Date: 5/22/2021 3:56:26 PM

"BLOODY SHACKLES"

On Thursday May 13, 2021 I had to get a photograph taken. Which required me to walk over to the movement center. Well we had to walk in the rain in full restraints. Its probably a quarter mile walk which is no big deal, unless your wearing shackles. By the time I got back to my cell, my socks were soaked in blood at the back where the shackles had rubbed the skin and meat off. This isn't the first time this has happened. And I've had officers take them off before where you can see my blood all over the shackles. Yes this is cruel and unusual punishment and down right inhumane, as well as a serious bio hazardous health and safety issue, where you've got human blood being transferred from one inmate to the other through these shackles and rubber gloves that aren't changed. And if they say they wash them between uses, well that's a bold face lie. Not only do they not clean them, but they don't even change the gloves that they're wearing. Gloves that have now come into contact with the bloody restraints, and become contaminated. And I've got a grievance where they admit to not changing gloves between touching inmates. I have filed grievances of these shackles cutting me up. So they can't deny that they've never been notified of this, and they've failed to correct the situation. Let's face it, this is the FDOC and they've shown their distain for inmates over the years. So it's no surprise that they not only don't care about the pain they're causing us, but the danger that they're putting us and staff in with the spread of human blood. And the worst part about this, is we (death row inmates) have done nothing to warrant the wearing of shackles and waste chains! Nothing!! When I first arrived on death row, we would be handcuffed behind the back. That's it! But someone who has too much time on their hands was sitting and implemented a rule that wasn't warranted. Yes it wasn't the first time nor the last. For as I've noted over the years these people are constantly implementing policies and procedures that leave you scratching your head in disbelief. But it is what it is. And this is my reality, yes a never ending cycle of stupidity!

Regretfully submitted Ronald W. Clark Jr. #812974

May 20, 2021