Jack Rice Discusses Prisoner Rights and Minnesota's New 3rd-Party Mail Scanning System on KSTP TV

In response to the alarming rise in drug incidents within Minnesota's prisons, a significant shift is underway in the management of inmate correspondence. Criminal defense attorney Jack Rice recently appeared on KSTP TV to address the implications of the Minnesota Department of Corrections’ new initiative that involves third-party mail scanning through a Maryland-based vendor, TextBehind. If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, make sure yo consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.

“The dehumanization piece of this is something that really can’t be ignored.”

Background of the Decision

The decision to implement this new mail management system comes after a series of troubling events, including a multi-day lockdown at Stillwater prison in September, prompted by a spike in the use of synthetic marijuana, K2. Nine corrections employees required medical treatment due to exposure, raising urgent concerns about security within the facility. Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell highlighted a noteworthy increase in drug-related incidents, with approximately two dozen corrections staff affected this year alone.

Commissioner Schnell stated that the state is focusing on creating efficiencies and enhancing safety. The financial savings anticipated with this new $500,000 contract are significant, as allowing TextBehind to scan and manage inmate mail could help avoid substantial costs associated with printing and paper use, which had reached nearly $20,000 monthly at one facility.

Legal Considerations and Human Impact

Jack Rice emphasized the potential backlash and legal challenges that the new system may provoke. “The dehumanization piece of this is something that really can’t be ignored,” he remarked, reflecting on the fact that inmates will no longer receive the original letters but rather photocopies. Rice also highlighted the broader implications for inmates who adhere to regulations, noting, “The rights of those who have done everything right under these circumstances to simply get better may actually be undermined.”

His concerns were echoed by Ian Bratlie, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, who criticized the move as a violation of inmates' rights under the guise of security. Bratlie stated, “What we are seeing is that courts and states are more likely to restrict constitutional rights from groups in the name of security,” emphasizing that the Department of Corrections has alternative methods to combat drug smuggling without compromising inmates' rights.

The New System in Practice

Starting Friday, the new mail system will require family and friends of inmates to send correspondence to TextBehind’s facility, where it will be processed before copies are sent back to Minnesota’s prisons. This change will also alter how legal mail is handled, requiring verification through TextBehind for attorneys and other professionals.

Commissioner Schnell defended the initiative, stating, “This initiative goes beyond safety. It represents our commitment to modernizing corrections for the benefit of staff, incarcerated people, and their families.” However, opponents fear that the system will create a “chilling effect” on communication, dissuading individuals from reaching out if they know their messages will be scanned and stored in a database.

“The rights of those who have done everything right under these circumstances to simply get better may actually be undermined.”

Conclusion

As the state embarks on this new approach to handling inmate correspondence, the balance between safety and the rights of incarcerated individuals remains a pressing concern. Jack Rice’s insights on the potential legal ramifications and human impact of these changes highlight the ongoing dialogue surrounding corrections practices in Minnesota.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Minnesota, it's crucial to have experienced legal representation by your side. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. When your life is on the line, make sure Jack Rice Defense is by your side.