UPDATE: Starting December 15, 2023, Arizona prisons will transition from physical letters to digital mail for inmates, sparking urgent concerns from families about the mental health of their loved ones. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) announced this shift as a measure to combat contraband entering prison facilities, but relatives fear it could lead to further isolation of inmates.
Families are expressing deep distress over the decision, emphasizing the emotional connection that physical mail provides. One woman from the Valley, who requested anonymity for her brother’s safety, has relied on handwritten letters to maintain a bond with him during his 13 years of incarceration for murder. “We’re close. We’ve always been close,” she said, underscoring the vital role that personal letters play in keeping spirits high.
The ADCRR cites the need for improved safety, noting the serious incidents that have occurred, including a recent case in Goodyear where four female prisoners were hospitalized due to ingesting drugs concealed in mail. Despite these alarming reports, families are demanding transparency regarding the effectiveness of this new system. “We need numbers. How many cases of this actually happening are there?” the woman questioned, advocating for alternative solutions that do not strip inmates of their ability to receive personal items such as photos and drawings from children.
Beginning mid-December, all general mail directed to inmates will be sent to a facility in Texas for scanning before being delivered digitally through tablets or kiosks within the prisons. While the ADCRR maintains that the new process will enhance security, families argue that it dehumanizes inmates, depriving them of tangible reminders of home. “They should easily be able to identify contraband without punishing everyone,” she stated, stressing the emotional impact of the decision.
Legal mail, publications, and packages will still be delivered physically, but the overall sentiment among families is one of deep concern over the mental health repercussions of this shift. Inmates rely on physical letters for emotional support, and the ability to hold tangible correspondence is crucial for their well-being.
As this situation develops, families and advocates are calling for a review of the implementation process and demand that officials consider the human element involved. The ADCRR’s decision is set to take effect soon, leaving many families anxious about the future of communication with their incarcerated loved ones.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent issue as families continue to voice their fears and concerns over the impact of digital mail on inmates’ lives.
