State ACLU calls for independent investigation into prisons system
By Yvonne Wenger
COLUMBIA — The seriousness and number of complaints lobbed by prison workers and inmates against the S.C. Department of Corrections prompted the state's American Civil Liberties Union office on Tuesday to call for more independent investigation.
The request comes after the state Legislative Audit Council dropped plans for a survey of working conditions in the agency. Prisons Director Jon Ozmint had criticized the survey as being an effort to blame administrators for the agency's woes.
"With the population exploding and the corrections budget ever smaller, prison conditions within the state's Department of Corrections have deteriorated dramatically in recent years," said Graham Boyd, interim executive director of the ACLU South Carolina Office. "There has been no accountability to the taxpayers who fund the system, the employees who work in the prisons or the individuals who are incarcerated in them."
Boyd said the state Corrections Department should invite the National Institute of Corrections, an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice, into the prisons to investigate operations.
A number of lawsuits involving the S.C. Department of Corrections linger, as do allegations of mismanagement, inmate abuse and a hostile work environment, Boyd said. Prisoner complaints brought to the ACLU in recent years include inadequate medical and mental health care, involuntary drugging and physical restraint of inmates with mental illness, sexual assault, overcrowding and harsh disciplinary measures without due process, he said.
Previous stories
ACLU files suit supporting Platt's right to be on ballot, published 08/08/08
ACLU opens Charleston office; Interim executive director discusses controversial issues South Carolinians face, published 07/03/08
Meanwhile, the agency was forced to run a deficit last year and is projecting another shortfall due to the Legislature's lack of funding. At $45 a day, South Carolina spends less per inmate than any other state.
Gov. Mark Sanford's press secretary, Joel Sawyer, said the governor welcomes scrutiny of his Cabinet agency.
"Our concern with the Department of Corrections is the complete lack of funding; Corrections is already cut to the bone," Sawyer said. "Rather than take responsibility for the lack of funding, the Legislature sought to pass the buck onto the director."
Josh Gelinas, communications director for the Corrections Department, said an investigation by the National Institute of Corrections would be invited. The agency, in fact, encouraged the state auditors to use the institute's expertise.
Mike Fair, a Greenville Republican and chairman of the Senate Corrections Committee, said a second audit would be redundant. He helped initiate the Legislative Audit Council's review about this time last year after a Senate panel was exposing issues within the agency.
The state auditors are charged with analyzing agency funding, reviewing policies on hostage situations and inmate escapes and looking at hiring practices and working conditions. The review is expected to be completed by the spring, Legislative Audit Council Director George Schroeder said.
Sen. Phil Leventis, a Sumter Democrat and a member of the Senate Corrections Committee, said he believes issues at the Corrections Department are a result of its director.
"He tries to lead by intimation," Leventis said of Ozmint.
The audit council said it dropped the survey because Ozmint wrote to employees in an e-mail, "It is easy and tempting to blame your immediate superiors, your senior leadership or this agency for low pay, low staffing, crowded prisons and insufficient equipment. However, all of those problems are controlled by lawmakers."
The audit council cited federal standards that say audit organizations should be free of impairments to independence, including pressure from managers or employees, according to The Associated Press.
The workers' survey would have been part of the audit council's review.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said he was disappointed by Ozmint's interference in the auditors' survey. Still, he has not been presented with any evidence that the prison system is corrupt or mismanaged but he would consider supporting the ACLU's call for additional examination.
"Overall, my experience with Ozmint has been he's been a straight-shooter," McConnell said. "You're always going to have complaints and you're always going to have criticism that you could do it better."
Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
carolinadude (anonymous) says...
Glenn,
In my view the ACLU should be auditing the SC General Assembly and exposing why the lawmakers of SC prefer to fund Green Bean museums, local grits festivals etc rather that public safety. Come on Glenn, GET REAL! VOTE THE INCUMBENTS OUT IN NOVEMBER!
August 27, 2008 at 4:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
In your more liberal and progressive states the ACLU lawyers are working overtime to pass legislation to allow convicted felons to vote in elections. It's only natural for ACLU lawyers who don't believe in property rights or your right to defend life, family and property to look out for the rights of criminals. Birds of a feather flock together. We also got the November election coming up and Obama needs all the votes he can get. Socialists and criminals have a lot in common. They both like to take something away that belongs to you.
