Article: Problems at Diamond Back

[Freya]

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/ar.../ln/ln03p.html

Prison problems

Prison officials say conditions have improved at the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Oklahoma where Hawai'i inmates are being held, but reports by prison monitors over the past year paint an alarming picture. Problems include:

Inexperienced staff and supervisors in a facility led by eight different wardens since 1998.

Gang-related assaults on staff and inmates, and gang manipulation of staff.

Gang-related introduction of contraband, including drugs, with drug testing in 2003 indicating a significant problem. Prison officials say there have been fewer positive test results recently.

Female corrections officers who allegedly fell in love with inmates and allegedly helped the inmates smuggle in contraband. Six officers were fired.

Use of a "snitch" system in which inmates are pressured to inform on other inmates. Corrections officials contend this is a dangerous, unwise practice.