledge I enjoy using, which I'm convinced will bring me joy and success.

I've been able to learn so much in the past 10 years and I'm taking it all with me in January. A home, a great woman who loves me, family, friends and a mind set to be clean, happy, free and successful. I'm taking with me everything I want and need on my release day.

Prisoner Re Entry Program

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:19:00 +0000

October 15, 2012

I am finally in the final program ADOC requires most prisoners to take. A pre-release program known as Prisoner Re Entry Program. It's an educational program to assist us transitioning back into society smoothly. Generally, it's a course that lasts 8 to 12 months, but staffing & time contraints have shortened it. Basically, it assists me with learning to write resumes, developing life skills, budget planning, job seeking, furthering education, employment strategies, mock interviews, parenting skills, health care services and other resources.

"A person, who sits in a cell, waits, hopes and remains completely dependant on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is truly mislead. Two people look out the same prison bars; one sees mud and the other stars". Author Unknown.

The thing coming with me

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:31:00 +0000

What do you think is the most positive thing you can take with you when you are released?

The most positive thing I'm taking with me is something that many of my good friends have told me for years, pounding it into my head. Don't let the mistakes you make hold you back or stop you from moving forward in your pursuit of success.

My good friends Shaun, Sue O. and Weird Al all told me this. Louise K, a friend I've had through good times and bad for nearly 14 years, has told me this for years. My best friend, Tony, who I've let down and allowed to suffer since his release, has told me this since the first time we hung out on the yard listening to our walkmans, oblivious to all that was going on around us.

I still struggle with this, but have been moving forward. I have learned from my mistakes and moved on. I've been moving towards success and a new start in society. My past is just that... past!

The most important and positive thing I'm taking with me? The ability to forgive myself and not dwell on mistakes I've made.

What I get from Persevering Prison Pages

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Your blog has been in operation for quite some time. What do you get out of this?

Initially, I began PPP to simply tell my story. My life. I wanted to be heard, understood and to be seen as a person, rather than simply another prisoner. Just another addict. A lost cause. I enjoy writing and discovered that I am fairly good at it.

Shortly after PPP began, a good friend of mine, Shaun Attwood, said to be "Shannon, you are a natural at this. Find and refine your own writing style and write what you know. What you're passionate about." This conversation inspired me to allow PPP to morph into what it is today.

I enjoy knowing that I'm making a difference in and outside prison. How do I know this, you ask? I know that my blog readers are there. Students in England. Teens in Scotland. Russia, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Canada and even China. People all over the world take the time to read PPP. If just one reader benefits from reading what I write, I'm happy.

I'm also pleased that my blogging has "forced" changes within ADOC, as well as opened the eyes and minds of some ADOC staff. You see, news reporters, lawyers, civil rights advocated and many other influential people read PPP. Sure, numerous entries on PPP have caused some serious "ruffled feathers" but I expected as much. I'm dealing with it.

I enjoy readers' comments. People's opinions. Everybody's views. Even those who disagree with me. Ultimately, I get to converse with the world. A progressive way for me to pass the time and do something with my life.

I do not ask for, or accept, any financial or material donations. Despite offers, not once have I received anything of the sort. It's about communication and change.

Adjusting to doing time

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:57:00 +0000

How do inmates adjust to such long sentences? Particularily life imprisonment?

For those doing time who can still see a release in their future, they begin their sentence spending time developing a daily routine. Legal work on their post conviction remedies, working out, television shows, reading, writing, church, education / spiritual studies, any available programs for bettering themselves and their future. They then try to narrow down their routine to what occupies the most time and what they enjoy the most. Often drugs, for addicts, screws up their routine, or in some cases consumes it entirely. For me, this was my adjustment, and yes drugs did screw up my routine briefly, but now I'm clean.

Lifers are a bit different, but not much. They adjust similar, but at some point they accept that this is their entire life. One thing I did notice is lifers resist changes in policies and usually try to incite non-lifers to assimilate to their beliefs.

Smoking in Prison

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:51:00 +0000

Where can inmates smoke in prison and, since their healthcare costs end up in the public's hands, do I think that inamtes should be allowed to smoke?

First, Arizona inmates' healthcare costs do not "end up in the public's hands" exclusively. Contrary to popular beliefs. Inmates in Arizona have been paying taxes for years, and a medical co-payment every visit to medical we ask for. Every Arizona inmate pays a sales tax on every commissary purchase. Some of us in prison even pay annual taxes. We Arizona inmates do not get the legal benefits of being tax-payers, but we pay nonetheless.

