We, the families, loved ones, and concerned citizens of Kentucky, are calling for immediate action regarding the repeated full-prison lockdowns at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC).

Following incidents that occur in individual dorms, EKCC repeatedly places the entire prison on lockdown. Each time this happens, all inmates regardless of involvement  lose access to basic and essential services.

During these repeated lockdowns, inmates lose:

• Communication with family and loved ones

• Required and parole-related classes and programming

• Yard and outdoor recreation

• Canteen access, including hygiene necessities

These are not isolated emergencies. They are repeated, facility-wide lockdowns with no transparency and no clear timelines.

Many inmates are required to complete specific classes to be considered for parole. However, these programs are repeatedly canceled during lockdowns. Inmates are later penalized for failing to complete requirements they were prevented from accessing through no fault of their own.

These conditions cause serious mental health harm, increase instability, and do not improve safety. Families are left distressed and powerless, unable to hear from their loved ones or confirm their well-being.

We respectfully call on the Kentucky Department of Corrections to:

End facility-wide collective punishment for incidents occurring in individual dorms

Ensure access to parole-required programming, even during lockdowns
Restore basic communication with family during security restrictions
Provide transparency regarding lockdown policies and duration

Incarceration is the sentence.

Collective psychological punishment is not.