Mary Perrien Congratulations!! They’re lucky to have you.
Lynn Guyer Thanks Mary. It is going to be a huge challenge. No programming, mental health treatment, education and dry cells.
By a lie, a man… annihilates his dignity as a man. Immanuel Kant
Warden Lynn Guyer, with a stance of self aggrandizing, is loudly proclaiming to the people of Idaho that the Montana State Prison has no programming, no mental health treatment, no educational opportunities and dry cells (this last comes from his experience with lawsuits in Idaho). He is coming to Montana to overcome the challenges that have been created at The Montana State Prison. I am giving Warden Guyer the benefit of the doubt that he didn't show up at the Old Territorial Prison to proclaim these outlandish remarks but rather he actually arrived at the current prison. The Montana State Prison definitely has its' problems, mainly that of overcrowding. The state has incarcerated people at an alarming rate, particularly the American Native population. I am hopeful this scourge is lessening with the retirement of Ron Alsbury. The newly configured Board of Pardons and Parole, the lynch pin of prison reform, is failing. Lynn Guyer's edict in Idaho that the state prison has no programming, mental health treatment, education and dry cells is completely and unequivocally false. By a lie, a man... annihilates his dignity as a man. Immanuel Kant. Shall we take a look? PROGRAMMING AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: Montana Correctional Enterprises (MCE), headquartered near Montana State Prison at Deer Lodge, employs 75 civilians and provides daily training for approximately 500 inmates at Montana State Prison and Montana Women’s Prison in Billings. The Montana Correctional Enterprises Division provides vocational education, on-the-job training and work experience to inmates in industry, vocational and agricultural programs. Inmates working in these programs develop marketable job skills, a strong work ethic and self-esteem through a feeling of pride in their accomplishments, often for the first time in their lives. In addition, inmates earn a wage to pay their victim restitution and court-ordered fines, and to save money for their release.INMATE ACADEMIC EDUCATION Curriculum The Montana Adult Basic Education Content Standards set by the Montana OPI will be issued to govern all classroom curriculums. In order for students to receive pay, they must be assigned full time. School is a work assignment and students are not allowed to be assigned to another work assignment, while attending school. The Life Skills Program provides learning opportunities directed at independent living through practical preparation in a variety of areas. Life Skills rules that are approved by the Education Department will be discussed with and signed by the inmate before they begin class. If an inmate is identified as having a disability that affects his ability to participate in educational programs, an appropriate accommodation shall be provided, including, but not limited to, individualized instruction. The list continues, however in the interest of space this should give you an idea of educational opportunities. PROGRAMMING FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE- A message from Department of Corrections Director Reginald Michael. Lynn Guyer, by declaring there is no programming, denies Director Reginald Michael's message that this program exists. The Montana State Correctional Treatment Center in Deer Lodge accepted its first 30 inmates, DOC Director Reginald D. Michael said. The secure, remodeled facility formerly housed the Treasure State “boot camp” program and now provides a 90- to 180-day intensive chemical dependency treatment program for prison inmates approaching their release dates. “It’s critical that we create opportunities for people to stop coming back to prison,” Michael said in a news release. “By helping inmates develop responsible thinking, become more accountable and learn the skills they need to overcome addiction, this new program will give offenders a real opportunity to take their lives in a more positive direction.” MARTZ DIAGNOSTIC INTAKE UNIT (MDIU) Mental health assessment and evaluation In nearly all cases, mental health services, including evaluations, are voluntary and inmates have the right to decline mental health services if they choose. Newly arrived inmates are told how to access mental health services and what to do if they experience a mental health emergency. Inmates are offered an opportunity to sign a release of information form that allows mental health staff to request the inmates’ past mental health records to aid in assessment and treatment. Within two weeks of arrival at MDIU, each inmate receives a brief mental health screening, which is usually completed by a mental health technician. Based on the results of this screening, inmates who need additional evaluation and assessment are referred to a licensed clinician. This additional assessment is completed within 30 days of admission. Inmates who may have developmental or learning disabilities are also offered an assessment at MDIU. DRY CELLS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS MONTANA STATE PRISON OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE Dry/Strip Cell Procedures To enable staff to isolate contraband ingested, or inserted in body cavities, inmates are subject to dry/strip cell procedures in cells where the toilets cannot be flushed. By a lie, a man... annihilates his dignity as a man. Immanuel Kant How unfortunate Warden Lynn Guyer has chosen to start his career in Montana by throwing his boss, Director Reginald Michael, under the bus by denying the programs that Mr. Michael says exist. Now who do we believe, Director Reginald Michael or Warden Lynn Guyer? Director Reginald Michael says all the above programs exist and Warden Lynn Guyer says the above programs don't exist. Lynn Guyer It is going to be a huge challenge. No programming, mental health treatment, education and dry cells. Do we need to make changes at the prison? Absolutely. Can we improve programs at the prison? Absolutely. Can these changes and improvements be made by someone with a hero complex? Can these changes and improvements be made by someone that throws their boss under the bus before they even begin their job? Can we ever believe anything Warden Guyer says if he starts his job with lies? Who do we believe? By a lie, a man... annihilates his dignity as a man. Immanuel Kant