Of Law and Justice

Idealistically, law is suppose to be the vessel of justice, and in the more chaotic times of our antiquity there was a much clearer path to that interpretation.

As time has accrued, law has taken on a more sophisticated form in modern day society. It now serves as a mere balancing sheet for lawmakers to differentiate the cost of the quality of human life versus economical wealth. From such a vantage point, law and justice lie on opposite sides of a gap that is trending a wider course as distrust in the government grows more rampant.

The mold that is justice used to shape the law is ornamented in such a way that it has become almost indiscernible. The common American is overwhelmed with the law’s immense frame of reference that has come to exceed far beyond the general welfare of its citizens. In our capitalist society, the average citizen has no time (thus no money) enough to give to the task of deciphering the justice in law today.

Plus, for too many people take for granted the influence environment has over their innate sense of justice. It takes virtually no effort to feel and a relatively great deal more effort to analyze. This dynamic form the basis for the average Americans susceptibility to being told what justice is. As of a consequence of this dynamic, they are led further away from how justice feels. This product is the cornerstone of the demagogue politician’s playbook.

The irony of former President Trump and his allies to proclaim that the justice system is being “weaponized” against the former President speaks volumes to the malleability of our understanding what the American justice system is. Yet, it brings forth this unsightly truth about our justice system– that is can and HAS been used as a weapon time and time again. This devious application of justice system is not particular to America nor is it particular to this era in time. Justice systems have been utilized since the times of antiquity in order to dispatch unsavory people who may potentially pose a threat to an establishment’s order– as did the Romans use the justice system to incarcerate Jesus.

Understand, I am NOT relating Trump to Jesus! I deem Trump’s situation to be ironic because it was his blatant abuse of power that allowed me to see the stark contrast between law and justice. Now, as he stands convicted of 34 felonies (in a state court outside of the pardoning power of a sitting president), he now wants to direct the public’s attention to the weapon-ready capabilities of the justice system. So far after this same system has wrongfully claimed the lives of countless, unprivileged, disadvantaged people. All under the guise of justice.

As it stands now, a person can be found not guilty of a charge they stand accused of, yet, be serving a life sentence for it. How can this be? Certainly, this is NOT justice, but it is the LAW. (reference Waverley VA case, man wrongfully accused of killing a police officer, found not guilty but serving life).

This is not an undressing of a completely corrupt system, overtly debased and unsalvageable. In our overly sophisticated society, there has been great work on part of noble lawmakers who still seek to reflect justice in their policymaking. Still, they are trying to re-right a ship that has been off course for far more than 200 years. All this, in addition to being up against a monumental force that refuses to die out quietly.

Regardless of this, they press on. This is cause justice is not a mere thing subjected to the laws of entropy– it cannot and will not die. It is a spirit that eternally lives within the heart of the human soul. Those of us who will not cower to the inner corners of ourselves, writhed with fear and desperation, will be its vessel. Those ones will serve as a torch, burning bright, the light of justice.

In the words of the famous Black psychologist, Bobby E. Wright

“A luta continua– lisima tush inde mbilshaka”
(The struggle must continue– and we will conquer without a doubt)

Love, peace, and power
Q.

Why does the Shortage of Correctional Officers exist?

In order to understand the effects that the shortage of Correctional Officers is having on the life of the imprisoned, we must first understand: why does the shortage of Correctional Officers exist?

Wherein, lies the rub:
Obviously, there has been a paradigm shift in the collective consciousness of America, when it comes to accepting employment as a Correctional Officers: and paradigm shifts’ are no more than the mind -by way of- the conscience, evolving from one moral stage to the next. Therefore, it appears that the “amoral” lifestyle of a Correctional Officer, stands in Stark Contrast to the moral and ethical growth and development of this conscious oriented America we find ourselves living in these days – for, not only doe’s such a career choice leave’s the mind and consciousness stained with unfavorable memories ( i.e. PTSD ) but, for those who relegates’ themselves to the retirement line, more often than not they find themselves searching for another job, just to make end’s meet, therefore, I surmise low wage’s can also be a contributing factor.

Anyway, the question becomes:
How do the lack of moral consciousness within the staff, rather short or full, effect the prisoner therein? Well, it’s akin to the blind leading the blind, for, how can a Correctional Officer teach or learn an inmate what they don’t know and vice versa: therefore, when I hear inmates mimicking the shortage of Staff, effects; the freedoms and liberties within the prison, such as; Visitation, Recreation, Vocational Programs……. etc. I just mentally shake my head in silence, because, these are the obvious tears of the blind, who, can’t see pass their own incompetence, thereby, trying to appear intelligent in their mimicking of the aforesaid.

