Wednesday, February 9, 2005

Parklea Prison: No calls for six days

Parklea Prison
Dear Justice Action,

The last calls that were made out of Parklea Correctional Complex by my partner, an inmate in remand at Parklea, was on Wednesday 2 February. The phone lines for the inmates have been out of service to this date.


This is proving to be a major emotional struggle, which triggered my thoughts and actions to take drastic measures as with the Hunger Strike.

I am not coping well with this isolation. I am sincerely saddened, and I don't know how to deal with the pain.

I went through this same distress the week beginning 23 January 2005, where again the same problem existed. The phones were down for a whole week.

What can be done?

Anita

Hi Anita,

Did you try writing to your partner?

Contact: Parklea Prison
PO Box 6148
Blacktown 2148
Ph: 9626 7122

Sometimes there is little or no phone access in prison because of overcrowding, excessive lockdowns or measures having regard for the ultimate control by the Department of Corrective Services 'For the good order and security of the gaol'.

However there should be a welfare officer at Parklea so contact the prison on the phone number above and ask the welfare officer to get your friend to ring you up. Welfare can arrange emergency calls if they want to.

Let me know if there is no welfare officer at Parklea?

A hunger strike is an extreme measure and I would like to invite you to the idea that there is never 'only one-way to solve a problem'. On a scale from say, 1-10 your extreme measure rates 10.

By writing a letter to your partner it will serve at least two purposes.

It will get what is bothering you off your chest.

And get you around the phone problem for now.

If you remain on a hunger strike you will only do your self harm.

Let us help you and be our friend because we already know other ways to help you without you taking extreme measures that probably won't work in your endeavour to contact your partner.

Ask the prison if there are any problems with the phone and explain your situation about not being able to make contact with you partner for six days.


Justice Action

By Just Us 9 February 05

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