Families of SOs Community Group
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I have been making monthly visits to see my husband in a federal prison in Texas. The last two times I went, someone either fainted or had a health crisis brought on by the heat while waiting outside to get in to visit their loved on. The “shade” provided at this facility is a canvas canopy over a couple of cement benches (it’s more like filtered light than shade). There used to be a tree that provide better shade but was recently removed. After having to wait several hours in these conditions, it’s no wonder there haven’t been more health incidents. The two times I have witnessed this happening; ambulances were called and the patients were taken away. I am concerned because people of all ages and conditions (older, pregnant, little babies etc.…) put their health at risk to see their loved ones. Can we as visitors ask for better while we wait? There is no water; you can bring your while you wait, but you never know how long your wait is going to be. There are no bathrooms either; you either wait until you get in to the visitation room or go the gas station about a half-mile away. My most recent visit people were gathering in the shade created by the check in building but the guards told them they couldn’t be that close to the building while waiting; they had to move across the driveway and either wait in the sun; or go the covered benches. In the winter we all have to wait outside in the cold; as well as when it’s raining, storming, or snowing. It seems as if this prison in particular is trying to discourage visits with the poor conditions. I would like to know if there’s anything we can do to help this situation. Would a letter the warden or a congressperson help, or would it make things worse for our loved ones inside? I would also like to know if other facilities are similar in nature in how they treat the visitors.
I find the manner in which they treat the families----including the elderly and children----totally disgusting. After all, they have done absolutely nothing wrong except love an inmate; they should be treated better.
This kind of treatment is harsh and there is no reason for it.
You can flood the warden and perhaps the head of the BOP with letters explaining the situation. That may help and it cannot hurt. A letter to a Representative or Congressman may bring changes.
No, it is highly unlikely that the system would make it extra hard on the inmates if their families complained about the visiting yard procedures. These situations are not the type that usually cause any retaliation on the inmate.
I wish you luck. One thing for sure----if you never complain, nothing will get better for sure.
rewdiazepma
Last year, they brought up the long waits in the scorching heat. They had water available, but didn't last long in 100+ heat. The prison made changes and allowed the family members wait in another waiting area, so they were not in the sun.
See if your state has something like that and put in your recommendations.