Before reporting to work this afternoon, I was told to first report to my counselor's office as per her request...
Whereupon, taking a seat, in front of Miss Bardford's desk, I was promptly told that the Department of Corrections' Central Office in Albany has lowered my security level from "Maximum A" to "Medium B." This happened before when my security level was first lowered, and this means I am presently being considered for a transfer to a medium security facility.
Currently, I am living in what is known as a "maximum" security prison. And I have never before been confined to what is often referred to as a "Supermax" prison, as the media will sometimes falsely report. I also live in the prison's general population, where I am treated just like everyone else. Here at Sullivan Correctional Facility, I am just another face in the crowd, which is fine with me. I am not in any kind of special confinement.
The way it works in New York's correctional system, the highest security level is "Maximum A." This is followed by "Maximum B," which is a slightly lower security level. Next comes "Medium A," followed by "Medium B." After this is "Minimum" security. So to have been dropped from Maximum A to Medium B, is quite exceptional. It's not something I requested, but upon a standard review of my overall record while incarcerated, which has been good and without any problems whatsoever, someone within the office of Movement and Classification allowed my security level to drop considerably.
For me, therefore, is the possibility that I could be transferred at any time to a facility with a lower level of security. But in all frankness, this is not something I would want. The biggest drawbacks being that medium security prisons, be they Level "A" or "B," only allow for two visits per month, one on a Saturday, and one on a Sunday. While most maximum security facilities allow for visits from family and friends seven days per week. And living in a medium facility means staying in a dormitory setting, as opposed lo having one's own cell. The loss of personal privacy is a big deal for someone like myself.
The thought of leaving a place where I have done so well, and actually thrived spiritually and emotionally, is unsettling. I have been very active in my local church. I possess special clearance to help care for the "special needs" inmates. I am also trained as a guide for sight-impaired prisoners, and have clearance to work in the facility's kitchen. To leave all this behind makes me a little sad. Friendships have been formed, and a transfer means friendships will be broken.
The matter is in the hands of God. My counselor thinks the transfer is a "done deal." I hope not. But at the same time, my attitude needs to be, "Lord, may your will be done." If it's my time to move on, then let it be so.
D.B.
Note: Ms. Bardford is not her real name.
Currently, I am living in what is known as a "maximum" security prison. And I have never before been confined to what is often referred to as a "Supermax" prison, as the media will sometimes falsely report. I also live in the prison's general population, where I am treated just like everyone else. Here at Sullivan Correctional Facility, I am just another face in the crowd, which is fine with me. I am not in any kind of special confinement.
The way it works in New York's correctional system, the highest security level is "Maximum A." This is followed by "Maximum B," which is a slightly lower security level. Next comes "Medium A," followed by "Medium B." After this is "Minimum" security. So to have been dropped from Maximum A to Medium B, is quite exceptional. It's not something I requested, but upon a standard review of my overall record while incarcerated, which has been good and without any problems whatsoever, someone within the office of Movement and Classification allowed my security level to drop considerably.
For me, therefore, is the possibility that I could be transferred at any time to a facility with a lower level of security. But in all frankness, this is not something I would want. The biggest drawbacks being that medium security prisons, be they Level "A" or "B," only allow for two visits per month, one on a Saturday, and one on a Sunday. While most maximum security facilities allow for visits from family and friends seven days per week. And living in a medium facility means staying in a dormitory setting, as opposed lo having one's own cell. The loss of personal privacy is a big deal for someone like myself.
The thought of leaving a place where I have done so well, and actually thrived spiritually and emotionally, is unsettling. I have been very active in my local church. I possess special clearance to help care for the "special needs" inmates. I am also trained as a guide for sight-impaired prisoners, and have clearance to work in the facility's kitchen. To leave all this behind makes me a little sad. Friendships have been formed, and a transfer means friendships will be broken.
The matter is in the hands of God. My counselor thinks the transfer is a "done deal." I hope not. But at the same time, my attitude needs to be, "Lord, may your will be done." If it's my time to move on, then let it be so.
D.B.
Note: Ms. Bardford is not her real name.
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