Middle Ground Prison Reform

Recent events at Rynnibg Unit are frightening for inmates and their loved ones. Every person in prison is convicted of some wrongdoing, but should not have to live in fear for their own personal safety. The ADCRR has failed miserably to address issues of gang violence, drug introduction by staff and inmates, staff shortages, constitutionally adequate healthcare and a myriad of other issues. The Director wishes the media would focus on his Reentry efforts, and we don’t oppose such work. But just like building a house, the foundation and framing are most important to the structure itself, rather than the decoration. He has no plan and, worse, no clue how to address and resolve these fundamental safety and security issues. The Receiver will greatly help with medical care, but will take some time to get up and running and have an impact. We will continue our ongoing efforts to educate the public and legislators about what is really taking place behind that concertina wire fence.

The district court today has ordered the Az. DOC healthcare system into receivership, which means the court appointed receiver will make all decisions for healthcare for inmates in all state operated prisons (private prisons not affected). The judge excoriated Ryan Thornell, falling just short of calling him and his department “liars.” More information coming, but this is a gargantuan step in a better direction for any inmate requiring healthcare. Middle Ground has fed information to the Plaintiffs lawyers on this case since 2012.