And, as not to be misunderstood, I’m not advocating anti-social behavior when it comes to taking advantage of said freedoms and liberties within the prison: Quite the contrary, for, by all means please amass all of the trades and programs….. etc. that you can amass, for, these are the fundamental accomplishments that you don’t want to be a hindrance when it comes time to go home.

However, and at the same time I’m also trying to impart to the Inmates, DOC can’t teach you how to become a man, therefore, please stop waiting on teaching/instructions on how to become a man, especially from a person whom has never seen or looked upon you as a man. Look, I am a staunch believer in self-reliance and Self-discipline and that through such attributes, he who apply themselves can accomplish anything (within reason) that they set their mind to. Therefore, irrespective of the number of officers or staff, the direction of ones choices ultimately rest upon the individual, as it pertains to what you are trying to contribute to this life, because, it is absolutely through what you put into this life that will determine how life responds to you.
Therefore, in addition to amassing said fundamental accomplishments, you must learn to continue to educate yourself beyond your own expectations. (autodidact). Because, it is 99.9% likely more than not, that the job you secure upon your release will not have any resemblance to your fundamental prison accomplishments.

And just one more philosophical thing to add to your studies:
Pay attention to that inner voice of consciousness, for, the best teacher is within, with the understanding that the knowledge imparted therefrom, is also being imparted to other students of the like. therefore consciousness is sharing and sharing is consciousness.

In closing and from an analytical perspective, I would just like to add:
The life of a Correctional officer has been devolving into this stage of decadence for a minute now – and now the powers that be are desperately searching for a panacea to a problem that they have – (through perpetual greed) – created upon themselves, which, they are not now understanding, that as the prisons continue to evolve, the algorithm seed of greed and hate has taking on a life of it’s own, thereby, in it’s wake creating a prison environment that has never been needed for breaking the hardest of the hardest, and thereby, slowly and silently absorbing any attractive features of incentives that, at one time may have possessed the job of a Correctional Officer, prior to this critical stage of decadence said job now finds its self in.
However, it appears DOC., is of the erroneous opinion of, thinking that the hiring of poor English speaking people from oppressed geographical locations around the globe is the answer: and nothing can be further away from the truth, for, quite the contrary, this quick fix hiring scheme is only going to exacerbate -(if not already)- the future of decadence – for – the conscience has no choice but to be true to itself, therefore, the question of morality becomes: how do one whom is running from being oppressed; reconcile becoming the oppressor?

And please let it be understood: he who lives contrary to the truth inexorably becomes a cynic.
As not to let this analytical interpretation on behalf of DOC take away from the topic of discussion, I’ll share the following advice with DOC: Employ more classes on human-relations for staff and try treating all people with a little more of humanity and kindness, also revisit your Correctional Officer and Inmate Pay scale’s with a little more of everything, thereby, marketing your brand in accordance therewith.

And to my fellow inmates, make sure its top notch, cream of the crop, because, this is how BBB Rock.

A. Cameron(# 1172733)
Beaumont Correction Center

There has to be a better way…(part I)

I’m doing 10 years in Virginia State Prison, for Involuntary Manslaughter, for the accidental overdose of my late girlfriend Nicole Shifflet. My story needs to be told, hopefully to help prevent another overdose, promote overdose awareness, to educate, and put a spotlight on Virginia’s Good Samaritan/ Overdose Protection Law (18.2-251.03).

On 8-11-2020, my girlfriend Nichole “Nikki” Shifflet wanted to come and stay with me for a couple days at my hotel in Williamsburg. Nikki and I are both addicts and have multiple mental health diagnosis as well. We met each other at an assisted living facility for people with mental health problems. The Monday of the 10th, Nikki starts to make plans to get a ride to me, I was on the chase to get my daily dose of heroin (dope, as I will refer to) with my dealer/friend. We go and get some dope, some crack, and some weed and we are headed back to my hotel. I met Nikki at a 7-11 and paid her friends some cash and weed for bringing her and waiting for me. We went back to my hotel, my dealer/Friend left and went to his room down the hall. We started using the drugs i bought, we had sex, then we went swimming in the pool for a few hours came back and showered together used more drugs then we went and got snacks, and then ordered dinner from the bar. We went back to our room and used some more, got in bed and hooked up again and then went to sleep. Around 12:30 am on 8-12-2020 my dealer/friend came knocking on my door and woke us up, he asked me if I had any dope left from what he sold me earlier, I told him I had a little bit left for the morning. He then said he could not re-up until later the next morning, that he had some more crack we could all smoke if I shared the dope with him and he would give it back once he got more later that day. He came in we all started smoking crack together, I gave him the rest of the dope. He poured some on the table and sniffed a couple lines, and Nikki asked if she could try some, I told her no way, baby you do not even use dope! I told her that this stuff was really strong and how all dope nowadays probably has fentanyl in it. We argued back and forth and the dealer/friend said a lil bit would not hurt anybody, so I gave up arguing and he scraped a little tiny bump and handed her a rolled up bill and she sniffed it, said “thank you baby, I love you” and gave me a kiss then hopped up on the bed next to the table we were all sitting at. She was smoking a cigarette and I prepared to inject ( i was the only IV addict) the rest of the dope while we were all talking and laughing. The next thing I know she was no longer holding my hand and she was not responding. I jumped straight up and started trying to wake her, I told my dealer/friend she was overdosing. I grabbed a Narcan nasal spray and administered it while I started calling 911. The dealer/friend freaked out and said he was not sticking around. He said that I had it under control and not to tell anyone he was there, and he ran away and hid. I was already giving CPR as he left and was telling 911 operator what happened. I never gave up, I never left her, I kept her alive until police and EMT took over, they told me to wait in hallway, I was devastated and could not stop crying and asking if she was going to be okay. I was told over and over again that I did everything right and everything I could, it was now in God’s hands. She never went without oxygen, and she had a breathing machine on her when they took her to the hospital.