As a smoker, I am not allowed, by law, to smoke inside any state building. We are allowed to smoke outdoors. Most inmates have consistently broken this law inside their cells and even staff break this law daily.

Sure smoking should be banned in Arizona prisons. Will it? No. It's not healthy, but ADOC makes a fortune on tobacco sales kickbacks from the commissary.

Inmates on the Death Penalty

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:43:00 +0000

What are inmates' views on the death penalty? Do they think it's cruel & unusual or generally agree that the worst of the worst deserve it?

Just like in society, some support it - others oppose it. Personally, I oppose it. I believe that 1.) Life in prison is far better a "just" punishment for the heinous crimes AND 2.) Capital Punishment is final...even for those discovered to be not guilty after execution. You cannot reverse the sentence once you've executed someone. Arguably, one innocent person put to death as legal capital punishment, renders everybody involved in the sentence itself guilty of taking the life of an innocent person. Far too many people have been executed and then found to be not guilty. Can anybody honestly say no innocent people have been convicted of a crime they didn't commit?

For those of you who argue "What if it was your loved-one murdered?" I'd definitely want the murderer to pay the highest price possible, but I wouldn't want to possibly see an innocent person executed. Plus, life in prison is far worse a punishment. I know what it's like in prison. Why do you think so many inmates with lesser sentences commit suicide?

Family & Friends Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:33:00 +0000

How difficult is it for inmates to sustain relationships with families & friends while incarcerated?

I believe it is extremely difficult, but not impossible. I also believe the top two things have driven wedges between inmates & those who care about them in society are: Money & Lack of Understanding.

Money: The economy today in society is horrible. Inmates' families & friends are either unemployed and broke, or employed and struggle to pay bills and support their families outside prison. Few have extra money to send their loved-ones in prison, or to purchase stamps even to write. Not that they have time to write. Additionally, legislators and ADOC have imposed more expenses on inmates & their family & friends. 1% deduction on ALL deposits on inmate accounts. $20 processing fee for applying to be an approved visitor. Inmates on community supervision must pay for their U.A testing costs monthly. Yes, money is a huge wedge! Despite all of these extra costs, fees, taxes, etc., tax-payers still pay the same, and even more taxes for Corrections in Arizona. If ADOC's & law-makers' claims that the inmate population is decreasing, why is ADOC budget / funding increasing?

Lack of Understanding: Many, if not most, families & friends do not understand how things inside prison truly are. They don't understand ADOC's official policies, practices, procedures, regulations and rules or the unofficial ones. They don't understand the inmates' own rules either. An example: The ADOC disciplinary process is completely unreliable for inmates' families & friends to figure out how their loved-one is doing. Any ADOC employee can write any ADOC inmate a disciplinary report. That employee only needs to write a brief statement of the crime. "On this date, at this time, I saw inmate so-and-so with a pound of this drug." The inmate is then found guilty of possession of drugs by the Disciplinary Hearing Officer, based solely on "because it's more probable than not" that he did the crime, relying on the employee's word only. People in society think we are judged guilty by "some evidence" but we're not. This is bad for inmates whose families & friends simply say "he's back to his old ways". Some inmates, even me at times, simply cut ties with family & friends who are like this. It just seems less stressful. Plus, nobody likes to be called a liar.

I've kept a close circle of friends and a couple of family members. My woman, my friends Shaun, Sue (need to write, I'm sorry!) and my long-time friend Louise, as well as my big sister all know me and how I'm doing. Plus, I have a few new friends. I am lucky. Many prisoners are not so lucky.

Maybe some of you can add your comments to this.

Inmate to Guard Ratio

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:57:00 +0000

What is the ratio of inmates to guards in Arizona prisons?

The ratio differs from unit to unit, custody level to custody level, shift to shift and even day to day. The units I've been on here at the Lewis Complex, I estimate, based on what I've seen personally the following:

Sunrise Unit (Minimum): 100 inmates / 2-3 guards.
Eagle Point Unit (Minimum): 250 inmates / 4-6 guards.
Barchey Unit (Medium): 1,100 inmates / 18-20 guards.
Buckley Unit (Close): 800 inmates / 18-20 guards.
Rast Unit (Close & Maximum): 400 inmates / 20-25 guards.

These numbers may vary and what I observed when I was on each of these units. I've estimated / rounded upwards these numbers too and am not privy to the precise numbers. However, I can assure you that my math is closer to the truth than what ADOC would like the public to think.

