Family, Friends, and Comrades

In 2007, Mississippi Commissioner of Corrections Christopher Epps created a rehabilitation program to curb the violence in Ms. prisons. Specifically in Unit 32 at Parchman. Under the direction of then Supt. Emmit Sparkman (now Det. Comm.) The two created the high-risk incentive tier program, and it has proven to be a valuable tool for improving the quality of life for the offenders that have participated. As Mr. Epps stated in a interview. They were able to reduce violence, and ultimately the offender population from 1,000 to 300 high-risk offenders, eventually closing Unit 32 in December 2010. What Mr. Epps, and Sparkman has failed to mention is that under this program, and policy Death Row offenders are classified to participate, but are being excluded. There are not any differences in DR, and state offenders classified as high-risk. We are under the very same guidelines, policies, rules, and regulations. It appears the only difference is that Mr. Epps, and Sparkman are under the impression the men on DR are not worthy of a better quality of life. They think we don't deserve the opportunity to broaden our minds, and better our health. They force us to sit inside cages, while our minds, and bodies deteriorate. They can't believe DR offenders are of a higher risk, because they house the high-risk state offenders in the very same building. On 6-13-12 The majority of DR offenders wrote to Mr. Epps, and Sparkman, and requested that they expand their high-risk incentive program. We did this, because the administration already use DR offenders as tier workers for the sole purpose of sanitation. Only three tier workers are allowed at any given time. What is bad, is that even the three tier workers are even discriminated against. These men are not allowed any of the incentives that should come with being a part of the program. The only incentive DR are offered is a piece of "steak" if they are good for six months to a year. That is like giving your dog a treat snack for sitting up or rolling over. With the great success of Mr. Epps, and Sparkman high-risk incentive programin Unit 32 (Where DR was housed FYI). Why are we still being treated like animals? We are people. Reguardless of what any have done to be on DR. Reguardless of your position on the death penalty. Reguardless of your faith. WE ARE PEOPLE. It has been proven repeatedly that some of us will not remain on DR. A percentage of us will be re-sentenced to life in prison, or exonerated, and set free. With that fact in mind, it is reasonable to ask. Why are we being discriminated against, and punished as our social faculties, and health deteriorate. There is no productive, positive programs for DR, because Mr. Epps, and Sparkman choose not to include us in anything, but classification with the high-risk offenders. On 6-13-12 we asked. DR offenders are required to follow, and abide by all rules, and regulations that the high-risk state offenders are suppose to follow. We are told to "act" human, while being treated less than animals would. The animal rights organizations would be appalled at our treatment, if we were animals. Why not people? Our adherence to the rules, our non-violent stance, our mutual respect for guards, and officials are without a doubt a proven fact Mr. Epps, and Sparkman, along with Ms. elected officials continue to ignore. We are not seen as people, which our treatment testifies to. We are not given basic respect as humans. Furthermore...... Officials constantly use scare tactics in the media to make the public fear DR, so they can continue to mistreat us. The simple truth is that we are trying to educate ourselves, so that we are better able to rehabilitate ourselves, as we fight our convictions, and sentences. Our cases are ACTIVE from day one in the courts. So we should be able to be ACTIVE in order to properly fight them. Make no mistake about it, we are fighting for our lives. We need our mental and physical health to meet the demand our cases impose on us. More so, than any group of prisoners in any system. I have to ask... why are Mr. Epps, and Sparkman so reluctant to include us in a program that is tried, and true? The de-humanization make me question their motives. All of this should be made clear so that when you contact them, you can question their motives too. Here is some food for thought. James Billiot has been found incompetent to be executed. Unlike everyone else James remains on DR. Mr. Epps, and Sparkman allows James outside of his cell for 20-30 minutes each day (Proven their belief that we need some form of program to heal mentally, and physically.) I am under the firm belief James is allowed out in order to heal enough for the state of Ms. to put him to death. Why is James being allowed out, and no one else? DR is not asking to be let loose in society. We are simply asking to be allowed to participate in humanity like every other prisoner. We need you to contact Comm. Epps, Deputy Comm. Sparkman, Superintendent Earnest Lee and any, and all Ms elected representatives. Ask them: 1) Why are we being discriminated against, and dehumanized? 2) Why are they housing, and classifying DR alongside state offenders as high-risk offenders, but only giving state offenders the opportunity for a better quality of life? 3) Why are they only using this incentive program (without incentives being given) to: A) Heal James Billiot only to execute him? [B)] Use DR for sanitation? Please Help Us! Joesph Brown Ms. Death Row CHRISTOPHER B. EPPS, COMMISSIONER 723 N. President Street Jackson, Ms. 38738 (601) 359-5600 cepps@mdoc.state.ms.us EMMITT L. SPARKMAN DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (INSTITUTIONS) 723 N. Pesident Street Jackson, Ms. 38738 (601) 359-5610 esparkman@mdoc.state.ms.us Earnest Lee Superintendent (MSP) P.O. Box 1057 Parchman, Ms. 38738 (662)745-6611 elee@mdoc.state.ms.us Links that prove Mr. Epps, and Sparkman say one thing, but do another. http://www.aclu.org/blog/prisoners-rights/senators-hear-dangers-long-term-solitary-confinementhttp://hrcoalition.org/node/221