Visitors and friends of inmates in Iowa Prisons should have the expectation to visit their loved ones without hassle, with respect from staff, and without verbal abuse from staff. Telling an inmate or visitor that if they do not like the way they are treated while visiting to f------g leave is not or never will be appropriate conduct under any condition.

When brought to the attention of prison officials, the officials cite budget cuts and shortage of staff and then overlook the complaints. On February 1, 2012 the Iowa Senate approved an $8.5 million supplemental appropriation for ADDITIONAL staff. The measure is now at the House Appropriations Committee. Regardless in what private company would this behavior be condoned?

In the last ten years the Iowa Department of Corrections Board have reducing the number of days inmates can have visitors from six(6) to four (4). Officials are citing budget cuts and shortage of staff as reasons for lessening the number of days available for visitors. Inmates have to earn their visits and the number of visits per month. The Iowa Department of Corrections and the Prison Wardens should not have the ability to deter visits, cut them short, or allow verbal abuse. Many family and friends drive for hours for a visit only to have it cut short or be treated with disrespect by prison staff.

It has been proposed by numerous persons, inmates, and staff to eliminated visits on Saturday and Sunday mornings, due to the very low number of visits that are conducted during these hours and have all visits from 1 PM to 8 PM Thursday thru Monday. This would be a cost savings at every prison of three (3) hours per week that the visiting room would not require staffing and the visiting room and staff would be better utilized when it is open. It would also allow family and friends longer visits on Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays since hours are more limited on weekends. The Department of Corrections have ignored all proposals.

The family and friends of an inmate have done nothing wrong and should not be punished. End this abuse allowed by Iowa Department of Corrections and the Prison Wardens. I can’t do this alone. I need your help

Stop disrespect and verbal abuse of visitors by prison staff.