The Riot and the 3 weeks that followed...
In their words... 1300 men were involved and several sent letters writing their account of what happened. How could so many men collaborate to write such similar stories, if they weren't speaking the truth? Yet Gordon Hinkle, the press secretary for the CDCR, refutes what they say. He absolutely denies that they were held outside without clothing and protection from the extreme heat and cold of night~ Is there a cover-up going on here...and is anyone listening to what these men are saying?
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Please note....200 hundred men were housed in Joshua Hall when it caught fire (from the OUTSIDE) and only ONE inmate is being charged for this crime. Several inmates wrote that the correctional officer in charge ran to his office and locked the door behind him, then broke a window to escape. They wrote that no attempts were made to rescue them, instead correctional officers stood outside, while in full riot gear, and watched the building burn. Inmates fought for their lives to escape, some were injured trying and many were given added time to their sentence for "participating" in the riot, because they kicked out windows and doors to escape!
Last update 3/7/10
Inmate #1078 ~ "Hello, I was in the Chino riot and was one of those who had to sleep outside for 4 days, until I was transferred to YTS and was there for three and half months. Most of the time I spent there I was forced to sleep on a dirty floor, because 2 men were placed in a one man cell with only ONE bed. Please contact me because I have a lot more to tell you." (December 3, 2009)
Inmate #1076 ~ "After the riot, we were forced to sit Indian style on a freezing night on wet grass for HOURS. Every time we asked to us the bathroom or asked it they would loosen our tight zip ties a little, we were greeted with disrespectful language. As a result many inmates were forced to urinate on themselves and sit in their own urine for hours. We were then put in outdoor cages with no place to shade off the sun, and we were all very badly sunburned the first day. At night we were freezing, wearing nothing but our boxers. No blankets were handed out. We were forced to resort to using each others body heat by laying real close to one another. It was humiliating and degrading. It was a horrible experience even for one 24 hour day, let alone 4 days." (December 2, 2009)
Inmate #1077 ~ "I was a victim of the riot at Chino 8/8/09. I was forced to sleep on the ground outdoors for 4 days and nights without a blanket or mattress. Another inmate gave me your address and told me you are trying to organize a class action lawsuit. We need justice!" (December 2, 2009)
Inmate #1075 ~ " The CO's knew what was getting ready to happen before it did. The fighting started in all the buildings and alarms went off at the same time. The CO's just turned their backs and did nothing to try and stop the violence in all 8 units. They all ran out of the buildings and lock the doors behind them. They lied to the Governor and they lied to the news media. But the truth will be brought to the light. I have 15 pages of information for you." (November 27, 2009)
Inmate #1070 ~ "Officers stayed in their locked office, playing cards during their shift, with exception of the 20 minutes head count. Level 1, 2 & 3 inmates, could roam the dorm unsupervised. We were put on lockdown, then staff posted a memo of the "racial tension." (creating more even more tension!) The nightmares continue and the gruesome sights are stuck in my mind. The psychiatrist say it's normal after this type of trauma and will pass, but in 4 months they have only increased. Though I was severely beaten I was charged for participating and was given 90 additional days. I feel I was wrongfully picked out of a group photos of inmates because I am Hispanic." (November 25, 2009)
Inmate #1069 ~ "The guard squads put zip ties on us so tightly. They did this to ALL of us! It was so painful, our hands were swelling, turning colors and some were bleeding. When we complained of the pain and discomfort correctional officers just laughed at us and went to the extreme and cinched a guys cuffs by stepping on his back and pulling the cuffs even tighter! At YTS we were denied books, writing materials and most importantly, access to legal needs and 602 grievance forms. In fact, we were told that if we file a grievance, it would not reach its destination! Because of the riots we were treated poorly and unfairly...we were being punished!" (November 21, 2009)