In a prison system with an alarming increase in violence, suicidal inmates, drug-use & overdoses, lack of rehabilitative programs and inactivity, not to mention mental illness among inmates, this inmate to guard ratio is dangerous to inmates & guards alike and a threat to the security of the prisons and safety of the public. Not to mention is digressing the rehabilitation chances provided to inmates in Arizona prisons. More and more ADOC is falling backwards into "warehousing corrections" practices.

Prisoners' Justice Day

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:40:00 +0000

August 10th, 2012

Today is Prisoners' Justice Day. A day for remembering prisoners' untimely deaths and for organizations and individuals to stand united in protest of inhumane conditions of imprisonment, promoting human rights for all prisoners.

People celebrate in many different ways. Peaceful demonstrations, vigils and worship services or a day of fasting, random acts of kindness and social/racial division defiance.

Although I pride myself on accepting, respecting and befriending people based on character, rather than race, color, creed or sexual orientation, I do feel the need to contribute on this day. Nor am I prone to violence or any number of things that typically aid the prison system in oppressing, degrading and thriving off of our spilled blood. Today I would like to share a brief story with you...

In late March of this year, I was transferred to a detention unit for a week waiting for a bed on my current unit. At 2am, on my second day in detention, a youngster was put in the same cell as me. He was small, timid and appeared to be terrified just being in the cell with me. I immediately sensed his fear and knew something had happened to this kid. Something bad.

Only provided a thin sheet, a roll of toilet paper and a thin ratty matress, Jay had no possessions visable. Laying out his mat on the floor next to the door, rather than on the upper-bunk, he lay down covering with the sheet. I fell back asleep sensing he was watching me in the dark. Hours later, I awoke to breakfast trays being pushed in through the doors tray-slot. Jay sat up, accepted the trays and handed me one. "Thanks. My name is Shannon" I told him. "I'm Jay", he answered. We talked for awhile and he told me about himself and after some coaxing about what happened to him.

New to prison, Jay was placed on a medium security prison after being sentenced to six years for burglary. A yard on Lewis Complex. He was only there for a matter of twenty minutes before rumors began circulating that he was gay and was approached by multiple prisoners. Some of them were predatory and Jay began his prison experience in fear and on the run. He checked in. Requested Protective Segregation. The guards placed him in the yards detention unit, and wrote him a disciplinary for "Refusing to house". A ticket many receive who seek P.S. and do not get it. A ticket that not only brings being housed in a detention unit, with no personal property (not even a book), no commissary privileges and horrible treatment. That is until you agree to house where ADOC says. No matter what has happened to you, what threats exist for you or who is also housed there. You will house, or be disciplined and disciplined until you house.

Jay was placed in a detention cell with another prisoner under "Refusing to house" status. He thought the threat was over and even conversed with his cellmate about what had happened and even went one step further admitting he was in fact gay.

Jay was forced to have sex with that cellmate. In his sleep, Jay was violently raped by his cellmate.

Jay was able to report it during a medical visit and was seen by professionals at an Arizona Hospital. A rape kit was done on him, various pamphlets were given to him and he was prescribed medication to possibly help rid him of anything his rapist might have had. He was then placed in the cell with me at a different detention unit on Lewis Complex. Still under "Refusing to house" status.

Jay was celled with me until I moved to Rast Unit. He and I talked about what happened to him and his future (in & outside of prison). Despite what had happened to him, in the few days we were celled together, Jay did not receive the medications until 2 days after his arrival, was not counseled by a psychologist / psychiatrist of any sort (other than a passing medical staff checking on the dozens of suicidal prisoners housed in detention) and saw no investigators about the crime that was committed against him. I did my best to comfort, counsel and help Jay, but he needs and deserves much more. He should be treated like a victim of a violent crime He is one! I believe I gave him somebody who'll listen, good advice, assurances that he didn't do anything wrong or cause this sicko to do this and I schooled him on some do's & dont's in prison. I also shared everything I had with him and showed him that good people do exist in here. Personally, I was shocked and sickened how ADOC staff could, and tried to, make somebody who had just been brutally raped in a detention cell, sit in another detention cell without any personal property. Nothing but horrible memories and scrambled emotions. I'm so glad I was able to provide him with reading material, paper, pen & envelopes and anything else I could think of to keep his mind occupied.