I would like to see these criminals pay their debt to society. The animal conditions that exist in prison is a product of their behavior. These people will not see the light of their ways any more than I can convince a socialist that the money I work for is mine. A socialist and a criminal feels they are entitled to my money. These people have a lot in common and it is only natural for them to support each other.
August 27, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
Of course criminals are going to complain. Nobody's guilty in a prison, we all know that!
The ACLU is pathetic and should be run out of town on a rail...quickly.
August 27, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
The one county in Arizona has the right concept for a prison.
August 27, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lou9 (anonymous) says...
Gee whiz, you mean prison is really not a fun place to be? Maybe the ACLU should go in and serve the prisoners tea and cookies. While they are at it they can bend over and grab their ankles, which is about the only thing they are good at.
August 27, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
jeff61-I wish so badly we would implement that type of prison system here.It's a big crime deterent when these thugs get to realize prison isnt summer camp anymore.I agree with ColdBeer as well.$45 per day?I wish I could remember how much it costs the sherriff in AZ.I believe it's under a buck a day.Imagine how much money we'd save?
August 27, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Johnq2...
are you emailing from inside the democratic convention or outside?
August 27, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Now, if we actually exercised the death penalty. By keeping the same funding, we could then both reduce overcrowded conditions and increase the cost available per inmate. Everyone wins.
August 27, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
Some of you guy's watch way to much Bill Oreilly, and would be suprised at how many of the people who throw rocks at the ACLU run to them for help when they are being investigated.
August 27, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
Politics? Yeah, it doesn't matter which side of the fence you're on, you HAVE to agree with this guy:
YouTube - The Second American Revolution
That's where we are headed, folks.
August 27, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Two_Sheds (anonymous) says...
Y'all know what the cool thing about setting up a "tent prison" (like in AZ) here in SC would be? Besides the heat, they'd have to put up with the extreme humidity and mosquitos, neither of which AZ has! That'll learn em'!
August 27, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
I seriously doubt if the sheriff of Maricopa county is scared of the ACLU. The man has accomplished too much and has support from all across the country.
It is a crying shame that the rest of the country doesn't follow his example. He has proven that his system works, and for the life of me I don't see why no other areas are following suit.
August 27, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
USC_ Alumni
That's the great thing about a free republic, we don't have a ministry of information.
August 27, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
john_doe45 = tripsa
August 27, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
You know what amazes me?After Michelle Obama had made a speech saying Hillary Clinton couldn't run her own house,how could she run the whitehouse?(thats a quote)Clinton is so pitiful she said last night that Michelle would be a great first lady.It shows politicians will stop at nothing to get ahead.Clinton however didnt even say last night that O'bama was competent,capable or anything!Because everyone knows that he's inexperienced and incompetent.The only persons experience she touted was McCains!
August 27, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
???? I was out of town this weekend, but when I came back they had deleted all of the comments from the article on Obama's running mate. A tell tell sign that things got a little rough. So I am not sure but there writing styles are eerily similar.
August 27, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Maybe there was another breakdown along the same lines as archdude? I disappointed I missed the fun!
August 27, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Like a bad penny, Hillary will be back in 2012. McCain will be a one term president and it would make sense for her to denied support for Obama.
August 27, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
my bad writing habits.... using there when I should have used their, and not including am........
One of the reasons I started blogging is to keep sharp on my writing skills while writing on the fly (writing this to keep grammer nazis at bay).
August 27, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I feel that we really need a moderate as President, a pragmatist that can see merit on both sides of the table. That is what is wrong with our country now, too many extremist polarizing the two sides. No wonder congress has as low of an approval rating as they do, it is because they all are a bunch of extremist on both sides. It is almost like having a bunch of RWs and Johnq2s running the country.
August 27, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
jonesy,.I am not the best speller, but when typing on the fly I don't always have a chance to use spell check.
August 27, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
I agree Riptide. Well said.
The ACLU is such a joke...in my opinion.
August 27, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
jonesy
John Bolton Sec. of State? I really can not stand John Bolton. Every country in the world would hate us. I did like Colin Powell, probably the only guy in Bush's cabinet that I did like.
I would really have to think about a dream ticket. I don't respect many politicians, demos or repubs.
August 27, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
C_J It's not just you.Michelle O'Bama is an angry,bitter woman and it shows on her face.They went to that disgusting church for 20yrs,had Rev Wright marry them and he baptized their kids as well.O'Bama called him a friend and mentor.Not only was Rev Wright a divisive idiot,he's a racist and a pig.Did anyone see the video of him making humping motions with an outstretched hand mocking Bill Clintons affair with Monica Lewinsky?At the PULPIT!!!The moment any church leader of mine started humping at the pulpit-I'd run the hell outta there,not call the guy a mentor.
