Recent racial unrest inside
Arizona prisons have been brewing heavily since a new direction came about with
the appointment of a new director in 2009. It is with reasonable suspicions
that the reason for this racial unrest is because of environmental decision
making by those in power to decide the fate of over 40,000 prisoners housed
inside Arizona prisons. This article will cover three main areas of decision
making influences that might apply to the recent behaviors by Afro American
prisoners as well as Mexican Americans and Native American prisoners. The
dynamics are fluid and much focus must be on these elements to carry out its
purpose of how the decision making instruments play into these events and
events of the past.
First thing we need to do is
to look at the “geographical equity” where
the racial composition of their executive hierarchy and decide whether or not
it is culturally balanced or not. It is suggested that the “geographical
equity” inside Arizona is much different than many other states including
neighboring states such as New Mexico and California. This racial and
geographical influence has impacted community cultural thinking and behaviors
negatively and is often in conflict with the minorities housed inside their
local prisons. There is no doubt this
creates tension between staff and prisoners daily and will eventually create a
level of resistance or rebellion in some form or another.
Look at the race of the
director, the deputy directors, the regional directors and the wardens. You
will see a definite pattern of white supremacy numbers versus the minority
races living inside Arizona. These numbers will suggest an unequal racially
impacted “environmental protection” from abuse or harmful behaviors and acts
for those of color thereby it is reasonable they will be treated different than
others. It’s a human trait to do so and
Arizona has publicly announced their status on immigration and human [civil]
rights.
Looking further into this
disparity we find this lack of racial equality numbers has severely impacted
the minority’s ability to balance what is known as the “procedural equity” process.
This is a major influence in decision making from the top on down. Going
around the geographical locations where the prisons are located you will see
the larger facilities are dominated by white administrators and thereby
controlling the majority of the prison population and in a position of control
or impose repeat and severe disciplinary actions that may result in higher
custody scores, reject inmate grievances citing no basis for such
findings, more frequently imposed
placements in administrative segregation, job parity and general opportunities
to work or program within the entire prison population.
Last but not least is what is
called the “social equity” factor
where there are conflicts with the sociological order related to race,
ethnicity, class, culture, customs and traditions, lifestyles and political
power in the geographical regions or the state. This influences decides who
gets the safe jobs, better housing, exposures to hazards or bio chemical risks
etc. and as government, in this case, the prison management team makes these
decisions, those prisoners that are poor will be more at risk of abuse and
neglect than those with stronger social or political ties within the state and
the regions they are housed.
Therefore, when you put it
all together you have formulated a decision making methodology for your own
level of “environmental justice” that impacts each race in a different manner
or level. This “environmental justice” impacts protection level, prevention of
harm, the burden of proof, proof of intent and other factors that play into due
process and equality in the manner justice is delivered. Using this criterion
to make decision on security, programs and educational benefits or programs,
those of color are not in a position to attain the full benefit of all
privileges and plans offered inside Arizona prisons. Still, even with federal
discriminatory laws in place, Arizona prisons still houses their prisoners
based on race, ethnicity or color. All you have to do is check the housing
rosters and see how they pair up the races to balance the environment.
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