On this Prisoners' Justice Day, and any other day we can, I hope that everybody in and outside prison will do what they can. Mail a card / letter to a prisoner. Hold a peaceful protest. A vigil. A prayer. Donate to a prisoner rights / human rights organisation. Give a fellow prisoner a gift. A compliment. A hug. A handshake. Correspond with your local legislators about improving the prison system. Help someone you know with a loved-one in prison. Anything you do in celebration of Prisoners' Justice Day would be better than doing nothing at all. Doing nothing is part of the problem within the prisons.

I'd also like to thank and acknowledge the follwoing people for what they do for prisoners. I think everybody should check out the websites and contact them with praise and thanks.

* Peggy Plews, Arizona Prison Watch:
www.arizonaprisonwatch.blogspot.com
prisonabolitionist@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/events/266379043476365

*Donna & James Hamm, Middleground Prison Reform:
donnaleonehamm@yahoo.com/middleground
prisonreform@msn.com

*Shaun Attwood, Jon's Jail Journal:
www.jonsjailournal.blogspot.com
writeinside@hotmail.com

*American Friends Service Committee:
www.americanfriendsservicecommittee.org

*Prison Legal News:
www.prisonlegalnews.org
info@prisonlegalnews.org

* www.exoffenderreentry.com

* www.prisonjustice.ca

* www.lostvault.com

* www.writeaprisoner.com

* www.prisontalkonline.com

Dark Night: Heros Rise

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:28:00 +0000

July 22nd, 2012

12 dead and 58 wounded! Men, women and children senselessly slaughtered and injured! An assault rifle, shotgun, large caliber handguns, 1,000's of rounds of ammunition, tear gas, booby traps, trip-wires, explosives, I.E.D's, ballistic helmet & body armour and a gas mask! Innocent people in Aurora Colorado became victims of a madman on July 19th, 2012.

During the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises, a young man armed and dressed for combat, attacked unsuspecting movie goers in a dark crowded theatre, after setting a trap at his apartment. (Apparently, to kill first responders and neighbors.)

Alex J. Boik (18), John Blunk (26), Jesse Childress (29), Gordon Cowden (51), Jessica Ghawi (24), John Larimer (27), Matthew Mc Quinn (27), Micayla Medek (23), Alex Sullivan (27), Veronica Moser-Sullivan (6), Alex Teves (24) and Rebecca Wingo (32). All victims who died. My condolences to all friends and families of these human beings who lost their lives.

Many of these victims and the survivors of this horrible assault were protecting others when they were killed and / or wounded. Story after story of truly heroic actions of those in Theatre 9 are being told. Men and women, boys and girls, young and old... all heroic. Absolutely amazing stories of bravery, selflessness and humanity reflected by action.

I want to give all of the victims, their families and friends some advice. Don't let this person's actions kill any victims, a slow or postponed death, down the road! Get counseling! Don't turn to drugs or let the fear and pain fester inside! There's no shame in asking for help, and it's not weakness to be affected by this horrible ordeal. Talk to somebody! Prisons are full of former victims of violent crimes.

Readers' Comment Feedback

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:42:00 +0000

July 14th, 2012

In keeping with my committment to provide an open dialogue with readers, I'll post my feedback to readers' comments.

Muzuzuzus - Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad that you joined the PPP readership. As for your interests in age-old methods of healing long-ago (and some still used) used by indigenous peoples, I think that if properly used, and not abused, as well as respected and utilized to heal rather than to gain financial wealth, these methods would hugely benefit our committments and make society less dependant on unnatural chemicals, which are plaguing our planet. Having both abused both natural and unnatural medicines, I see only two differences between the two. Who prospers the most and who legalized / outlawed what. Think about it... who legally makes, sells and gains from Wellbutrin (antidepressant)? Who would grow, sell and gain from an all-natural plant that indigenous peoples have known about and used to treat the same condition? Who cares less about pollution and our planet's wilderness? Who has tried to protect and conserve the natural resources?

Shaun's Anonymous Fellow Countryman - In addition to humility and kindness possessed by humanity, in some places there's also the freedom to choose. If only more chose humility and kindness.

A.J. - Currently my release date is February 2013, despite ADC's assertion it's December 2012. I lost alot of good time the past year. Why? I'll wait until after February to discuss that. ADC records reflect many drug-related tickets. I'll only admit that an addict can only take so much exposure before... however, don't let ADC records fool you. Today, I'm clean. Wary of what I blog and what I state to local publications.

Big Jason - It's great to see you're still reading (since PPP's start basically). I'm so looking forward to being free! I'll certainly keep writing and putting my voice out there.