August 27, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Probably not wpc3iop.He'll still be up O'Bamas butt.
August 27, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Oz (anonymous) says...
WOW these bunghole brains from the ACLU don't get it HEY crimals DON"T HAVE RIGHTS you morons they lost them!!
Get over it ALCU and get out of my State and get the hell out of my country and STOP breathing my air or better yet just stop breathing!
ALCU your ruining America go away andtake the people who think you do honest good with you...scumbags
August 27, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I would love to discuss more jonsey but busy today, I agree respect is more important than being liked, but the "us against the world" mentality can be problematic.
tripsa excuse me john_doe45, curious what caused you to get kicked out?
You can send me a message if you don't want the whole world to know.....
anyhoo, to me respect and love comes hand and hand...so back at ya john_doe45.
August 27, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JLWDALFAN (anonymous) says...
WHAT NERVE!! CRIMINALS ARE COMPLAINING. I'M SO SORRY FOR THEM BEING MISTREATED. BUT IT'S PRISON YOU IDIOTS, YOU DID SOMETHING BAD TO GET HERE. I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE TO WORK TO REPAY FOR THERE ROOM & BOARD. AND ABSOLUTELY NO CABLE TV. YOU CAN WATCH THE 3 FREE CHANNELS. THE GUY IN AZ IS RUNNING A PRISON LIKE IT SHOULD BE. EVERY SINGLE PRISONER SHOULD HAVE TO WORK. THEY ALSO SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE CLASSES ON HOW TO STOP BEING A THUG!!! LOL
August 27, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
all of these comments are one sided. 1st of all the prisoners are human beings and are US citizens and DO have rights. we take better care of suspected terroist prisoners in " gitmo bay " then we do our own. the terrorists at " gitmo bay " have more rights then our own!!! there needs to be an investigation inside our prisons to see what is going on with the suspected corruption and cover up so it can be fixed and become a safer place for an inmate and employee. they are understaffed and they are not supplied with the proper equipment to do there jobs safely and efficiently. if no one else is going to step up and investigate...i welcome this investigation!!!
August 27, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Good post RW...
I got one more for dianed43...
Prisons are punishment for the crimes committed. It's not a resort in some Caribbean island even though I do like to see Devil's island come back for some of our most harden criminals. When you make prison into a comfortable place, a lot of times prisoners do not want to leave. They get 3 squares a day, drugs, sex, recreation, library, entertainment, TV, movies and free medical care. We had one prisoner get an organ transplant in California a few years back. Somehow people like you felt that these prisoners are people too with rights. This one prisoner got on a waiting list for an organ transplant and not only that but jump ahead of all these other people on this waiting list. The irony of all this, this prisoner died a short time later because he didn't follow the doctor's instructions for post op. This doesn't say much for people who did everything right in life only to see this convicted killer jump ahead of them on this organ list. This is in a liberal progressive state of The People's Republic of California.
August 27, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Welcome back Sofa and Kock Ring..
August 27, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cpienciak (anonymous) says...
RW-MY SISTER IS THE VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME. HER SON/MY NEPHEW(JAMES BELLI JR) WAS MURDERED AUG 24,2006 IN LEIBER. HE WAS IN FOR ROBBERY RECEIVED AND 8 YEARS SENTENCE AND AFTER ONLY BEING IN PRISON FOR 4 MONTHS WAS MURDERED. HE KNEW HE DID WRONG AND JUST WANTED TO DO HIS TIME, BUT HE NEVER HAD THE CHANCE. HE KNEW HIS LIFE WAS IN DANGER AND ASKED FOR A TRANSFER BUT THE WARDEN AND CROOKED GUARDS JUST TURNED THEIR BACKS. YOU PEOPLE COMPLAIN WHEN PEOPLE FILE LAW SUITS THIS IS WHY CLEAN OUT THE CORRUPTION AND MAYBE THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO ANOTHER PERSON AND FAMILY. PEOPLE HAVE TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR NOT DOING THEIR JOBS!!!!!
CORRUPTION FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM!!!!! JUSTICE FOR JAMES!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU ACLU FOR WAKING UP AND FINALLY DOING SOMETHING!!!
August 28, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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