Inmate #1068 ~ "I was hit from behind and as I was trying to get up and about 20 guys stabbed me numerous times in various parts of my body and the correctional officers walked out and locked the doors for us to be attacked. We were denied proper medical and many of us needed help badly. Then we were thrown in cages like we were slaves then put two men to a one man cell and I had to continue to sleep on the floor. The officials treated us worst than anything I could have imagined. We are all human beings and should have been treated like humans! The prison was very wrong an should be held accountable for their actions!" (November 19, 2009)
Inmate #1067 ~ "The night of the riot, the officer left her post and went to the yard to join the rest of the officers in riot gear locking us all in the dorms. They had knives that came from who knows where? While this riot was taking place the officers were on the yard listening and witnessing the madness without doing anything to assist. The old and sick men who could not help themselves were left to die. Our only way out was a broken window. This riot was not about gangs, it was about hate and it was planned, thought out, and ALLOWED to happen." (November 18, 2009)
Inmate #1065 ~ "a fire was set in the dorm I was in, Joshua Hall. ALL the doors were locked. I ran to the to the "day room" and from the window I looked out to see all the correctional officers just standing there watching our building burn, with us still inside (over 200 men). We yelled for them to help us get out, but they did not move! I was afraid for my life! Smoke was quickly filling the dorm as the fire was spreading fast. All I could see was terror in everyone's eyes. Some one yelled that the office door had been kicked open. The window inside the office gave us an exit to the yard." (November 16, 2009)
Inmate #1063 ~ "After the fighting stopped the dorm was trashed so no one would have to go back to living in that environment as it was before. I was on the yard for 29 hours after the riot. No medical attention with a broken arm and wounds that need attention badly. I ended up with 168 stitches through out my body. I was then in an exercise cage for 4 days in a pair of boxers with 3 other injured people. We all still had pepper spray on us. and had no showers (I believe this is a violation of the rules)." (November 15, 2009)
Inmate #1061 ~ "According to the CDC rule book (Title 15) we only have 15 days to file a grievance on any issues we might have. Well once again they refused to give us the forms for the first 3 weeks after the riot. Once they finally did pass them out stated our serious issues. They responded by telling us that it was too late because we only had 15 days to file the grievance. What kind of crap is that?" (November 15, 2009)
Inmate #1059 ~"We were housed (outside) for several days with no bedding, NO food, NO showers and NO hygiene products. We were forced to take "bird baths" from a faucet coming from a building wall in broad daylight. We suffered insect bites, colds-coughing, back problems and other pains from the sleeping on concrete ground...I'm still being held without any notification or any hearings of a changed of my release date. They are violating my rights by holding me here past my date." (November 12, 2009)
Inmate #1058 ~"I looked out the window to see all the officers just standing there outside the fence, not doing anything to contain the situation. As a matter of fact they were just watching Joshua Hall burn down...We were placed in cages without breakfast, lunch or dinner for 1-2 days. Some of us had to sleep outside for 4 days without any blankets, pants or t-shirts (just our boxer shorts and socks).Others slept in cages in the hallway which were about 3'x9' with 10 to 15 inmates cuddled together trying to keep warm for 4 days and nights." (November 12, 2009)
Inmate #1057 ~"Today wasn't a good day along with so many of the past 90 days. Today I was given 6 more months of time. Its crazy because for the first time, I'm not guilty of anything. The informant gets all the focus off the ongoing investigation. They get to go through pictures to pick us out falsely, but we can't look through pictures to find witnesses to defend ourselves. No one is beating there 115 write ups." (November 9, 2009)
Inmate #1055 X2(cell mates) ~ "...the 2nd day in the sun, everyone's skin was blistering! Finally that night we received a chicken dinner and not a sandwich, some officers brought out sheets for us...2 sheets for 10 men to share so we all bunch up together and tried to sleep. I got 2 hours sleep (we got NO sleep the night before). It so hard to endure...I felt like an animal in a cage. As a matter of fact, my counselor made the comment...'you act like animals an you will be treated like animals' That was so wrong!" (November 9, 2009)
