Study: Unairconditioned Texas prisons violate human rights

video:
http://www.wfaa.com/news/texas-news/256350841.html

AUSTIN -- A three dozen page report suggests Texas' extreme summer heat is making unairconditioned prisons literal ovens.

"Every year, like clockwork, the incredible heat in Texas prisons is killing people," said Brian McGiverin, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project who has represented inmates in heat-related lawsuits against the state. According to the report, 14 inmates have died from heat-related illness since 2007.

Headed by University of Texas School of Law Human Rights Clinic director Ariel Dulitzky, the report argues dangerous temperatures violate the U.S. Constitution's prohibition against "cruel and unusual punishment" as well as inmates' human rights. In addition to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Dulitzky plans to submit the report and its findings to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture.

"We say that this is inhuman, degrading treatment, but it's a question of severity," said Dulitzky. "So we feel that this is close to torture, but we don't call this torture."

With the exception of hospitals, psychiatric facilities, armories and the offices of wardens, Texas prisons are generally unairconditioned. Inmates are allowed to purchase fans for $22.50 in order to circulate the air in their cells. The report argues the price is prohibitively expensive, and cites the suggestion by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that fans are ineffective in preventing heat stroke at temperatures rise above 90 degrees at 35 percent humidity.

According to date collected from TDCJ, temperatures inside the largely unairconditioned prison buildings regularly reaches temperatures considered extremely dangerous by the National Weather Service. One TDCJ document showed the heat index recorded inside the Hutchins State Jail in Dallas on July 19, 2011, reached 120 degrees by 9:30 a.m. and peaked at more than 150 degrees in the afternoon. The report argues Texas should join a number of other southern and southwestern states which prohibit temperatures from rising above 85 degrees inside correctional facilities.

Attorney Jeff Edwards represents the families of eight inmates who died during the broiling summers of 2011 and 2012, all whom suffered from disabilities that made them more sensitive to extreme heat. Edwards accuses TDCJ of knowingly ignoring the risks posed by excessive heat and failing to protect inmates who are particularly susceptible to being overcome by the high temperatures.

"Heat stroke, unlike almost any other illness that people die from in prison, is completely preventable. All you need to do is lower the temperature," said Edwards. "And they've chosen not to do that."

"What they've done is deliver a Gatorade jug of water two to three times a day to 50 plus men. That is not acceptable," argued Edwards. "Every citizen in Texas would say you know what yes, sure, if you do the crime, do the time. But you ought to be able to do it in a way that you live."

The department explained those protocols in a statement to KVUE via e-mail Tuesday afternoon:

The well being of staff and offenders is a top priority for the agency and we remain committed to making sure that both are safe during the extreme heat.

TDCJ takes precautions to help reduce heat – related illnesses
such as providing water and ice to staff and offenders in work and housing areas, restricting offender activity during the hottest parts of the day, and training staff to identify those with heat related illnesses and refer them to medical staff for treatment.

Although a detailed cost analysis has not been done, retrofitting
facilities with air conditioning would be extremely expensive. It should be noted that medical, psychiatric, and geriatric units are air conditioned.

Below are some system wide protocols that units utilize during extreme heat.
*Provide additional water; ice is provided if available in the work and housing areas
*Restrict outside activity (work hours) in accordance with agency policy
*Ensure all staff and offenders working in areas of extreme heat (e.g., field, maintenance, yard squad) are provided frequent water breaks
*Transport offenders during the coolest hours of the day
*Screen outgoing offenders to ensure the selected mode of transportation is appropriate
*Load and unload transfer vehicles as quickly as possible
*Refill water coolers on buses at various times during the trip to maintain water at appropriate temperature
*When utilizing fans, air is drawn through the structure and exhausted outside, taking full advantage of the fresh air exchange system or prevailing winds to assist in the movement of air, as applicable
*Increase airflow by utilizing blowers, when appropriate, normally used to move hot air in the winter; attach ribbons to vents to ensure blowers are being used appropriately
*Allow additional showers for offenders when feasible
*Allow offenders to wear shorts in dayrooms and recreational areas
*All custody levels are allowed fans.
*Train employees and offenders so they are aware of the signs and
treatment for heat-related illnesses
*TDCJ staff and medical providers work closely together to identify offenders susceptible to heat related issues. A list of identified offenders is provided to housing officers who conduct frequent wellness checks on the offenders.

The agency strives to mitigate the impact of temperature extremes.
Again, TDCJ is committed to making sure that offenders and staff
are safe during the extreme heat.

Screw them.

Our soldiers endure worse.

Begin Quote:


How do soldiers in Afghanistan tolerate the heat during the hot summers, with all that gear and clothing on?
Props to them; I could never do that! Even in 80 degree while wearing just a t-shirt and shorts, I often sweat profusely and feel myself losing it. Do they simply chug massive amounts ...show more
Update : Also, in Iraq -- I hear it can reach 120 degrees! HOW DO THEY DO IT?
Best Answer

Chris answered 2 years ago

"The reason they can survive is that their bodies have become acclimatized to the severe heat, its the process your body takes to regulate your internal temp. Also the reason they where what they do is that the more covered they are the less the sun can hit them, and you lose more fluids from the sun hitting your bare skin than you do from the heat. Also like everyone was saying you drink alot of water.

Take it from me when i was in afgan It was 130 in the shade and 160 in the direct sun and at first it sucked, but after your body acclimatizes, and you make sure you have enough fluids you stop noticing the heat."
Source: Yahoo answers

Silly me! I always thought prison was a place they sent people to atone for crimes or attacks on others.

It has become such a profit driven industry these days that they are practically a source of envy for people in retirement on fixed incomes!

No wonder there is no such thing as rehabilitation in criminals today. Like welfare, why go straight or get a job when you get more or better doing nothing to reform your circumstance?

Save America some money. Arm them and drop them in a war zone!

WahLah.... instant crime reduction! Hunger Games!