Jon - February 2013 begins another chapter in my life. The cuffs (gloves) come off and the real fun begins. (Like a high-profile madam's tell-all autobiography hitting the shelves! LOL)

Arizona Prison Discussion

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 20:00:00 +0000

June 24th, 2012

For the past year or so, I've seen many articles and stories in Arizona newspapers and broadcasts dealing with medical care, security, corruption, murders, suicides, drugs, escapes, violence & assaults on inmates / staff, drug over-doses and budget related issues inside Arizona's state prison system. What I haven't seen is the public's opinion, questions and answers.

Today I ask all Persevering Prison Pages' readers their concerns & opinions and offer to answer questions you might have regarding Arizona prisons and what you've been hearing. Your opinions, concerns and questions have been absent in these articles, despite nearly $2 Billion of your tax dollars being provided annually to Arizona prisons, and your lives being affected by this in one way or another.

Let your voices be heard.

Dead Is Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000

May 22nd, 2012

I awoke early in the morning to see guards standing around the prone body of a man. They just stood there as the man wearing only boxer shorts with "ADC" stencilled in orange on them lay motionless and appearing slightly bloated and pale. Not even the rise and fall of his chest.

Forty-five mintues later, I awoke again to see 3 paramedics each taking turns doing chest compressions on the down man, whose body hadn't been moved. I was shocked with how violent the compressions looked. The paramedics were clearly exhausted by their vigilant work. There was no doubt that they were intent on saving a life.

Hours later, awaking mid-morning, I was disgusted and upset - the man's body hadn't moved. Nor had he even been covered up. He was dead. His corpse left in the hallway alone. On display for around 160 prisoners on Barchy Unit. Not in an area we could tamper with (cover) the body and in unavoidable sight. The man lay there for hours until the coroner arrived, did her job and left with him in a body-bag.

He was a young man, with a woman and a child. Guards said he had over-dosed on drugs. Having been on Barchy Unit where drugs were a huge problem, I don't doubt his cause of death. Just as I also don't doubt another young man's O.D. death on Buckley Unit in March.

Seeing guys I know laying dead of their own addiction reminds me that that's not who I want to be, where I want to be or how I want to die. It also depresses me that they're gone and the way they were treated.

To all addicts: we can choose not to die alone, locked up, scared and hurting.

Maricopa County Political Showdown

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:21:00 +0000

December 23rd, 2011

I understand the need for law and order in a civilized society. Law-breakers must be punished and repay their debts for their infractions against neighbors. Certainly a just punishment and arguably a deterrent to crime.

As a convicted burglar going 11 1/4 years in prison, I am well aware of my mistakes, the price and costs of my law breaking and the affect my actions had on others. Family, friends, victims, taxpayers, etc.

For many years now, I've witnessed a double standard in law-breaking in Arizona. A standard of the general public violators and those entrusted to positions of power by sworn oaths. County Attorney and Sheriff, their deputies and even legislators have all had their fair share of legally questionable conduct repeatedly brought to light. Sadly, despite irrefutable law breaking (violations of constitutionally protected rights of inmates, Latinos and criminal defendants is breaking the law), as well as abuses of the powers of their offices, these individuals and their supporters force their double standards onto the rest of us under the guise of opposing politics.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, his former top deputies, MCSO's deputies & detention officers, former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and some of his deputies, and even certain former and current state legislators have broken laws or at least acted unethically and contrary to professional norms, i.e. outside their scope of duties. For years, it was only unsubstantiated accusations. Easily dismissed as the oppositions' smear campaign. However, it's not longer a case of unsubstantiated accusations by their opposition. There's been careful, lengthy investigations. Tons of documents reviewed. Scores of witnesses & victims interviewed. Lots of tax-dollars spent. America's Toughest Sheriff & his deputized followers, past & present, have to answer for their actions to the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights division. Just like Mr Thomas is answering to his profession's governing board. I suspect federal criminal indictments will be forthcoming too. Political supporters and allies have already claimed partisan politics and witch hunts. That's expected. Only facts will prevail in court, where LAW rules, NOT politics.

What message does it send to imprisoned lawbreakers, as well as impressionable children, when law-makers & enforcers are applauded for breaking state & federal laws against certain people, while prosecuting & punishing societies general public who break the law?

Private Prisons Profits

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:19:00 +0000

October 1, 2011

In Arizona, prison profiteers have embedded themselves within the capital and have been influencing our elected state officials. Influencing laws that go before lawmakers and whether they pass. Influence that contributes to the historic budget crisis significantly going on in Arizona.