The police asked me what happened and I told them she sniffed heroin and fell unconscious they started taking pictures and picking up all the drugs and paraphernalia that was in view( I never attempted to conceal anything, my only concern was for Nikki!!). Unfortunately, Nikki passed away 3 days later from ” Cardiac arrest, caused by acute combined cocaine and fentanyl overdoses, with chronic substance abuses contributing”. I was and still am trying to understand how she didn’t recover, why I was spared? She was an amazing beautiful young lady, a mom of a 6 year old son! Exactly one week has passed, now I am completely out of control and using so much trying to kill myself. I am arrested by Williamsburg Major Crimes Division, for possession of drugs and paraphernalia from the night of Nikki’s overdose. I tell them I will only talk with a lawyer present. I’m released on bond because my lawyer tells me the charges are bogus and can not stick because I 100% qualify for relief from Virginia’s Good Samaritan Law. I go to detox, trying to get help, and go to rehab. But this is the height of the pandemic and there is no bed space available.

I keep trying and trying relapsing hoping I would OD and join Nikki. Eventually, the charges were dropped, because I qualified for 18.2-251.03. I still could not deal with the loss or get the help I needed, so I ran away from everyone I knew and hid at a house in my hometown with no power until I was arrested on 2-16-2021 for probation violation. The same cops arrested me and wanted to know what happened the night of 8-12-2020. I waived my Miranda warning thinking I could tell them the truth because #1.) I was not a drug dealer, #2.) I did everything I could to save her, and #3 the Good Samaritan Law. I was so hig#h at time of my arrest, I was scared, vulnerable, and fell for the bullshit line the cops were telling me!

I originally said that Nikki had her own drugs, my only lie, but then I told them everything that happened every detail over and over again. They said they wanted to make sure there was no foul play that everybody knew what drugs we were using. They asked me who paid for the drugs, I told them I did over and over again. The interview ended when I realized (sobered up!!)

Tyler McMillen(#1502960)

Glouster, VA.

Lunenburg Correctional Center

C. floyd on Understaffing

Dear BBB,
I enjoy receiving your newsletters, and if the subject questions are something I can respond to…than, I will. With that being said, I’d like to respond to the question: “What do you think the cause of understaffing of prisons nationwide?”

Well, I seriously believe that its because of safety concerns. Staff don’t feel safe when there’s no pod cameras, body cams, and the shortage in staff positions. It makes them feel unsafe! Therefore, they probably decided to choose a different type of job positioning…where they do not have to deal with such violence, and unsafe conditions.

I believe the Department of Corrections (“DOC”) will have to show that they have the prisons under control, and the safety concerns are fixed before any of the staff positions are actually filled back up. With that being said, the DOC has to come up with a plan.

First of all, there has to be more pod cameras in each pod, and every correctional officer needs to wear a body cam…this is to give staff the feeling that they are safe. If they don’t feel safe…they probably will not work in such an environment. So, you can understand why there’s a staffing crisis. Who would want to work in an unsafe environment? Nobody!

Secondly, there has to be more staff presence in each housing area. Meaning more security checks. Staff has to pull together in order to make this happen. Its the only way to keep everyone safe.

Thirdly, DOC also has to put adequate ads out about job openings, and offer a bonus to all new staff members who are still working after one year. This will ensure the chance of fill up all the job openings.

Fourthly, if the DOC brought back smoking in prisons…they wouldn’t have to worry about the money issue they’re currently having because every state was making millions of dollars a year on the taxes from tobacco products sold in prisons nationwide. This money could be used to hire new staff…to fill all the open positions, and to put cameras in the pods of the facilities that don’t have them. This would be a win, win for each state. If there’s an issue with non-smokers…than, the DOC can designate one of its prisons to be used as a non-smoking prison.

