The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin sent open records requests to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) last week, seeking information about changes to its policies regarding the receipt of legal mail and publications, like books.
“Alarmingly, the DOC continues to introduce new restrictions that have made it increasingly difficult for people in DOC custody to receive legal mail and books, and we are very concerned about how these policy changes are negatively impacting those in custody,” said Emma Shakeshaft, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Wisconsin.
“Legal mail is essential to incarcerated individuals’ ability to access the courts and to communicate confidentially with their legal counsel,” Shakeshaft added.
“The constitutional right to access books and libraries is paramount to people in DOC custody. Reading has been shown to have rehabilitative benefits through education and community connection,” said Hayley Archer, staff attorney with the ACLU of Wisconsin.
As part of its ongoing investigation into the DOC mail policies, the ACLU asks for any records, policies, training materials, guidelines, and current screening and testing procedures related to receiving privileged mail and other publications, including donated books.
The request also seeks disclosure of any incidents involving the discovery of contraband, details about contraband detection methods, and further information about contraband investigations conducted.
