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...