Duly elected by Arizona voters to represent them, create & enact laws for them and govern, State legislators and the governor are in highly important and trusted public office positions. Additionally, the governor appoints/hires other to closely work in the official and political campaign offices.

Arizona Governor Janice Brewer's close ties to the private prison industry were revealed in an October 28, 2010 investigation by the National Public Radio (NPR), as well as Arizona State Senator, Senate President Russell Pearce and a number of other state lawmakers.

Gov. Brewer's staff of lobbyists and former lobbyists have been allowed to shape our laws and control decisions that affect the lives of countless Arizonians.

Brewer's staff of special interest lobbyists run the show, while Arizona and its citizens suffer the consequences. Schools, teachers, students, the sick, disturbed and dying. Everybody and everything most of us were taught to care for and protect has been suffering the most. Brewer's staff are just a few lobbying quietly behind the scenes with ties to private prisons:

Chuck Coughlin, Brewer's campaign manager: Registered Lobbyist, President of Highground Public Affairs Consultants (who has represented Corrections Corporation of America-CCA)

Doug Cole, Brewer's campaign spokesman: Registered Lobbyist for Highground

Paul Senseman, Brewer's communications director: Former Lobbyist for Private Prison

Eileen Klein, Brewer's chief of staff: Former Lobbyist

Mark Genrich, Brewer's deputy communications director: Registered Lobbyist

Richard Bark, Brewer's deputy chief of staff: Former Lobbyist

Kevin Kinsall, Brewer's policy advisor: Former Lobbyist

Revealed in the wake of 3 Arizona Dept. of Corrections prisoners' escape from a CCA facility in Kingman, AZ and brutal murder of an elderly couple, Arizona's use of private prisons was not cheaper, nor safer. Yet, the Governor, legislators and ADOC continue to pursue the use of private prisons in Arizona.

One of Arizona's most controversial pieces of legislation that ignited fiery protests felt around the world was quietly drafted and passed from behind the scenes with the help of an industry that stood to benefit from it: the private prison industry. Senate Bill 1070 was the legislation.

Requiring police to lock up anyone they stop who cannot show proof that they entered the country legally, private prisons potentially could receive hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, meaning hundreds of millions of dollars in profits to private prison companies. It's no surprise that the private prison industry was involved in the drafting of and passing of SB 1070.

Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce, the self proclaimed creator of SB 1070, said that it's not about prisons, but what's best for the country. It's hard for most of us to believe Sen. Pearce on this, but even if his intentions weren't about money, appeasing his silent constituents (Big Business) or his racism, he has failed to show how this legislation is what's best for us as a country, rather than harmful. Strangely, Sen. Pearce took his "idea" first to a hotel conference room, instead of the Arizona statehouse floor.

In December, inside the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC, there was a meeting of a secretive group called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). A membership organization of State legislators and powerful corporations and associations, there are numerous political players from Arizona that are members. Arizona State Senator, and Senate President Russell Pearce is just one. One of many. Tobacco giant Reynolds American Inc., Exxonmobil and the National Rifle Association are a few other members. Another member is the billion-dollar company, CCA. The largest private prison company in the country. ALEC member companies and organizations seem to have influence in the halls of the Arizona capital and legislative chambers. Or is it coincidence that they have seen laws adverse to them defeated and favorable passed?

"I did a presentation...went through the facts. I went through the impacts and they said, 'Yeah'." Pearse said about this presentation at the ALEC meeting of his immigration "idea". Sen. Pearce and CCA had been going to these meetings for years and both have seats on one of several ALEC boards.

According to CCA reports reviewed by NPR, during their investigations, executives believe immigrant detention is CCA's next big market. Expecting it to bring in a significant portion of their revenues from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

During the meeting, the group decided to turn Pearce's "idea" into a "model" legislative bill. Discussing and debating the appropriate language, they then voted on it. "There were no 'no' votes...never had one person speak up in objection to this model legislation." Pearce said.

About 4 months later, the model legislation became, almost verbatim, Arizona's immigration law. They named it the "Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act."

According to Michael Hough, ALEC's Staff director of the December meeting, "ALEC is the conservative, free-market oriented, limited government group," Mr. Hough was also running for State delegate in Maryland and said if elected he plans to support similar law to Arizona's SB 1070. When asked if private companies usually get to write model bills for the legislators, Mr. Hough responded, "Yeah, that's the way it's set up...businesses and lawmakers should be at the same table, together."

