I am a parent who cherishes every moment I can spend with my incarcerated son at Avenal State Prison, California. These visits are not just important to me but are crucial for my son's rehabilitation. However, our experience has been marred by the behavior of one officer in particular - Officer Howard in D yard.

Officer Howard's treatment towards families and inmates during visitation is mean and disrespectful. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring pattern that many families have experienced. It creates an environment of fear and discomfort, which is counterproductive to the rehabilitation process.

Research shows that maintaining family ties during incarceration reduces recidivism rates by up to 39%. Therefore, it is essential that these visits are conducted in a respectful and supportive atmosphere.

We believe that everyone deserves fair treatment regardless of their circumstances. We demand the removal or retraining of Officer Howard from D yard so that visiting hours can be a time for healing and connection rather than distress.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair treatment for all families visiting their loved ones at Avenal State Prison.