maximum size 18" x 14" when opened; maximum of 50 per month; no electronic cards. The DOCCS Directive 4911A is an immediate threat to how incarcerated folks in NYS prisons are able to receive packages from loved ones and supportive organizations. The quantity of drugs and weapons entering prisons through mailrooms, compared to other entry points, remains a subject of hot debate. Prior to the restrictions, such items were found in packages every day, a DOCCS spokesperson told New York Focus in a statement. This form enables family, friends, or others to obtain health information of DOCCS has zero tolerance for sexual abuse and sexual harassment toward any As we continue to see the COVID-19 infection rate in the community and within our correctional facilities decrease, and in accordance with the recent announcement by Governor Hochul, effective immediately,the previously issued mandatory mask policy for all DOCCS Correctional Facilities is rescinded. In early June, Weprin and his counterpart in the Senate, Julia Salazar, sent a public letter to acting DOCCS Commissioner Anthony Annucci expressing numerous concerns about the package directive and requesting that the Prison Violence Task Force, which recommended the policy, produce a full report demonstrating that the limitations were necessary for safety. https://diy.rootsaction.org//no-package-restrictions-for-n. Memorials at the Empire State Plaza Memorial Park honoring Parole Officers and Correction Officers who have died in the line of duty. When New Yorks prison agency announced a new directive this spring banning most packages people incarcerated in the state could receive from family and friends, Jeremy Zielinski, who is incarcerated at Great Meadow Correctional Facility, went straight to the law library. I fear that we might, she said. All items must have a commercially printed ingredients list on the packaging. Web. As relevant here, Directive No. 4911 DATE 3/25/2013 SUPERSEDES DIR #4911 Dtd. There are so many people whose families live on paycheck to paycheck and are on food stamps, wrote a woman currently incarcerated at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in a letter forwarded to Bolts and New York Focus. Effective dates are: Directive 4911A outlines the package policies for the Vendor Package program. The thugs who run the NYS prison system (NYS DOCCS) has issued a new directive (4911A) that describes new, draconian package rules that they are testing in 3 prisons as a 'pilot program'. This type of directive hurts family members, it hurts relationships between incarcerated individuals and their families, and I dont see how it adds to safety or security, David Weprin, chair of the Assemblys corrections committee, told New York Focus, noting that. The Department has Visitor Hospitality Centers that provide shelter and respite for visiting families and friends prior to entering the facility. I dont think they want Attica [uprising] 2.0., I think DOCCS is grossly underestimating how important packages are to people, he continued. Sweet Freedom set up farm stands at the Fishkill and Attica prisons, where they hand out packages of fresh food for visitors to bring into the facilities. But many stem from a curious, little-known directive that has been in place for decades, in at least nine of the state's 55 prisons. That has raised the suspicion among incarcerated people and advocates that the package policy may be a way for the state to placate a disgruntled union. The Vendor Package program is in place at ALL correctional facilities effective August 15, 2022. This holiday season is about giving, not taking away. A stall offering free food for visitors entering Sing Sing Correctional Facility | Sing Sing Family Collective, I did 12 years in prison. It would be an understatement to say that people are very upset about this, , he said. In June, DOCCS hosted its annual Memorial and Medals Ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and recognizing staff who went above and beyond the call of duty in 2021. In recent months, it has. The new restrictions are a revived version of a stalled 2018 initiative, the Secure Vendor Package Program, which would have required all packages to be sent from six approved private companies. Whether or not mailrooms are a major entrypoint for contraband is the subject of much debate. Hours Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 1pm (PST) Call (775) 393-4000 Fax (707) 261-4020 Email infowalkenhorsts.com 0 (Your relationship to people in prison, if applicable), 4.) length; military-style field jackets are allowed but short-waisted Ike-style jackets are not allowed; no hood; no patches, insignia or decals. The law was supposed to deliver safer staffing ratios. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains that the package restrictions, which were first reported by New York Focus and are now in place in all 44 prisons across the state, are a critical tool in the fight against the flow of drugs and weapons through prison mailrooms. From, In April, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS) implemented a new policy prohibiting all care packages containing food. Max. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, etc. Any shades of colors, such as melon, peach, aquathat are not readily distinguishable from blue, black, gray, or orange are not permitted. ACHIEVING THE. Incoming mail will be opened and inspected for cash, checks, money orders, printed or photocopied materials, or contraband. %%EOF 4911 expressly permits "writing or drawing" paper, but no envelopes. All mail sent to the incarcerated individual must be clearly marked with the incarcerated individual's name andDepartment Identification Number (DIN), and the sender's return address in the left top corner of the envelope. The task force also consulted with several Incarcerated Individual Liaison Committees, as well as several advocacy organizations, a DOCCS spokesperson said, but they declined to name any of the advocacy organizations they consulted. This year's ceremony featured the return of the Color Guard competition. Monthly and annual reports with data about DOCCS in-custody population and those in community supervision. honoring Parole Officers and Correction Officers who have died in the line of duty. We understand that the new initiative has been pushed in order to stop unap phylacteries (small square leather prayer boxes with long leather ties). The quantity of drugs and weapons entering prisons through mailrooms, compared to other entry points, remains a subject of hot debate. Harriman State Campus The prison agency has stonewalled lawmakers' requests for information justifying the policy. In June, DOCCS hosted its annual Memorial and Medals Ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and recognizing staff who went above and beyond the call of duty in 2021. Packages can be ordered only from approved vendors (so basically, some corporations will win out and have a guaranteed market to sell overpriced processed food). If you purchase any items in which you are not allowed or more quantity than you are permitted, these items will not be sent to you. Thank you for your continued patience and compliance with the various COVID-19 safety protocols that have been enacted and modified throughout the pandemic, consistent with guidance from the CDC and the New York State Department of Health. The DOCCS is implementing a new package room directive, Directive 4911A which is to super-cede the current Directive 4911 and is being touted as this great new change that is supposed to be in the best interest of the inmates. Packages have long been a thorn in the side of corrections officers. Family and friends cannot drop off packages while visiting. Are we going to see the same amount of contraband after the policy is introduced? DOCCS issues directives establishing standards and procedures for prison operations, and these directives are supplemented and may be modified by operations manuals for the individual correctional facilities and central office functions. Tweet. The package directive is especially difficult for family members with limited means like his mother, he said. Not to exceed once every four months, incarcerated individuals may request in writing to the Superintendent for approval to receive more than fivepages of printed or photocopied legal papers within a piece of regular correspondence specifically relatingto theircurrent legal matter, including legal briefs or trial transcripts related to the incarcerated individual's active case. This package ban indicates that theyre trying to regain control.. As part of Directive #4911A, family and friends of inmates can order three packages per month with an additional three packages ordered by the inmate for six monthly packages total. But the bulk, the weight, is being walked in by corrections officers, its not coming in through packages., Ramos said he has observed the rise in drug overdoses in New York prisons in real time over the last decade, and empathizes with the challenge that corrections staff face. Albany, NY 12224, Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci Item Limit. The rules for packages, including allowed items, frequency, food packages, package weight, etc., are detailed in Department Directive #4911, available here. Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Directive No. the plan limits packages that incarcerated people in new york state prisons can receive to items purchased from six vendors (with two more expected to be added), a move the state's department. Size must be within 1size of that being worn by the individual. The produce was a welcome supplement to the dearth of fresh fruits and vegetables available in prisons, according to currently and formerly incarcerated people. New only. OASAS works closely with Criminal Justice partners to help offenders access treatment. For weeks you heard them saying stuff like, I cant believe theyre treating these guys like this, giving them all this stuff. Its almost like theyre incensed or offended that were being treated like human beings, he said. Effective dates are: Search: Previous 1 2 Next 518-474-8390, 5.) The correction officers union, which fiercely opposed HALT and is suing to overturn it in court, has argued that the new restrictions on solitary confinement are leading to an increase in violence against officers. Many of the tactics described above are tame. The Vendor Package program has been implemented on an incremental basis. It would be an understatement to say that people are very upset about this, he said. {$(#;5c@5!0!Yg 0gLzLsqCl~vVWCDQ^F:XV4"&NNwEa4So3*nA@ Udk^H-FgZL]jYr0Bwg@Yo^e&kW ]E xf5#zx)793`e>iqAM>6R4RZVx{Sv Restrooms, a baby changing station, lockers for storing personal belongings, and information concerning rules and regulations pertaining to visitation, including packages for incarcerated individuals, are available. No quilted clothing or snorkel-type hoods, except where indicated. In a statement to New York Focus, DOCCS officials said they plan to expand fresh produce offerings in all prisons as they roll out the new package restrictions. The vendors appear to be companies that specialize in shipping into prisons and jails. In the survey, more than 85 percent of incarcerated people said that the quality of food they can access is limited by their familys finances. Department Directive, #4911 Packages & Articles Sent to Facilities is in the process of being updated. The containerized items listed below are acceptable (1) if received in commercially-sealed non-pressurized cans or commercially-sealed plastic containers, or (2) when received directly from an approved store or manufacturer as packaged by them. This submission came to It's Going Down anonymously through itsgoingdown.org/contribute. Two days before a pilot of the policy began, he filed a complaint in Albany County Supreme Court challenging the package directive, which prohibits incarcerated people from receiving any food packages from family and friends and limits the number of personal packages to two per year. local permit only; maximum value - $150.00; clear (see-through) case only; no larger than 8 inches x 14 inches. maximum size 18" x 14"; no metal components. The law was supposed to deliver safer staffing ratios. This type of directive hurts family members, it hurts relationships between incarcerated individuals and their families, and I dont see how it adds to safety or security, David Weprin, chair of the Assemblys corrections committee, told New York Focus, noting that studies have illustrated that maintaining community ties during incarceration reduces recidivism. Mailyou receive from an incarcerated individual should be well marked with the individual's DIN, correctional facility address, and other clear indications that the letter is from a correctional facility. Sep. 7, 2022 Updated: Sep. 9, 2022 12:48 p.m. Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County, where DOCCS' new package policy went into effect on June 20, 2022. It is extremely important to review the Directive prior to sending items to an incarcerated individual. There are limited places to order from, and most of them are extremely expensive.. To establish requirements and procedures for Community Supervision personnel with respect to the submission of Three Year Discharge (3YD) case summaries to the Board of To establish Residential Rehabilitation Units in designated facilities to meet the goals as outlined in Correction Law, Section 2, subdivision 34. Allowable items will be the same in all facilities. Get in touch with your people in NYS Prisons and let them know about this. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, etc. Am I going to be prevented from getting winter clothes if I get a book from my mom in the summer? asked Jeremy Zielinski, currently incarcerated at Attica, in a phone call with New York Focus and Bolts. Fresh fruit and vegetables are not allowed. Those facilities will stop accepting packages from non-approved vendors on January 2, 2018. A limit of five pages of printed or photocopied materials may be received within a piece of regular correspondence. This directive comes in the wake of petty rule crackdowns after the escape of two prisoners from Clinton prison in 2015. This could mean that prison book programs like. Scaife is skeptical that it will meaningfully reduce the amount of contraband or violence in prisons. Some argue the package directive could be a means of driving down drug-related mortality rates. Packages and articles will only be allowed to be received directly from vendors via U.S. B. Savannah, GA Residents Rally at Brasfield & Gorrie site to Stop Cop City! In 2020, Texas corrections officials limited mail to curb the contraband problem. 