By achieving these four goals, the DOC will see a big change in the staffing crisis effecting prisons nationwide. The DOC needs to find solutions to these problems and fixing them. Saving money is not an option…lives are more important. Prisons need to be fully staffed at all times…this is the only way to keep staff and inmates safe. Staff would rather work in a peaceful work environment, not a violent one.

C. Floyd, #1036136
Red Onion State Prison

Understaffing’s Effect on Recreation

Understaffing is a huge problem in corrections that affects not just the inmates, but their families and correctional officers. The impact, however, upon inmates is by far the one most felt, and most ignored.

I have seen understaffing prevent inmates from getting recreation. For long periods of time, I have seen inmate populations forced to stay indoors simply because a facility doesn’t have enough officers to supervise inmates on the rec yard. This, of course, denies inmates the opportunity to properly exercise. It denies them the opportunity to get clean, fresh air and sunshine. These denials, then, help lead to an unhealthy inmate population. Sedentary inmates develop a plethora of physical ailments. They have high blood pressure, heart problems, prostate issues, hemorrhoids, and many other diseases. They also develop many psychological issues. Depression is a huge problem amongst inmates. These psychological issues, then, lead to suicide, drug abuse, and assaults on other inmates, correctional officers, and staff members. Oh, and don’t forget, taxpayers are the ones who ultimately fit the bill for all of this. Their tax money goes to pay for correctional officers who transport inmates to and from doctor visits. Their tax money goes to pay for the gas needed to transport inmates. And their tax money goes to pay for the medical staff that is necessary to care for an unhealthy inmate population.

I have seen understaffing cause other inmates to have to provide emergency medical care for other inmates. On two separate occasions, I have seen an inmate suffer a grand mal seizure and other inmates have had to provide emergency medical care until staff could be summoned to help. On one occasion, the inmate suffering the seizure had actually stopped breathing and was in serious danger of death. I have also seen inmates denied medical care from the Medical Department because of understaffing. Recently, I saw an inmate denied an EKG because there wasn’t enough medical staff to administer it. However, I have also seen inmates denied sick call and other services due to understaffing as well.

I have seen understaffing lead to a lack of supervision in housing units. Due to the lack of sufficient staffing, I have seen inmates locked in cells where they have no way to contact staff for hours at a time. During these times, quite often, no staff members have been able to make security rounds to check on the safety and security of inmates. This leaves inmates in serious jeopardy should an emergency occur. It also leaves inmates to fend for themselves in the event of an attack from another inmate. Now I know most of the time, if not all, security rounds are logged in the logbook at facilities. However, a simple check of the camera footage will clearly show that security rounds are not made the way policy dictates.

Finally, I have seen how understaffing affects the overall condition of a prison. There are some very good staff members at most facilities. These are men and women who truly seek to do their jobs well. However, most of these people find themselves being overworked and burnout in time. At that point, they simply quit and make the understaffing problem worse, or they give up and start behaving like most of the other staff members who could care less about the inmate population.

I understand understaffing is a major problem for many institutions. I also understand that certain steps must be taken when dealing with understaffing. However, placing your inmate population at risk or punishing your inmate population should never be acceptable. What rehabilitative message do you send your inmate population when you punish them for something that is not their fault? What rehabilitative message do you send your inmate population when you fail to provide for their overall safety and security due to your failure to properly man your institution?

Travis Sorrells, #1095956
Haynesville Correctional Center

Understaffing in Women’s Correctional Facilities

The epidemic of understaffing is growing rapidly. For as long as I’ve been incarcerated, since July of 2020, the staffing issue is getting worse not only in prisons but in jails as well. The first jail I was housed at held no compassion whatsoever. It was filthy, biased, and inhumane. The guards decided to pick and choose what they paid attention to. When situations were important, they were nowhere to be found. A girl was dragged around and beat up in an open dorm for forty five minutes while another girl screamed at the top of her lungs yet no guards came for hours. This is one of the many examples I experienced just from my first year in jail, whether it was due to negligence or understaffing I’ll never know. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed. Once I got transferred to prison, I truly understood the crisis. From nurses to officers to counselors, they are all overworked and it affects our daily lives as much as theirs. A recent incident drives this point home and I believe everyone needs to hear it.

