A family member of an incarcerated man contacted Missouri Department of Corrections’ constituent services regarding why the man is incarcerated hours away from family, at a facility that incarcerates different levels of individuals. The Department of Corrections frequently preaches the importance of family relationships in regards to reducing recidivism and the success of the individuals who are incarcerated, yet seems to not practice what they preach. Families have been promised video visits for years and have yet to see those happen, JPay issues go on and on, and individuals are placed hours away from their families. The DOC responded with an explanation about budgets but we all know that transfers take place constantly. Even during the pandemic when the DOC stated transfers were on hold. This is just one truth regarding incarceration in Missouri, despite what the DOC says and would like you to believe.