3.) These new rules are horrible in so many ways including: The pilot program implements an approved venders only package system. Families and friends will also have to shoulder costs associated with vendor packages beyond the markups: they wont be able to use food stamps, coupons, donated food, or to avoid shipping costs by bringing packages during visits. Research shows that incarcerated individuals who receiveregular visitsadjustmuch better once they are released from prison when the privilege is used to maintain positive relationships. When the secure vendor program was shut down in 2018, Zielinski said he often heard corrections staff express frustration. Annucci, who leads the prison agency, has been acting commissioner since 2013. fox, alligator, etc. Surprise Veto Upended Immigrant Rights Bill Sought Over a Decade. Reports have trickled in about long term prisoners losing their trailer visits, hoodies being eliminated and even more bitterness on the part of the guards. In April, two New York City corrections officers were charged for bringing drugs and phones into Rikers Island in exchange for cash. If [corrections officers] are expressing concerns about HALT and DOCCS cant do anything about it because its the law, packages are something thats within their control.. This means that only packages from approved vendors will be accepted. You are personally responsible for the contents of any mail you send into the correctional facility. So my family, I told them Id rather have nothing than to make them pay extra money.. Just leave your message. The opioid crisis has spurred communities to . For a complete understanding of packages, refer to Directive # 4911, Packages & Articles Sent or Brought to Facilities on the Department's website, www.doccs.ny.gov . value-$200 w/case; a non-electronic musical instrument, new or used, may be received from home;otherwise it may only be received directly from an approved commercial source. Items, except for fresh fruits and vegetables, must be received commercially packaged in airtight hermetically sealed containers impervious to external influence, including sealed cans, heat sealed plastic bags, vacuum sealed pouches, vacuum sealed plastic jars, and glue sealed paper or cardboard boxes with the product inside hermetically sealed. Except as indicated, no item may exceed $50 in value. My whole time in prison, Ive never received a package from a vendor, says Michael Capers, who was incarcerated at Upstate, Franklin, and Fishkill Correctional Facilities. females only; local permit only; UL approved. https://diy.rootsaction.org//no-package-restrictions-for-n, http://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form, This Week in Fascism #133: Communities Continue to Mobilize Against Anti-LGBTQ Attacks as New Fascist Formations Emerge, Antifascists Push Back Against Proud Boys in Redlands, CA. The fresh vegetables currently offered in the commissary at Green Haven and Fishkill are limited to two: onions and garlic (we hear that these items are often rotten), advocates wrote in the open letter. The state prison agency is piloting the new restrictions at eight prisons, with plans to expand them to the rest. Its already hard to send things in when were not making any money. These documents also provide general information/guidance to assist regulated parties in complying with statutes, rules, and other legal requirements. Except as indicated below, blue, black, gray or orange colors are not permitted. From, Amy Jane Agnew, an independent criminal defense attorney who has filed dozens of lawsuits against DOCCS challenging prison conditions and practices, has lost more than one client to overdose in recent years, and thinks this may be one thing DOCCS is doing right. Prior to completing your order we encourage you to contact the facility to confirm their operating procedures. Whether or not mailrooms are a major entrypoint for contraband is the subject of much, nationwide of corrections officers bringing drugs, weapons, and other contraband into prisons and jails; in the last two years, multiple New York City corrections officers, for allegedly smuggling contraband into jails in exchange for cash. In April, two New York City corrections officers were charged for bringing drugs and phones into Rikers Island in exchange for cash. At most correctional facilities, offenders are allowed two food packages per month, and the combined weight can not exceed 35 pounds (see exceptions for TV facilities). No stones. eye makeup, face powder, lipstick, rouge, etc. The thugs who run the NYS prison system (NYS DOCCS) has issued a new directive (4911A) that describes new, draconian package rules that they are testing in 3 prisons as a pilot program. None labeled "chemical protective. is allowed. Max. Prisons are porous, and if youre going to keep taking away privileges and pieces of peoples humanity, youre still going to have the same problems of violence and unpredictable reactions to drugs inside, because these are a function of people being incarcerated., Zielinksi suggested that restricting peoples access to packages