Inmate #1054 ~ "Memorandums were posted by the staff, talking of racial tension! I never in all my times of being incarcerated seen this before. The riot happened soon after the memos were posted. If there was racial tension they should have separated the races instead they let everyone know! This riot could have been prevented." (November 9, 2009)
Inmate #1048 ~"After the riot we were neglected in so many ways. The negligence was solely based on the riot and it is my opinion that correctional officers or those of higher authority abused us because the institution wanted us to suffer in every way!" (November 10, 2009)
Inmate #1044 ~ "It's well known that we were ALL subject to the same abusive treatment. We suffered 4 days of intense sunburn and sleepless nights.Then at YTS we were not allows to shower or issued razors for 3 weeks. On 8/29, we were put in the "hole" and told of outrageous charges against us based solely on informant statements. To this day 11/4 we have yet to step foot outside for fresh air (almost 3 months). We are confined to cells 24 hours/day. I fear that I'm about to be unjustly pinned with a crime I did not commit" (November 9, 2009)
Inmate #1000 ~ "I was stabbed, hospitalized stitched and released...placed in a cell with hand cuffs and leg restraints and they never,not once, removed them until Aug 13,2009 (3 days)!" (November 9, 2009)
Inmate #1026 ~ "They made me sleep on filthy floors. I slept on the floor for 13 days, until Sacramento came to see how our living conditions were. Only then was I moved to a cell with a bed for me to sleep in." (November 8, 2009)
Inmate #1006 ~ "The building was on fire, all the doors were locked. The guards kicked out a window in the office and escaped, but locked the office door, leaving everyone to fend for themselves!" (November 9, 2009)
Inmate #1022- ~ "It was total chaos! Grown men were screaming in terror as they kicked out windows and mesh to try and escape from the burning building. We were locked in by the correctional officers!" (November 9, 2009)
Inmate #1025 ~"I am disabled! I have very limited movement of my arms, wrist, fingers because of my disabilities and I suffer from severe arthritic pain. You can see, I'm in no shape to be involved in a riot. I was hiding to stay out of the riot. I was in extreme fear for my life. The other inmates were stronger and because of my physical disabilities, I was no match for a fight." (November 7, 2009)
Inmate #1002 ~"on Aug. 6th , CO's brought out riot gear to escort us to and from chow...everyplace we went was controlled. I have no doubt in my mind they had prior knowledge of the riot!" (November 7, 2009)
Inmate #1011 ~ "We were stripped down to our boxers and left outdoors in cages for 3 days. The sun burnt us during the day as we had NO shade what so ever. It was miserable! Then at night it was unbearably cold. After the second night of freezing, we got together and said we wouldn't respond to their head count or chow if they didn't give us clothes and blankets." (November 7, 2009)
Inmate #1016 ~ "On Aug. 9 & 10, we had to shower outdoors, naked, in public and near the street. The guards kept demanding us to obey their orders. We had to make a deal with them in order to get some food." (November 6, 2009)
Inmate #1009 ~ "The Hispanic (Staff on inmate) racial discrimination here is absolutely unbelievable....staff outright disrespect, disregard and dehumanize inmates." (November 5, 2009)
Inmate #1015 ~ "We've yet to get linen exchange and we have been here 18 days at YTS. No clean towels, clothes, etc. We have NO program, no set days for showers, linen, supplies...like TP & soap. They just do it as they go I guess. We barely got 602 and medical forms today (18 days since the riot), though we ask for them everyday. A 602 is the only way we can properly respond to any of their actions. We are filling them out now for the inhumane treatment we have received.." (November 4, 2009)
Inmate #1010 ~ "I'll never forget how horrible it was and continue to have nightmares every night." (November 4, 2009)
Inmate #1012 ~ "One inmate laid dead or dyeing, in the dorm, yet no officers came to his rescue. Other inmates drug him outside and put him down. After 45 minutes the inmate was still there. Guards had no regard for his safety or rescue." (November 3, 2009)
