Tracking Prison Censorship in the United States

Mailroom Review
SCI Rockview
Box A
Bellefonte, PA 16823-0820

November 15, 2009

Mailroom Review Staff,

This letter is concerning a publication sent from MIM Distributors in San Francisco, CA in August 2009 to two people in your custody: XXX and YYY. The publication was an introduction to the organization MIM(Prisons) and it was returned with "Contraband IPRC Refused A-5" written on the envelope.

What does this mean, for the document to be "IPRC Refused A-5?" We would appreciate it if you would shed some light on this issue, of what rules MIM Distributors is supposedly breaking, and specifically what it is about this publication that is contraband.

Additionally, we would like to appeal this denial and ask for an independent review of the decision. In all our experience with prison bureaucracy and legal issues, we find it hard to believe that there is a legitimate DOC rule that this publication could violate. Upon reconsideration, we ask that you allow this publication to be delivered to prisoners XXX and YYY.

We appreciate your consideration.

Duffie Harrison, Warden
Franklin CI
1760 Highway 67 North
Carrabelle, FL 32322

11/1/2009

Warden Harrison,

I see that you received the letter sent recently by XXX YYY and that the copy sent to Mr. XXXXXX XXXXXX was deemed to be a "threat to the security, order, or rehabilitative objectives" of the department. Mail Room employee M. Page recently returned three different pieces of mail to MIM Distributors sent to Mr. XXXXXX with this reasoning.

Can you please explain how a copy of the letter sent to you requesting a review of censorship and advice on handling such censorship including case law is a threat to the department? Additionally, a letter explaining one of MIM's educational programs and a second letter containing a set of study questions for this program were returned for being a threat to security.

I hope that upon review of these incidents you will agree that these materials pose absolutely no threat to anyone. Either way, I am requesting a response explaining the department's decision in the above mentioned incidents.

Thank you,