Inmates expose severe neglect at High Desert and Ely State Prisons

The Board of Prison Commissioners convened on December 20, 2024, to address pressing issues within Nevada's correctional facilities, particularly focusing on the conditions at High Desert State Prison and Ely State Prison. The meeting highlighted serious concerns raised by incarcerated individuals regarding systemic failures that compromise human dignity and violate basic human rights.

The first major topic discussed was the inhumane living conditions reported by inmates. Testimonies revealed that prison units are often filthy, with cells infested by insects and malfunctioning toilets. Inmates described a lack of access to basic hygiene, hot water, and properly fitting clothing, leading to unsanitary living situations. Laundry services, when available, reportedly use equipment that also cleans communal mop heads, further exacerbating hygiene issues.

The second point of concern was the lack of basic services for inmates. Many reported enduring long periods without access to yard time, meaningful programming, or even showers. Some inmates are allowed out of their cells for as little as 15 minutes a day. Medical and mental health services were described as either nonexistent or alarmingly inadequate, with requests for care often delayed or ignored. Additionally, basic communication tools, such as grievance forms, are frequently withheld.

The discussion also addressed the dangerous environments within the facilities. Inmates shared experiences of being forced into mixed units with known enemies and facing staff negligence that provoked violence. Reports of threats and harm have created an atmosphere of fear and instability among the incarcerated population.

The meeting also touched on the recent mass transfer of inmates between High Desert and Ely, which was described as poorly executed. Although no deaths or assaults occurred during the transfer, the aftermath has left many inmates without access to their personal belongings for weeks. Some reported being placed in freezing cells without adequate clothing or blankets, while others were crammed into previously deemed uninhabitable cells.

Emotional tolls were also a significant theme, with many letters expressing feelings of dehumanization. Inmates reported being treated as less than human, facing derogatory remarks from staff and a lack of clarity regarding their custody status.

Morgan Darcy, a speaker at the meeting, shared a personal account of a loved one transferred to Idaho, where conditions reportedly improved significantly. Darcy highlighted better access to healthcare, education, and overall treatment compared to Nevada facilities, urging the Board to consider these factors in their ongoing discussions.

The meeting concluded with a call for immediate attention to these systemic issues, emphasizing the need for reforms to improve the conditions and treatment of incarcerated individuals in Nevada. The Board is expected to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, with a focus on implementing necessary changes.