On Saturday, May 18th, around 8 in the morning, in my building, a girl that I’ve known for two years now, cut another girls arm wide open with a blade. The sole reason is that she is a schizophrenic, among other issues, in general population with too many triggers and not enough help for her. She is a highly intelligent individual. She’s had outbursts before, suicidal threats, episodes, etc. She has been housed in acute/mental health after past incidents then released back into population, which has made her a danger to not only herself but others for obvious reasons. She had no beefs with this girl. This other girl had just come from intake and had been minding her business at a table in the day room doing arts and crafts. The intake had asked this lady how she was and maybe that made her a target. Ultimately, anyone could have been. Something triggered her to do what she did and the intake had to go to the hospital to get eleven stitches. It could have been a lot worse. Both of these girls are victims as well as the many others who witnessed the incident. Later that day, the building attempted to hold a peaceful protest in the chow hall during lunch because this incident was the final straw for many and needs attention. There are no mental health counselors on staff during the weekend. Why is that? We don’t have staff to support the need for on call weekend shifts. So, the initial answer from administration is to lock up the individuals in segregation that were part of the protest because it’s actually considered “inciting a riot.” They didn’t even know the whole situation, once they did then they decided against seg. We incarcerated are instantly in the wrong just because we want change and have to show out for what we want or need and there’s no other way. I have actually heard from a counselor that they don’t have enough staff to see everyone that wants/needs to be seen.

THAT’S A PROBLEM! The understaffing crisis makes our living environment even tougher to navigate. Just human warehouses to stuff us in by numbers and lowest status possible. We must look after one another and work harder to keep us afloat and safe. This environment is so much for self. It truly needs unity. There are many that do go against the grain and establish so much change as well as rehabilitation. They are resilient against all odds. The system needs revival and staff to make changes. There are plenty of opportunities coming about after the Covid hit, only we need staff to operate these things. These matters need the spotlight to bring about differences in prisons all across the nation.

My name is Jennifer Zukerman. (DOC #2080583) I am currently housed at Fluvanna Correctional center for Women.

The First Lie, A Poem

It was that first lie that introduced you to a life of sin,
It was that first lie that broke something deep within;
for when you lie, you deceive yourself, family and friends,
because you have cheated them into never trusting in you again,
because when you cheat – the opposition cannot defend,
because you have stacked the Deck to where only you win,
Therefore, when you cheat you take: though none is the wiser,
now, the silent man within has a criminal for an advisor.
You’re in the big league now -for- when you take you are now labeled a thief,
So welcome yourself to the gateway of criminality of regret and grief.
for, there is no love for what’s has been given birth to by a lie,
these are the A-moral /antisocial questions that approach you when getting high.
As your painless conscience return from its drugged induced abyss,
You welcome the love and hope therein back into your midst.
with the fork in the road of conscience now upon you,
the future of the choice you now make is clearly in view.
So turn your moral clock back and correct those silly Lie’s,
and allow the return of your family and friends smile’s to be your eternal prize.
As you now realize that excuses and lies are for the immature state of mind,
You can now began to cultivate conscience of truth and leave that life behind.
So, welcome yourself back to a life without sin,
Where the Deck is never stacked and we all win.

Submitted By: Alexander Cameron., #1172733
Beaumont Correctional Center
3500 Beaumont Road
Beaumont, Virginia 23014

The Cliff-of-Death

By D.V. JOHNSON, II (#1937011, River North)

Ice Cold gusty wailing winds and ravaging torrential rains of The Storm as I stand on The Cliff-of-Death’s verge… Electrified trials & tribulations converge&merge causing me to sway&swerve, I see glimpses of my demons clawing up from the Notorious bottomless pit below..

Urges to elude these thunderous throes vigorously intensify, but, threats to throw me over are thereby thwarted… My bellowing cries for a Renewal of Perspective cause me to realize that without pain, I’d have no frame of reference for when something truly deserves to be Glorified…

RECALIBRATING so I can Stand Strong on this cliff-of-death, as my Life’s Purpose is continuously enlightened & further refined.

*Inspired by Psalm 57 during Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2024).

The Nation’s Correctional Staffing Crisis: The Toll on Incarcerated People

Recently, the editor of Brilliance Behind Bars was called before the U.S. Senate to give testimony on the understaffing crisis effecting prisons nationwide. She represented our interests with great compassion and much needed perspective. It is now our turn to support her efforts with our own experiences and insights. Let’s allow the public a real glimpse into our struggle as incarcerated people living in a prison understaffed…

For decades, prison has been held as an institution designed to mete out punishment to “evil-doers.” As time has progressed, so too did the caricature of the inhuman prisoner within the social conscience of the public. This depiction has led to a dangerous lack of concern for prisoner security, treatment, and adequate staffing to conduct daily, essential operations.

In the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic, no areas of industry was left unscathed by understaffing issues. But there is a stark difference between the need for fast food service workers to tighten up lapses between combo meals served to various customers and the need for correctional staff to maintain the order and operation of a coercive institution and its hundreds of long-term residents.

Correctional facilities are more akin to state hospital and nursing homes fundamentally, being that its residents are forced to stay in such facilities. Residents of these type of facilities are solely dependent on the facility to provide critical medical care and treatment programs designed to aid in social and psychological health and development.

