*Cody’s story

The living conditions within the MDOC. This is a topic that is hard to cover for those outside the walls. Inside it is in fact three hots and a cot. But in the time of the corona those cots, as mine was, are placed wherever it suits the MDOC to place them.

For those who don’t know, PREA(Prison Rape Eradication Act) scores inmates as PA(Potential Aggressors), PV(Potential Victims) and No scores. It is to my knowledge, policy that they not be housed in the same cubes and when the act first scored people years ago, they were actually housed in different units entirely.

This lack of attention and concern has led inmates like myself(a PV) to be put into not only dangerous situations, but traumatic and non-conducive to a healthy environment in which to recover.

Since being moved from Newberry(NCF) which was a homogeneous group of people with similar charges, to Central Michigan(STF) I have been attacked twice because of my case and have continued to pressed(extorted) for money.

When I have brought these issues to staff I’ve had to wait whole shifts to be moved when I was being threatened with violence. Told I was lying by staff. Moved to neighboring(conjoined) housing units after being assaulted.

When looking for council staff has instructed me; “This is prison. Do what you have to do.”. In my two years of a five I’ve received no tickets, but being in fear of my safety I’m told that anytime I refuse to lock where I’m not safe, I will be issued an class one ticket. Which will keep me from attending required groups, maintaining a job and other activities required for a healthy recovery, As well as be seen by the parole board and potentially lead to a continuance. So, I have been instructed essentially to take my ass beatings(which is not part of my sentence), pay to live in a unit(which is unreliable and also not part of my sentence), fight(which is against the rules, my moral code, and also NOT A PART OF MY SENTENCE.).

I’ve dealt for 21 days with indifference to not having a lock for my property and have just finally had an officer sympathize. But it will be Monday before I can see if he makes good on the lock. I had to leave my clothes that were in laundry in my last unit. I am without t-shirts, have 2 pairs of socks and am missing other essentials such as long underwear.

Again, messages are left to those it should concern, to no avail. I’ve caught Covid-19 twice and haven’t seen medical once(except after insistence on my part after this last assault) since riding in to STF(which is policy). I was told my annual birthday medical visit wouldn’t happen by a nurse.

I was sentenced to 5 years. I’ve completed two without fighting, tickets or any negative action. I rose to facilitator to help myself and others. Faithfully attended my recovery groups. Was a leader in the church and celebrate recovery. Now I have been cast aside and forgotten. Called a liar and told to fend fend for myself. I am in constant fear. As of 12/05/20 these are my living conditions in the MDOC.