ISCC ADMINISTRATORS MAKE BAD SITUATIONS WORSE - PUT PRISONERS LIVES AND SECURITY AT RISK WITH UNNECESSARY LOCKDOWNS
When an inmate seeks protective custody because of pressures originating or culminating in his housing tier (a misnomer) at the ISCC, not only is that inmate removed from the tier, but the remaining population of the tier - from 80 to 100 men - are locked down as punishment, preventing those left behind from enjoying video visits, going to work, school or programs required by the parole board, heating meals, showering, or even using the toilet in private. These total lock downs can last anywhere from a few days to over a week. Although staff refuse to provide any outright official justification as to why these lock downs occur, there are mutterings that is is for investigatory purposes, to allow staff to figure out exactly who was involved, and what role they played the activities, be it a fight, or an inmate seeking protective custody. While that may well be a valid justification (not that justifications are necessary I suppose), it is rarely the case, as most lock downs occur when th