Given that prisons are institutions filled with residents living in close quarter communities, lack of proper staff often leaves responsibilities of security and treatment to fall to the hands of other prisoners. I, myself, have even had to serve as an interim first responder during medical emergencies involving other incarcerated. Ironically, the institution has enacted policies to deter the incarcerated from lending aid to others, but have yet to solve the very real crisis of understaffing in prisons in this state and nationwide. Also worthy of recognition is the incarcerated community’s drive to create treatment programs amongst themselves in spite of the lack thereof provided by the facility.

It is well documented that some private corporations have exploited the widely accepted practice of understaffing prisons in order to increase their profit margins. Although, we cannot exclude the fact that this was made possible by governments diverting interest in funding prisons as institutions of rehabilitation, and opting to view prisons as human warehouses for the disadvantaged. This is a framing that is more favorable to the rhetoric on the economic benefit than actual social benefit. Also, it’s no secret that working in a prison isn’t the most desirable work environment.

2020 did not cause prisons to be dangerously understaffed. 2020 only unveiled a deep-rooted practice that has been the void of compassion for human life for over 25 years in the making. The current state of prisons in America are echoes of the prison ‘reforms’ of ’95. Thirty years later, we clearly see the product of debased political agendas and public susceptibility to crime-based propaganda. That is, mass incarceration, a nationwide prison understaffing crisis, and instability socially and economically.

Note: I do not wish to end this writing without stating how very proud I am of each and every one of the incarcerated who have utilized their time and effort seeking not only the rehabilitation of themselves, but also that of their fellow incarcerated. Each member of the incarcerated population was forced into this situation and have so much stacked up against them, but these individuals have maintained the strength in spirit and the depth of human will that is undeniably world-changing. I pray that each one of you find your freedom physically one day, because you have already achieved a level of freedom mentally that few will ever experience.

Your spirit is tried and your spirit is, without a shadow of a doubt, TRUE. You are the torchbearers–your light leads the way through some of the thickest darkness known to the civilized world…

Love and Peace,
Q

Prompt: As mentioned above, we want to know about your experiences. Feel free to free-write, or to use the thought starter questions below:
1. How has short staffing affected your livelihood as an incarcerated individual?
2. What do you think is the cause of understaffing of prisons nationwide?
3. Are there any highlights of positivity that you have witnessed during your incarceration in regards to staffing?

10 TOES DOWN

by Lord Serious

During the pandemic I began noticing an increase in the number of inmates nodding out in the pod. I had seen this behavior before, and I was aware that it was one of the many side effects of abusing opioids. I even remember the first death I encountered due to an opioid overdose. It happened a few years before the pandemic while I was at Lawrenceville Correctional Center. The deceased was an older White inmate who lived in the cell next door to me, everyone called him Bullwinkle.

He didn’t fit the stereotypical image of an addict; what I mean is that there was nothing in Bullwinkle’s appearance or behavior that would confirm the biased mind’s expectations that this he was an abuser of narcotics. Perhaps this is why I was caught so off guard when things transpired the way they did. Bullwinkle appeared normal and upbeat most days. He showed no signs of being under the influence of any substances when I interacted with him. Though our exchanges were brief and usually involved a greeting and a few polite words as we passed each other entering and exiting our respective cells. Nevertheless, the memory of that night when he was found unresponsive in his cell remains fresh in my mind.

I remember his cellmate being frantic. He wanted my cellmate to help revive him with ice while he found somewhere to hide his knife. Unfortunately, Bullwinkle was in bad shape and his cellmate had no choice but to alert staff knowing full well he would be sent to solitary and placed under investigation for Bullwinkle’s death. I remember the correctional officers and nurses rushing in. The officer’s began locking the pod down while they escorted Bullwinkle’s cellmate away in handcuffs.

About 15 minutes later the paramedics had arrived with a gurney and a defibrillator. They tried to revive Bullwinkle for about 20 minutes before pronouncing him dead. His cell had now become his temporary tomb, Bullwinkle’s body would remain there for it’s interment until the medical examiner could arrive. A correctional officer was given the duty to guard the cell until the body was exhumed and evidence could be collected. I lay in my bunk that night being lulled to sleep by the officer’s radio chatter. I awoke the next morning to find both the guard and Bullwinkle’s body gone. They each had been replaced by the crime scene tape that made a giant “X” across the cell door.

Unfortunately, Bullwinkle would not be the last inmate to die from an overdose while in VDOC custody. There are many other inmates whom I knew personally who have also had the misfortune of turning their prison sentence into a death sentence, because they were not given access to the necessary treatment to heal their disease. Yes, addiction is a disease, and like any other mental health disease those who suffer from it should not be denied treatment. Neither is it appropriate to expect addicts to have enough willpower to stop using on their own. Empathy is a super power and one sign of higher intelligence for social creatures. Addicts are people who are suffering and they deserve help whether they are free or incarcerated.

