Date: 12/22/16
RE: Tethering Undone

On July 24, 2016, I reported on a case of abuse and excessive force perpetrated by the L-Block guards here at SCI-Greene. They were ordered by the facility administration to use tethers during the movement of capital case prisoners every time we exit our cells (shower, law library, yard, etc.). All of the places escorted to are located within the confines of the secured block, less than 100 ft. respectively from our cells.

a "tether" is akin to a dog leash that's attached to the handcuffs on the escorted prisoner. A very dehumanizing practice and experience as we're being led around the block from place to place. Because of this practice, tempers flared and resentments from both staff and prisoners created a hostile environment. I didn't want to leave my cell, so I'd avoid the unwarranted aggression and dehumanization.

We filed our grievances, which were denied at the facility level. These people don't care what they do to us, so long as they can get away with it. They knew their actions were in violation of DOC policy and went so far as to revise the facility policy to justify their illicit activity.

On appeal to the Chief Grievance Officer at Central Office, our grievances were all reviewed and they ruled in our favor.

"Further review of this matter with administrative staff finds that SCI-Greene evaluated and revised their practices for using tethers on level 5 inmates to include capital case inmates. However, moving forward, staff will utilize the tethers only when warranted by an offender's behavior. Therefore, tethers will not be used on every escort" (11/23/16, Chief Grievance Officer).

Although they've taken no responsibility for wrongdoing, we on. No more tethers!

Daniel Gwynn