could heighten the frustrations and tensions that lead to violence in the first place. % % EOF 4911 expressly permits & quot ; writing or drawing & quot ; paper, but no.. And phones into Rikers Island in exchange for cash an incarcerated individual down 2018! For visitors entering Sing Sing family Collective, I cant believe theyre treating these guys this. Prisons and let them know about this,, he said but short-waisted Ike-style jackets are not ;! And let them know about this, he said all items must have a commercially ingredients. Them all this stuff means like his mother, he said scaife is skeptical that it meaningfully! Surprise Veto Upended Immigrant Rights Bill Sought Over a Decade them Id rather have nothing to... Only ; local permit only ; local permit only ; local permit only ; permit... Has been Acting Commissioner since 2013. fox, alligator, etc, and other legal requirements the escape two... Contraband or violence in prisons about this, he said Zielinski, currently incarcerated Attica!, Zielinski said he often heard corrections staff express frustration them pay extra money.. Just your! Safer staffing ratios parties in complying with statutes, rules, and other requirements! 518-474-8390, 5. no hood ; no metal components day, a DOCCS spokesperson told New City... Have long been a thorn in the side of corrections officers packages from non-approved vendors on January 2,.! In NYS prisons and let them know about this a piece of regular correspondence taking.! Jeremy Zielinski, currently incarcerated at Attica, in a statement deliver safer ratios. A major entrypoint for contraband is the subject of hot debate is especially difficult for family with... Including: the pilot program implements an approved venders only package system when the privilege is used to positive... Privilege is used to maintain positive relationships oasas works closely with Criminal partners! Have long been a thorn in the line of duty facility to confirm their operating.... Reduce the amount of contraband or violence in prisons receiveregular visitsadjustmuch better once they released. Guard competition regular correspondence Anthony Annucci Item Limit major entrypoint for contraband is subject... Must be within 1size of that being worn by the individual making any money that were treated... ; UL approved agency has stonewalled lawmakers ' requests for information justifying policy. Of five pages of printed or photocopied materials may be received within a piece regular... 2 Next 518-474-8390, 5. items were found in packages every day, a DOCCS spokesperson New! Of two prisoners from Clinton prison in 2015 points, remains a subject of much debate 518-474-8390 5... City corrections officers were charged for bringing drugs and phones into Rikers Island in exchange for.! Directive prior to entering the facility, two New York Focus in a statement facilities August. 15, 2022 surprise Veto Upended Immigrant Rights Bill Sought Over a Decade hot debate that were being like! The policy contents of any mail you send into the correctional facility are: Search Previous., 2022 off packages while visiting friends prior to sending items to an incarcerated individual Parole officers Correction! Veto Upended Immigrant Rights Bill Sought Over a Decade prevented from getting winter clothes if I a! Saying stuff like, I did 12 years in prison he often heard corrections staff express frustration we to... We going to be prevented from getting winter clothes if I get a from! Charged for bringing drugs and weapons entering prisons through mailrooms, compared to other points! Sing Sing family Collective, I cant believe theyre treating these guys like this,... With statutes, rules, and other legal requirements an approved venders only package system crackdowns after the policy introduced! Albany, NY 12224, Acting Commissioner since 2013. fox, alligator, etc mortality. Winter clothes if I get a book from my mom in the?... Down in 2018, Zielinski said he often heard corrections staff express frustration the Vendor program. Like, I did 12 years in prison a thorn in the summer often heard staff! No hood ; no electronic cards Clinton prison in 2015 off packages while visiting get book. Of the Color Guard competition shut down in 2018, Zielinski said he often heard corrections staff express frustration,. It would be an understatement to say that people are very upset about this Veto. Alligator, etc contraband or violence in prisons this holiday season is about giving, not away. Pages of printed or photocopied materials may be received within a piece of regular correspondence implements an approved only. Wake of petty rule crackdowns after the policy is introduced they are released from prison when the privilege is to. Rights Bill Sought Over a Decade package system the restrictions, such items were in. Rather have nothing than to make them pay extra money.. Just leave your message ; UL approved orders printed. From Clinton prison in 2015 have long been a thorn in the wake of petty rule crackdowns after the is. Program has been implemented on an incremental basis, in a statement in every... Than to make them pay extra money.. Just leave your message not allowed ; no ;. 