Many men I knew and respected have become opioid addicts in prison. I have watched men with the brightest minds, and those with the strongest bodies lose their personal battle with addiction and die from an overdose. These men all had release dates. They all had families who looked forward to their return home some day. They were husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers.

Although they may not have all had the best relationships with their family, I’m certain they were all loved by someone. However, I don’t think all of them were transparent with their loved ones about their struggles with addiction. A lot of these men had no history of using opioids, they didn’t come to prison as opioid abusers. But there was something different about being incarcerated during the pandemic that made prison even more intolerable and unbearable.

All visitation was cancelled, but somehow more fentanyl kept coming into the prison everyday. Shortages of staff required institutional lockdowns which meant we could not use the phone to call home. When we did finally reestablish phone contact we were devastated to learn that a close friend or family member had contracted the virus, or worse, someone we knew had died.

We witnessed inmates show signs of being infected knowing full well that a staff member had to be responsible for introducing the pathogen into our closed environment. Each day our anxiety and depression had us on edge. The fear and uncertainty we experienced behind these concrete walls and razor wire fences had all it our fight or flight responses on full alert.

But there was no escape, and no relief in sight. Due to staff shortages the prisoners basically ran this institution. Prisoners conducted the feeding, prisoners distributed mail, and prisoners began oppressing other prisoners. During the pandemic gang melees and knife fights were happening daily and most went unreported and undocumented. We were all depressed, scared, and angry, but those who couldn’t withstand the psychological stress any longer sought refuge in drugs as a means to escape.

I was aware of the decline of our morale. Something had to be done, but I really didn’t know what I could do to change it. However, I began to notice a pattern in these addicts behavior. In the beginning of their drug abuse most of them tried to conceal it. They were conscious of who was around when they bought or used. They took great pains to prevent people from gossiping about them using narcotics. But when they began to publicly nod out in the pod it was, because their addiction had reached the point where they no longer were in control.

I approached my building’s Unit Manager T. Green about allowing me to teach a drug program. She responded, “Boughton they’ve cancelled all programs in the gym because they are using the gym to quarantine sick offenders.” “Green I don’t need to teach the program in the gym,” I countered, “I could teach the program in the pods.” Green replied, “But they don’t want offenders gathering in large groups due to social distancing.

When the new warden arrived I was told that within a staff meeting Tatum acknowledged that there was a drug epidemic occurring here at L.V.C.C, and he was open to any suggestions on how to solve this problem. Unit Manager Green thought of me and informed Warden Tatum that she had offender’s in her building who had offered to teach drug programs. Unit Manager Green asked me to submit a proposal. At the time though I didn’t actually have my own drug program. I was only seeking to be a co-facilitator of Twan-P’s, Coping Opioid Addiction Treatment (C.O.A.Ts) program. I submitted the proposal on behalf and the C.O.A.Ts program and Twan-P and I anxiously awaited the Wardens response.

It would be about another year before 81 pod would be converted into a peer led interactive community with a heavy focus on drug rehabilitation. It would be called “My Next Step” by this time Twan-P no longer wished to participate. Therefore, I decided to develop my own drug program to teach to the inmates who were housed in the “My Next Step” pod. I enlisted the help of my brother Poetic Life Allah (Jefferson Elie) and together we co-created the 10 TOES DOWN PROGRAM.

I will include a few reviews from some of the guys who participated in our program. I must note that many of the participants only reference me, because Unit Manager Green would only allow me to facilitate 10 TOES DOWN program. However, Poetic’s contribution though behind the scenes was essential to it’s success. And I have taken the liberty to edit the spelling and grammatical errors to make it easier for the reader to understand the message they each wished to convey:

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Wayne Boyd #1139264
Pod 80-81 (103)
[Wayne committed suicide by hanging himself in the cell after leaving the “My Next Step” pod]

My name is Wayne Boyd when I first came to pod 81 I was very very, frustrated because I felt that I didn’t belong in this pod for what it was supposed to be; it’s purpose was for helping to get you right in other words. It wasn’t until one day I sat down in a group called (10 Toes Down), that’s when I became awaken to many issues I had hiding deep inside of my emotions which I was so not in tune with. Lord Serious with the awakening with his 10 Toes Down helped me to uncover some of my deep emotions, which needed to be addressed. He has helped me to heal some of the pain to be addressed of my deep situation of time and pain. We all need steps like this to help (us) all!! (10 Toes Down) yes its new that’s what makes it an awakening calling!! Just come and sit and listen to its calling. With that I leave you with we all need 10 Toes Down calling…
Truly yours!
W. Boyd

