The living conditions at Maximum Security Prison are inhumane. We ask that you take immediate action to address this crisis and move individuals out of this facility.

Maximum Security was built in the 1870s. It is solid brick, with no air conditioning or ventilation system in any cell. In 1977, U.S Chief Judge Raymond Pettine issued a legal opinion stating: "the record here overwhelmingly supports, and no one seriously disputes, the concession that the present Maximum Facility is irremediably obnoxious to constitutional standards and that it must be closed." He further states that Max's heating and non-existent ventilation system cannot be made to comply with Public Health Standards.

45 years later, our state continues to house incarcerated people in this building. During the summer of 2022, this facility incurred indoor temperatures of over 100 degrees. When community members made calls to RI Department of Corrections (RIDOC) requesting that fans be provided, we were informed that incarcerated people must buy their own from commissary at the cost of $18/fan, when they are making wages of $1-3/day. We were met with equal indifference when we then requested fans in solitary confinement, where incarcerated people are housed in windowless, cement cells 23+ hours every day, for weeks and months on end.

In the coming winter season, opposite but equally unacceptable conditions will occur. While RIDOC policies allow staff to wear coats, hats, and gloves to protect themselves from intolerably low temperatures, incarcerated people in Max are prohibited from doing the same.

Incarcerated people additionally report toxic mold; dirty water; and rodent and rat infestations. They inform us that mold and rust are rapidly painted over before inspections.

We have addressed complaints to the Department of Health and the Department of Capital Asset Management. However, at every turn we are told that ONLY RIDOC can respond to complaints about conditions inside the prison. For example, the Department of Environmental Management informed us that they can only investigate the quality of water being piped into the facility, not the water running inside the facility.

We have repeatedly requested inspection reports from RIDOC since 9/28/22, and have yet to receive them as of 11/2/22. 

How can RIDOC be expected to provide oversight of its own facilities? Why is the incarcerated population held separate from other Rhode Islanders when it comes to government standards of safety and health? Why is there no external oversight or enforcement of health codes at the ACI?

As Governor, you are responsible for the wellbeing of ALL Rhode Islanders, including incarcerated people, and you are the only external party who can affect change behind the walls. We call on you to: 

1. Facilitate a third-party, unannounced inspection of the Maximum Security facility; 

2. Require RIDOC to release internal inspection reports to the public within three business days after a request is made; 

3. Provide incarcerated people with free hats, gloves, thermals, coats, and boots in preparation for the winter (the cost of these items for one incarcerated individual would cost anywhere from two to ten months pay); and 

4. Commit to closing down this facility if you return to the Governor's Office. 

Sincerely,