Rhode Island mailroom censors, ignores its own rules

I received your letter dated 28 July 03 about a week or so ago. In regards to receiving notice about the Red Book [rejection]. No, I was never given notice in writing as R.I. DOC policy for mail 24 01-3 requires. I was not given verbal notice either. Too, the mail policy does not allow for the mailroom officer to send any books back. An inmate is required to put in a request form or grievance when mail is not delivered, pending the decision it is supposed to be kept with storage. If denied, which usually happens, then it is on the inmate to pay to have it returned to sender or have it sent out with a visit.

This is part of a campaign by the prison administration to harness me. Counting the Red Book, this is the 6th time books were sent here only to be rejected on security or other frivolous grounds. I have been grieving all of this only to be denied. The lawsuit with the ACLU has yet to be filed. I think we prisoners are getting jerked around by the ACLU.

My mail in particular has been tampered with both incoming and outgoing. All my legal motions which I have sent to Providence Superior court, which deal with me seeking to be released from prison, the court clerk claims they haven't received them. Between the courts or prison, I'm being messed with.

--a Rhode Island prisoner, 11 August 2003