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The Ten Toes Down program has given me a lot of insight into myself & my addiction. It has changed me to deal with the Mental & Emotional issues that fuel my addiction. It taught me about Meta-Cognition & Cognitive dissonance. And how becoming consciously aware of these things is the beginning process in taking charge of my thought’s & my life. It then gave me techniques to Eliminate, Substitute, & Heal my addiction. At this point in the program I accepted the unpleasant consequences of my own actions & that my current reality is the by product of my choices and decisions. It was here that the seed of Recovery was planted. Yet I was unsure on how to tend to it, so it’d grow healthy? That’s when Lord Serious taught me how to cultivate that seed: #1) self-encouragement or from my support system, #2) think critically about the situation, #3) apply breathing techniques to control my emotions, #4) renew my commitment to my recovery, and #5) do something positive & productive to get my mind off my urge to use.

The Ten Toes Down program is founded upon sound principles that are meant to help the addict that still suffers. Its lessons are simple, yet when applied the results are profound. And I accredit my sobriety to Lord Serious & his Ten Toes Down program.

-SINCERELY ME-
DAWAIN HOPKINS (signature) #1060602 81-109

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The Ten Toes Down class has helped me in more ways than first thought it would. Even when I was in the hole I found myself thinking of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It gave me a purpose even if for that moment. Before the Drug Program started back I still felt that Ten Toes Down lead me on the right track. It helped me sustain and gave me an outlet to something more. Thanks for the opportunity to even take Ten Toes Down. It shall continue.

Demons Tilantai Houchens
Cell-114 #1437799

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213 R. Slayton
1176244
10 TOES DOWN

Mr. Boughton has been with us through all the ups and downs of the program. He showed up even after the program was cancelled.

He does his research on the subjects he presents and delivers them with a relevant twist. He has a loyal following because he brings positive messages to the group.

He is a good leader, not because we believe in him, but because he believes in us.

Sincerely,
(signature)
Robert Slayton

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8/30/23
I used to feel lost, disoriented, and off center for many years at L.V.C.C. I have been in every building up here at least once. In summary I reached rock bottom while serving time in prison. I volunteered to come to 81, while in 62 strung out and going home then in 5 months. I volunteered to come in a non-privilged pod. I met Lord Serious at 10 Toes Down p.m. Monday – Thursday class and instantly knew I was in the presence of an extremely gifted, intelligent, passionate, caring, empathetic teacher and guide. He donated his time, service and more to a group of willing participants with nothing to personally gain. His genuine concern mixed with knowledge and methodical breakdown of lessons inspired me to never miss a single class of his. I have learned about meta-cognition, cognitive behavior, behavioral science, and so much more. I honestly can say he rescued my mind from the chaos by organizing my thoughts with conscious tools and techniques. I now am proud of my current reality and my vision of my future is so bright that it blinds others when expressed. I prefer his methods of teaching, explaining and breakdown over any other. I owe him my future and will never be able to articulate my gratitude. Peace to the God !!
U
Jacob Harris
#1199267
#109

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THANK YOU – 10 TOES DOWN

Lord Serious, I thank you for bringing 10 Toes Down in my life. You came when you didn’t have to, every day you made your way into our lives. Life of mistakes, life of drug use, when you didn’t do drugs at all. You brought your heart and your love to let us know you cared about us doing these drugs that were killing us. How we can use these tools of 10 Toes Down to better our lives; and how we can reach out to people we hurt because of drugs, and let them know how we’re sorry, and how drugs messed our life up. But now we are going to use these tools – these tools of 10 Toes Down for life.

Cause my life matters. Q. Walton
And I love myself. #1077474

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10 Toes Down means a lot to me, because when I came into 81 pod Mr. J. R. Boughton reached out to me and showed me that I really had a drug problem that I thought couldn’t be cured. Boy was I in for a surprise when I really started to learn about the things I was really doing to myself. 10 Toes Down program really helped me when there wasn’t even a program in 81 pod anymore, because I had something to look forward to at the end of the day. 10 Toes Down program will always be a big part of my life and my recovery, because it taught me how to Think, Support, Renew, and guide the steps I take in life how to Tread. It was a FRESH START for me, because I had no one or any place else to go, and now that I’m actually finding out who I really am. I finished Book 2 and I hope and pray that there will be many more books to my life as well as to 10 Toes Down. Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to be apart of such a gracious program that I’ve learned about me and other people like me that have addictions like myself. Thank you Mr. James R. Boughton Jr (A.K.A Lord Serious) for just believing in me and allowing, and showing me, that others care about people like me. (-: ❤
“Always in my heart”
10 Toes Down !!!

Willie Wright
#1001446