Advocates demand urgent reforms after tragic death at Newton

During a recent meeting of the Iowa Board of Corrections, significant concerns were raised regarding the conditions at the Newton Correctional Facility, particularly surrounding the treatment of incarcerated individuals and the inefficiencies of the mail system used for communication with their families.

One speaker, a concerned citizen, urged the board to investigate troubling incidents at Newton, emphasizing the need for changes to prevent future occurrences. The speaker criticized the Pigeonate mail system, which has been reported to take up to three months for letters to reach incarcerated individuals, suggesting that this delay is a deliberate attempt to hinder communication between inmates and their loved ones. The speaker expressed frustration over Iowa contracting this service from Nevada, advocating for a local solution that could perform better.

Michelle Ivano, representing ION Zone, highlighted the ongoing issue of overcrowding at Newton, which is currently operating at 120% of its capacity. She pointed out that 80% of cases ready for release are being unnecessarily sent to the Attorney General for additional review, exacerbating the overcrowding situation. Ivano recounted the tragic death of a young inmate, Malga, who reportedly did not receive timely medical care due to the facility's inadequate infrastructure. She reiterated a previous request for the board to urge the Attorney General's office to expedite the review of these cases, stressing that lives depend on timely action.

In response to the public comments, the board assured attendees that they would provide written responses to the issues raised before the next meeting. The board members acknowledged the importance of addressing these concerns and committed to ensuring that the public's voices are heard.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, but not before discussions about how the board would communicate their responses to the public, indicating a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the pressing issues within Iowa's correctional system.