Tonight (Sept-16-03) at Baker Correctional Institution at approximately 7 Pm Eastern - a Black Prisoner was stabbed by a White prisoner on the yard. Baker was in lock down until about 8:30 Pm. No other information but the prisoner was airlifted out. Last word is he did not die.

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ALERT: FOOD DISTURBANCE AT BAKER

RE:  Disturbance at Baker CI
Tuesday 02/04/2003

Twenty Five inmates were shipped to Florida State Prison on Feb 3, 2003 for causing a disturbance over food service. All of region II riot squads were on call for if and when an outbreak occured. Well, it did. I wonder if the news media has gotten ahold of this story concerning the improper feeding of inmates by the State contractor Aramark.

This is it........ Aramark is putting many lives in jeapordy with its small portions, undercooked, and nasty food. Inmates and Officers alike are in danger of getting seriously hurt or killed over this situtation. What are we to do?

Signed: An Officer

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Wednesday Feb 5, 2003
From: Security Staff Member/Baker Correctional
Comments: Aramark

Twenty five inmates had to take the fall for a whole compound of angry/hungry inmates. These inmates were shipped to Florida State Prison in Starke, FL. Why? Because they had the guts to do what management has known for a long time now. No one was hurt in this. During the Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner meals, all 1,200 inmates stayed inside their dorms and choose not to report to the chow hall for their meal. Inmates have written requests, issued informal grievances, and even formal grievances concerning the food contractor Aramark.

Today, Feb 4, 2003, all of the high officials from Aramark and DC were inside Baker Correctional Institution to fix what they have know has been broken for years. Now, Twenty-five inmates, who did not start a riot, did not lay a finger on anyone, did not threaten staff or resort to any other type of violence were shipped to a total lock down institution. FOR WHAT? I commend the inmates for standing up for their basic civil rights without using violence. It is a shame that it took the guts of these inmates to get the attention of management.

I wish the news media would pick up on this story. Why are these men now housed at FSP? How can DC officials prove that they were the ring leaders? Hell, all inmates at Baker should have been shipped to lock-down. I hope people will look at this situtation and see that sometimes, even an inmate has a right to voice his/her civil rights.

For staff, we got very lucky this time. In two short days, inmates were able to organize over a thousand to skip their meals and go hungry. This is a big deal. Pay attention. Next time, and I am sure there will be, staff and inmates alike may not get out of this without physical force and injury.

MARCH 7, 2003:
Important that you know several of the Baker C.I. inmates that were transferred to FSP because of the food service Boycott have ended up at New River West, the backyard of FSP.

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WISE CHOICES:  IMPROVED FOOD

Friday, May 09, 2003

I haven't seen any new posts lately but I just wanted you to know that because of the action of the inmates at Baker with the Aramark incident that major improvements have been made.

I for one have always believed that one of the most important things in a prison setting in keeping order (There is usually 25-30 of us with 800-1000 of them) is to feed them well. The entire menu system has been changed and now almost every inmate in my dorm goes to most every meal. All inmates I have asked are really impressed with the food and it's not like it just lasted a week or two while the "bigwigs" were there. This has been a while now and things seem to be improving more. Just thought I would let you know.

An Officer at Baker

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Thank you for this update.  I have indeed been getting reports from several institutions lately that the food has improved.  I will post this (without your email and name) on the Baker site.  My hat is off to the DOC for making a wise choice to do something about the food before someone really got hurt. Kay Lee

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RE: ARAMARK AGAIN and VISITOR'S TREATMENT TOO
September 16, 2003

Just one month ago they had so many cases of intestinal illness at Baker C.I. that they had to call in the health department. Naturally, no one was told what they found.

Although most of us do not have criminal backgrounds and are working taxpayers, we are treated like criminals when we go to visit our loved ones. The only way to have a chance to change things is to make our voices heard, however, when we do that, we put our loved ones at risk of retribution from the department and their "enforcers".

Is there no one in power out there that can understand and appreciate the fact that our loved ones may have done wrong, but do not deserve to be treated like animals? Do they REALLY believe that there are no "bogus" DRs and that our loved ones are not still subjected to physical abuse at the whim of certain guards?

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Nomination - Deserving DOC Employee

MTWT Gold Star Award is hereby awarded to
CHAPLAIN FRED PRIESTER Baker CI, Sanderson, FL 

Chaplain Priester goes the extra mile for all inmates. He goes above and beyond and has the heart of GOLD.  He understands, takes the time inmates need to talk, and he actually listens and remembers what they tell him.  He makes sure that all the guys are spiritually fed and allows them to actually feel loved by someone. He constantly has ministry volunteers come to the Chapel to bring wonderful music, seminars, bible studies and much, much more.  He always has materials and bibles available for all who need it. He keeps up with a variety of music so that there is something for everyone, from the young all the way to the older guys.  He is one employee that DOC never recognizes and HE IS ONE THAT SHOULD ALWAYS BE RECOGNIZED.  If you ask ANY inmate at BAKER CI they will tell you how wonderful CHAPLAIN PRIESTER IS and what he has done for them spiritually, mentally and physically.  HE CARES and it is truly a blessing for BAKER!

Kmh258@aol.com
Fri, 14 Feb 2003

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Visitors to Baker CI would like to nominate
Sgt. Gay and Sgt. Wheeler
for the MTWT Gold Star Award for Professionalism.

Also deserving of the MTWT Gold Star award are
Ms. McCray, Ms. Mitchell, and Ms. Starling
Who realize that professionalism and courtesy can be maintained in one entity.

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