REGARDING EDUCATION
Hamilton CI was one of the first prisons I focused on in Florida. Prisoners had told me that things did seem to get a bit better. I've always had compliments on the nurses and the educational staff. I'm sorry to hear it going bad again. Improvements in the DoC always seem so temporary.I've had compliments for years about Hamilton CI's quality education programs, even in the worst of times. I'm glad to see that the educators still care. But, after all the budget cuts, I have to wonder how much in the way of educational opportunities Hamilton prisoners still have? About what percent of the inmates take advantage of available programs? Is it because they don't care to improve their lot or is it because education is just not easily available anymore?
I know the budget for education of people in prison has dropped all over. Rehabilitation isn't really a priority with the department. Obviously neither is employee's safety, because bored minds and idle hands often lead to trouble.Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004SRe: HAMILTON CI: Great Site!I've been at Hamilton CI for many years. There are many problems here and things seem to be getting worse with the arrival of our new warden. Inmate and employee stress are going up. Many beds added in confinement to deal with expected problems.
Some things are going well. Medical seems to be trying to improve a few situations and the education staff continues to do a great job helping those who want help.The new warden at Hamilton CI is Wendel Whitehurst. He has been at 11 different prisons -- evidently he is the one brought in to "straighten out" problem areas. Tension has become very high since he arrived.
The Education Department, almost without exception, really is wonderful. The staff is dedicated to making a positive change in the lives of the men who come our way. We have had more GEDs than any other adult site for over three years!
You sent a letter to Tallahassee about a year ago about the computers at Jefferson that were supposed to come to Hamilton. Still don't have them..... I did get a call from someone and the computers were located. We sure could use them! In particular, the vocational classes had computers which were purchased with federal funds that should be in another federally funded program. I don't want to be a problem, but a wee bug in your ear seems to help.
Sec Crosby seems to want to cut out programs in as many prisons as he can. All the staff in Central Office who knew anything about what we do have quit in disgust. Those of us in the trenches are stranded trying to work with very little regional support and even less warden support.
Please don't use my name or link info back to me. I will be gone in a heartbeat if they have a reason to. Despite everything, my mission and purpose at Hamilton is still strong. I'm not ready to leave.
Thanks again for all you do.