URGENT UPDATE: Starting December 15, 2023, Arizona prisons will eliminate physical mail for inmates, transitioning to digital scans, a move that has sparked immediate controversy among families and advocates. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) claims this change aims to reduce contraband, but relatives worry it could severely impact the mental health of incarcerated individuals.
Families are expressing deep concern over the loss of physical mail, which many view as a vital connection to their loved ones. “We’re close. We’ve always been close,” said one Valley woman, who wished to remain anonymous due to her brother’s incarceration. He has been behind bars for 13 years on a murder conviction and has reportedly excelled as a model inmate. “He’s become a certified paralegal, helping others with grievances,” she added, highlighting the importance of maintaining personal connections through letters.
The ADCRR’s decision comes after incidents where contraband was smuggled into facilities, including a recent hospitalization of four female prisoners in Goodyear due to drug-soaked paper. Officials state that all general mail will be sent to a facility in Texas for scanning before being delivered digitally to inmates’ tablets or kiosks within the prisons.
“There’s something really special about getting a piece of mail in your hands and opening it,” the woman emphasized. She believes that the new policy dehumanizes inmates by stripping away personal items such as family photos and children’s drawings. “It’s just another factor in essentially dehumanizing people rather than trying to make it better,” she stated, calling for transparency and accountability from officials.
Despite the shift, the ADCRR has confirmed that legal mail and packages will continue to be delivered physically. Families and advocates are demanding more information on the effectiveness of this new digital mail system, questioning its necessity given the emotional toll it may take on inmates.
As Arizona prepares for this significant policy change, the emotional ramifications for families and inmates alike remain a pressing concern. Advocates are urging officials to consider alternative measures that address safety without compromising the well-being of those incarcerated.
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