Arizona Sen. Pearce claimed he wasn't concerned that it could appear private prison companies have an opportunity to lobby for legislation at the ALEC meetings, and claims to go to meet with other legislators and not private prison companies. That may be so, but there are 200 private companies paying tens of thousands of dollars to meet with legislators, like Sen. Pearce, at these meetings.

When Pearce's bill hit the statehouse floor in January back in Phoenix, ALEC's influence was apparent too. Thirty six co-sponsors signed on. A number nearly unheard of in the capital. Revealed in NPR's investigations, two-thirds of them were also ALEC members or also attended the December meeting. The same week, CCA hired a powerful new lobbyist to work the AZ capital. CCA denied it has ever lobbied, nor had any outside consultants lobby on immigration law. CCA denies its lobbying on various issues relating to AZ laws, despite evidence indicating otherwise.

AZ politicians have received campaign donations from prison lobbyists and prison companies. 30 of the 36 co-sponsors of SB 1070 received donations over 6 months preceding the co-sponsoring. CCA, Management and Training Corp. and The Geo Group. SB 1070 hit the Governor's desk by April.

Gov. Brewer's own connections to private prison companies were already there. Brewer signed Senate Bill 1070, with the name Pearce, CCA and the others at the Hyatt gave it.

Within 60 days of Gov. Brewer signing SB 1070 into law, CCA and the Geo Group donated a combined $87,500 to the Republican Governor's Association (RGA). RGA has put significant resources into AZ to help elect Brewer.

Althoug SB 1070 continues to be challenged in courts, private prison companies are still capitalizing in Arizona. AZ lawmakerts authorized the ADOC to pay for 5,000 more private prison beds. Private prison companies submitted their bids on the contract from all over. The top three finalists for this contract worth millions of dollars? CCA, The Geo Group and Management and Training Corp. Yes, and if you find that disturbing, you'll find it even more disturbing to learn that even though 3 inmates escaped from a CA facility in Kingman AZ and murdered an elderly couple, as a result of security lapses, poor supervision and other failures by CCA staff, CCA was still a top finalist in the bid to get the contract. No company has been awarded the contract yet, but it's expected to be announced soon.

Sources: NPR; azdem.org ; Arizona Republic.

Counting Anxiously

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:40:00 +0000

September 27, 2011

In less than seven months, I will be a free man. The day is getting near when I'll walk out of these gates and sigh a sigh of relief that its over and I'm on my way home. Home, where I'll walk around barefoot on my carpet. No more concrete floors beneath cheap flip flops. Home, where I watch what I want to watch on my tv. Home, where I can eat anything I choose at any time. Home, where I can pick up my phone and talk to my friends and family at any reasonable hour. Home, where I can feed birds in My yard, rather than sweat in the barren recreation yard waiting 2 hours to get off of it and into dorm. Yeah, I'm getting anxious to go home and live my life.

That is unless I make it home and there's somebody special waiting for me. Because let's face the fact guys...if you've got a woman you love in your life, she runs the show and simply lets you think you're in charge. LOL. I'm totally cool with that though. To be honest, I need some supervision when I get out, while I re acclimate myself with freedom. Until I'm back in the groove of society, I'll just act like I know where I'm going, what I'm doing and that I'm in charge. Hopefully my sweetheart will take pity on me and try to keep me near. However, my sister, niece and best bud Tony and his family will need to truly teach us and keep us both near. I'm certain they'll all be just a call away and ready to help. Everybody keep in mind that I'll have been in prison for nearly 10 years, so no laughing at me getting lost, being unable to work certain electronics/phones/pcs/etc, or things like that and don't be surprised if my woman, Ms. L, and I need your help often. Ms. L is a lot like me and you all know me...I'll try to do it, then ask how if I can't figure it out. No worries though...It's 100% legal for me, including driver's license, insurance and every other little rule and regulation. I won't take my shortcuts that'll jeopardize my freedom or loosing my wonderful woman. Although she's a fan of my blog, she's even more a fan of me, so I must leave her only as Ms. L, until she chooses to introduce herself. Unfortunately for you readers, she loves her privacy and I love her, so you'll have to wait and see. (Shhh...in time I'll have her joining in with our communicating. She'll come to the dark side of the blog! LOL)

I'm not entirely sure what the plans are for my first couple of days out. I know for sure that immediately upon walking out the gates I want to see my big sis, the lovely Ms L and my best friend Tony. Who picks me up is still uncertain. No matter what, these three people I want to see the day I am released. I'd add my friend Sue to that list but she isn't from Arizona, but she did promise me a visit after I'm out and I promised her that I'd show her the beauty of Sedona and elsewhere in Arizona. I'm hoping that within a month or so after my release I'll have all of my closest friends here to visit.