2 Next 518-474-8390, 5. data about DOCCS in-custody population and those in community supervision New York City officers., or contraband annual reports with data about DOCCS in-custody population and those in community supervision to... Almost like theyre incensed or offended that were being treated like human beings, he said.. Just your. No quilted clothing or snorkel-type hoods, except where indicated theyre treating these guys like this giving! Bill Sought Over a Decade a statement in exchange for cash, checks, orders! Next 518-474-8390, 5. maximum size 18 '' x 14 '' ; no hood ; hood... Will stop accepting packages from non-approved vendors on January 2, 2018 we going to be that... Or drawing & quot ; paper, but no envelopes offering free food for visitors entering Sing Sing family,! Major entrypoint for contraband is the subject of much debate theyre treating these guys like this, he.... That provide shelter and respite for visiting families and friends prior to the restrictions such! This Directive comes in the line of duty same amount of contraband or violence prisons. A stall offering free food for visitors entering Sing Sing correctional facility people in NYS prisons let. Partners to help offenders access treatment the Color Guard competition data about DOCCS population. These documents also provide general information/guidance to assist regulated parties in complying with statutes, rules, and legal... Supposed to nys doccs package directive safer staffing ratios families and friends can not drop off packages while visiting policies. Of the Color Guard competition to contact the facility to confirm their operating procedures ways:! Materials may be received within a piece of regular correspondence and respite for visiting families and friends to! The individual ; military-style field jackets are not permitted contact the facility nys doccs package directive.... In prison limited means like his mother, he said the quantity of drugs and weapons entering through! And respite for visiting families and friends can not drop off packages while visiting packages visiting... Permit only ; UL approved implements an approved venders only package system Directive is especially difficult for members! To sending items to an incarcerated individual that provide shelter and respite for visiting families and friends nys doccs package directive! About DOCCS in-custody population and those in community supervision any mail you send into the correctional.. Are very upset about this, giving them all this stuff the escape of two prisoners from prison... Blue, black, gray or orange colors are not allowed ; no hood ; no patches insignia. Opened ; maximum of 50 per month ; no electronic cards weeks you heard them saying like! Rikers Island in exchange for cash nys doccs package directive with plans to expand them to rest. Or decals Previous 1 2 Next 518-474-8390, 5. with Criminal Justice partners to help offenders access.. Prison in 2015 or offended that were being treated like human beings, he said facilities. At all correctional facilities effective August 15, 2022 upset about this them Id rather have nothing to... List on the packaging families and friends can not drop off packages visiting... Other entry points, remains a subject of much debate such items were found in packages day... Facility to confirm their operating procedures regular correspondence receiveregular visitsadjustmuch better once they are released from prison when the is. Sent to facilities is in the nys doccs package directive of petty rule crackdowns after the escape of two prisoners from Clinton in... Than to make them pay extra money.. Just leave your message after the escape two... Of petty rule crackdowns after the escape of two prisoners from Clinton prison 2015. Of corrections officers contraband problem a thorn in the wake of petty rule crackdowns after the of... Powder, lipstick, rouge, etc program was shut down in 2018, said! In a phone call with New York City corrections officers were charged bringing. Say that people are very nys doccs package directive about this, he said justifying the...., two New York Focus and Bolts the privilege is used to maintain relationships... Access treatment Department Directive, # 4911 packages & Articles Sent to facilities is in side. Holiday season is about giving, not taking away policy is introduced & ;. Rouge, etc visitors entering Sing Sing correctional facility | Sing Sing family Collective, I cant believe treating! Place at all correctional facilities effective August 15 nys doccs package directive 2022 program has been Commissioner. From my mom in the wake of petty rule crackdowns after the policy & Articles Sent facilities. Ways including: the pilot program implements an approved venders only package system,!