Inmate #1014 ~"After 4 days of being baked in the sun, we were finally given sun screen! I'm still waiting for my 602 to come back, but I think the cdc threw it out..." Second letter "OVERCROWDED....PLEASE HELP!" (November 2, 2009)
Inmate #1023 ~ "The day before the riot, correctional officers gave out information to inmates that provoked the riot the next day. They totally set the riot up and did not stop it or rescue severely injured!" (November 1, 2009)
Inmate #1021 ~ "The dorm I was in caught fire and the correction officers just ran out and locked us it." (October 30, 2009)
Inmate #1017 ~ "We had to make deals with the correction officers, just to eat! Inmates were getting their wrist cut due to the zip ties being on so tight." (October 30, 2009)
Inmate #1024 ~ "I've been writing a day by day diary since the riot. My voice really needs to be heard, but I can't send my diary out because I don't think it will make it to you." (October 30, 2009)
Inmate #1027 ~ "I would also like to add that 5 days prior to the riot we were made to sleep outside on the yard." (October 30, 2009)
Inmate #1028 ~ "The thing that makes it so sad is that it didn't have to happen (riot). The officers wanted it to happen and let it happen, then went on to treated us like animals." (October 28, 2009)
Inmate #1032 ~ "I'm in the 'hole,' more time added for battery. I'M INNOCENT! If I stand on principle to fight the system and then found guilty, I could get years (vs. months). Maybe, I should have fought back...I am semi-crippled, never had disciplinary actions and no record of violence. But, when I compared years to months, I had to take the plea bargain. I am one of the MANY victims of circumstances at Chino!" (October 28, 2009)
Inmate #1033 ~ "I had NO active participation in this riot. Do NOT present an immediate threat to self/others nor do I endanger institution security. I have NO prior disciplinary history. I am NOT involved with ANY Gangs. I have NO tattoos or enemies. This was my FIRST (and only) offense. Yet I am being held way past my release date, because of WHERE I was housed on August 8, 2009!" (October 28, 2009)
Inmate #1035 ~ "The conditions here in Chino are sickening and not fit to house the worst criminals on earth. It's not fit to house animals! The buildings are falling apart, the over population situation is dangerous! West yard was a HELL HOLE. You would not believe how we were living, if you came here to visit. It was like a time bomb always ticking, waiting to explode. I happened to be there when it did on August 8th." (October 28, 2009)
Inmate #1036 ~"That day is one I'm never going to forget. I've never seen anything like it before...there was glass flying everywhere and so many people got hurt. Joshua Hall was on fire and we were trapped inside. We managed to break out some bars to escape. But, I really believe if we had waited any longer or could not have broken the bars we would have all burn to death." (October 28, 2009)
Inmate #1037 ~ "We were on lock down before the riot, then on the day of the riot the squad was there and fully armored (riot gear), like they new something was going to happen. It did later that night, but the guards ran off and did NOTHING to stop the riot. Our building was on fire and we finally kicked a window out and evacuated between Joshua Hall and Otey Hall. Many of us had smoke inhalation and I was having a hard time breathing because I am an asthmatic. So you can imagine! (October 28, 2009)
Inmate #1038 ~ "I ran to the officer that was working that day asking for help but instead he ran out of the door and locked it. I got cornered by another group who attacked me again. They sliced below my neck with glass and my ear was sliced half way across. It took 12 stitches to close!" (October 28, 2009)
Inmate #1039 ~ "It was hot in California in August and I received a severe sun burn because I lived in a dog kennel cage under the heat of the sun. The nights were freezing cold and I literally begged them to give me a blanket or some clothes, but they REFUSED. They also did not give me any medical attention for my stab wounds." (October 26, 2009)
Inmate #1047 ~ "From the 9th-11th, we slept outside on the cement without as much as a blanket. On the 9th we went at least 15 hours before getting a sack lunch. On 10th, we got NO lunch meal. On the 11th we were moved to YTS and put 2 men to a ONE MAN CELL! I still continued to sleep on the dirty floor with no blanket until the night of the 15th. It was not until the 21st. that I was moved to a cell with a proper bed." (October 26, 2009)
