Hope Is a Good Thing...and so Are Toe Nail Clippers
So in the course of reporting a story about several local inmates, I came across a Metro Public Health Department memo that outlines several complaints. Below are just a few real-life gripes from behind bars. The Shawshank Redemption this is not.
“On 11-9-07 at supper I received two hotdogs with bread but only one ketchup and one mustard for both. This was not enough for both hot dogs.”
Status: The complaint was investigated. The inmate was receiving the standard amount of condiments.
“Nurse got smart with me for no valid reason. I'm entitled to better treatment than that.”
Status: Nurse was interviewed, but there is no way to prove or disprove this allegation.
“The Christmas card my family sent to the jail was returned to sender. I want my Christmas cards. My rights are violated.”
Status: The complaint was investigated. Inmates are told all musical cards are returned because they contain contraband (metal). Inmate reminded of the jail mail policy he received upon intake.
“I have been denied medical treatment. I've not been able to cut my toenails in over a month.
Status: Complaint investigated. Nail clippings are performed on weekends according to staff availability and should be prioritized with all inmate medical needs. Nail clippings involve the use of a 'sharp' and inmates cannot keep clippers 'on their person' for security/safety reasons. The inmate appealed the medical response to the grievance. The Health Department reviewed the case and found in favor of the inmate since nail clippings had not been offered in a reasonable amount of time. The medical department proceeded to 'catch-up' on all nail clipping requests.”
Comments
Shit, I could have gotten the man some toenail clippers. I’m known to locate certain things from time to time.
Posted 05/16/2008 at 06:56:06 PMSo these are the complaints they mentioned. What about the incidents they didn't?
Like the inmate who was murdered by his cellmate in January? Or the prisoner who went 9 months in solitary confinement without a shower (or adequate mental health treatment)? Or the Metro inmate who received no treatment for a serious injured foot -- so bad that the judge asked about it at a court hearing?
Unclipped toenails and inadequate condiments are one thing. In-custody deaths and seriously deficient medical care is another.
Posted 05/16/2008 at 08:43:15 PMThose are on our radar. Check back in a week or two.
Posted 05/16/2008 at 09:37:39 PM