Aside from that fact that I want to get on with my life and be a happy, successful and free man, I want to show all of my friends and family that I made it and with their support. I want that normalcy and everyday joe kind of life in rural America. With a wee bit of funky stuff and good times mixed in. You know...lava lamps in my new house will be a start and all of that nature, nearby creek and lakes to fish in and take relaxing walks. Yeah, I bought a house where some people retire to, but I'll be just starting out there.

Well, I'm counting down the days, and preparing. BTW, I submitted my release information packet last week. That's when it really hit me that I'm really going home soon.

L&R,
Shannon

Prison Reform & Inmate Rights

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:45:00 +0000

September 19, 2011

The names Donna Leone Hamm and James J. Hamm have become synonymous with prison reform and prisoner rights advocacy in Arizona. As executive director of Middle Ground Prison Reform, Mrs. Hamm has been on the frontlines of the battle for reform in Arizona's criminal Justice System and inmates rights for nearly a quarter of a century.

Middle Ground Prison Reform has in the past handled all sorts of issues related to prison and prisoners. Recently, Middle Ground has taken a stand against two new policies lawmakers approved earlier this year that was intended to generate money for prison building maintenance and repair.

Since July 2011, the ADOC has been charging a $25 background check fee for most adults applying to be able to visit an inmate in ADOC. In addition, ADOC has been collecting 1 percent of any deposit made to an inmates' prison account. The money, earmarked for the building maintenance & repair fund, is not being used to pay for the background checks or costs of running the inmate banking system. The fees amount to an unconstitutional tax levied on prisoners and family & friends of prisoners only. Because taxpayers already pay for the general maintenance & repair of all ADOC buildings, the $25 seems to be a double taxation to me for those loved ones in ADOC. In addition to these two sources, the new building maintenance and repair fund also receives money from other ADOC account reserved for other purposes, such as the Arts and Recreation Fund. I suspect that some of these ADOC funds that feed the new building maintenance & repair fund is not able to be appropriated by lawmakers. However, this new fund created is.

Middle Ground Prison Reform is helping to right these wrongs. I ask everybody with a loved one in ADOC to visit Middle Ground's website and explore. You can also download and print a copy of the lawsuit. It's on the homepage partway down in pdf format (21 pages),
www.middlegroundprisonreform.org.

Middle Ground can also be contacted at:
James and Donna Hamm
Middle Ground Prison Reform
139 East Encanto Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-8116
donnaleonehamm@yahoo.com
middlegroundprisonreform@msn.com

Squirrel!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon Clark) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:36:00 +0000

August 26, 2011

On 8/18/11, I was transferred to Barchey Unit. A medium security yard at Lewis complex. The reason behind the move was not given to me, but I'm certain that it was caused by CO IV Goins.

Goins is an African American guy whose pompousness and ignorance outshine his professionalism. Rumored to have sued this way to his current position within ADOC, Goins walks the yard spinning lies, instigating drama and deepening the dislike for him that prisoners and staff have. In addition to petty annoyances that could be attributed to his personality, Mr. Goins also had a few quite serious quirks. Two of which were his outspoken prejudice and brash attitude towards drug addicts. My own shortness with people like Goins contributed to my demise as a minimum security inmate on Eagle Point Unit.

Despite the fact that the Deputy Warden, two COIII's, COIV and Central Office authorizing me to stay a minimum security inmate on Eagle Point Unit, it's apparent that Goins has used the "Morphine Incident" to harass me, make accusations against me of illegal activities, and get me moved off of the unit.

Some may ask why he would single me out. There are multiple reasons, but to be honest I don't know his true reasons.

Since his arrival on Eagle Point, Goins had complained to me numerous times about my blog writing and "warned" me more than once about the contents of what I write. I've also spent time and money starting and keeping alive a program he has been trying to put an end to. The arts and crafts program. There are many reasons I could guess why he targeted me, but I won't. I don't care what his reasons are. I go home in mere months to live my life, be happy and leave all of this behind me.

I'm doing well here and continue to ready myself for my new life.

Oh yeah, upon packing my things for the move, the CO's found my cellmate's two round tail ground squirrels. I'll miss them.