Rikers

August 15, 2010 Externship Midterm paper While attending ASA College of Excellence, I was placed at Rikers Island for my externship. I know when you here “Rikers Island” you start to think “wow… what a dangerous job for a small girl” . its not that bad, I work under Ms. Rosamund Padmore in the RNDC Inmate Grievance Resolution Program, I know you’re wondering what I do in that department' First let me explain the purpose, the inmate Grievance Resolution Program (IGRP) is to allow an inmate to seek resolution of an issue relating to aspects of his confinement. What is Grievance' A grievance is written complaint about the substance or application of any written or unwritten policy or the lack of a policy about any behavior or action affecting an inmate that is not in itself a matter for the inspector General. The inmate’s responsibility, an inmate, whenever feasible, should seek assistance in resolving a complaint through a service unit, the program area directly affected, or the existing channels, prior to submitting a formal grievance. An inmate is not required to seek such assistance as a pre-condition to the filling of a formal grievance. An inmate must be personally affected by the policy or issue he is grieving. All grievances must be filed in an individual capacity. Class action on behalf of all inmates or a class of inmates are not to be instituted through the grievance procedure. However, individuals personally affected by a matter, which affects all inmates, or a class of inmates, may file individual grievances on their own behalf. What are Non- Grievable Issues' Inmate allegations of assult or harassment by either staff or inmate are not grievable under the grievance mechanism. However, reports of such allegations made to the IGRP shall be recorded on the “inmate Report of an Alleged Assault/Harassment” form and shall be entered in a confidential IGRC logbook. In addition, the form and others relevant documentation submitted by the complaint shall be forwarded on the day of receipt to the office of the Commanding Officer or designee. The individual decisions or dispositions of any current subsequent program or procedure having its own administrative or investigative process within the Department shall be considered non-grievable- the decisions or dispositions that are considered non-grievable within the IGRP, disciplinary proceedings, discrimination based on disability or perceived disability, Centrally Monitored Case (CMC) Status, Red Identification (ID) or Enhanced Restraint Status, Classification designations, such as close Custody Housing (CCH), Use of Force, Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, and matters under investigation by the Investigation Division (ID) and the NYC Department of Investigation (DOI)/Inspector General (IG). How the Grievance Procedure Works: A. Informal review by the IGRC: An inmate files a grievance within 10 days from the date of the alleged issue relating to his confinement. B. Formal review by the IGRC: if the grievance is not formally resolved, the inmate requests a formal hearing where witnesses may be called to appear before the full committee. C. Review by the Warden: The inmate may seek redress from the Warden with or without a positive recommendation from the IGRC. D. Review by the Central Office Review Committee (CORC): The inmate files an appeal with CORC because he is not satisfied with the warden’s response or if the issue is classified as Departmental. E. Review by the Board of Corrections (BOC): The inmate may file an appeal of the CORC’s decision to the BOC who issues or has an independent arbitrator issue an advisory recommendation to the Commissioner. F. Decision by the Commissioner of Correction: The Commissioner issues a final determination on matters reaching the Board. I enjoy interning at Rikers Island, and when I graduate ASA College, I plan on working there, I want my career in Correction, or any law enforcement. I know a lot of people who is doubting me, but who am I not to take on a challenge… ive learned a lot, and love it.