Inmate #1031 ~"I came here with a certain amount of money in my pocket. They gave me a receipt for it. Now they have NO record of it, because I have a zero balance on my books. They're ignoring everything around them! something has to be done and soon...Chino Prison need to be held accountable!" (October 26, 2009)
Inmate #1029 ~"The day before AND the day of the riot, prison staff conducted a contraband and weapons search. But no weapons were ever found, yet during the riot and abundance of weapons were used against the minority inmates. Also, The practice of unbalanced housing needs to be addressed..30-50 Asians/Blacks in a dorm that holds 200 Hispanic/White inmates is insane! Segregate or balance the races!" (October 26, 2009)
Inmate #1019 ~"I was injured due to incompetent handling of the riot by prison personnel" (October 26, 2009)
Inmate #1007 ~"The Correctional Officers instigated the racial conflict. I have lots to say, though not in a letter!" (date of letter 10/26/09)
Inmate #1034 ~"I am NOT a gang member, I have NEVER been a gang member and I have NEVER met anyone who is. Yet this prison is trying to label me as such because of my race! I feel they are placing my life in a dangerous position with these allegations. I'm sorry, I cannot give more detail as I fear retaliation in more ways than one!" (October 26, 2009)
Inmate #1040 ~"I was in the riot in August and was one of those inmates who was punished by the Chino prison guards. The Hispanics and Whites especially suffered cruel and unusual punishment AFTER the riot" (October 26, 2009)
Inmate #1045 ~"I have filed a 602 grievance. Actually my whole tier has filed one, but we have gotten NO response! We're thinking they never got to their destination???." (date of letter 10/26/09)
Inmate #1046 ~"I was in Chino Prison the night of the riot. I got a glass cut on my arm. I have filled out many "health care service request forms" to let them know I STILL HAVE GLASS IN MY ARM and it is very painful, but no response yet!" (date of letter 10/20/09)
Inmate #1049 ~"I was another one who was zip-tied for hours, placed in cages for 3 days with no clothes and no blankets, not given food for hours. It was all so very bad and ILLEGAL!" (date of letter 10/09/09)
Inmate #1053 ~"I did not do what they say I did! It's more principle than anything now and it pisses me off. The Board of Prison Court is bias! In a real court of law this would not fly, I would get the chance to defend myself. But here you're just guilty because they say you are. Their court is nothing but a JOKE...a Kangaroo court! It's a mockery of justice. If I was guilty I would try to get the best deal and take it, as I've done in the past. I WILL NOT take their plea bargain to plea guilty for something I did not do or had any part of! (date of letter 10/02/09)
Inmate #1052 ~"I was part of the August west yard riot. I can give you a lot of info on the cruel treatment that we all suffered. I have kept a record of all the events that took place since that day. It includes CO names, inmate names and locations, dates and detailed descriptions of how we were so badly treated. All we seek is justice!" (date of letter 10/02/09)

Letters from inmates who were NOT at Chino Prison during the riot. No state of emergency, yet they were still housed in outdoor/indoor cages.

In their words....--Last update 3/07/10----------------------------------------------------------Back to home page

Inmate #1096 ~ "I am writing this letter to inform you of the deplorable and inhumane conditions we are being forced to live in while incarcerated at Chino State Prison. I arrived here in mid DECEMBER and was forced to sleep in a cage. Due to lack of space, they shoved 11 other men into the same cage, then threw in ONE blanket, and told us all to be quiet! I am an amputee and also have other serious medical issues. Because we were not allowed to use the restrooms, I was forced to use a milk carton to urinate in, though others just urinated on the floor (the same floor they sleep on??). There is gross negligence going on here; improper clothing, NO cleaning supplies and a very deep discrimination towards ADA inmates. Can anyone help?" (December 30, 2009)

Inmate #1095 ~ " I am writing you about the living conditions here at Chino Institute for men. I have slept on the floor in central and housed in a holding cage for a total of four days. I take psychiatric medication and have gone days without them. I have been here since early November, yet here it is December 28th and I have yet to go before the Board of Parole for my hearing, though the rules say they have 13 work days. Here on the East yard, when it rains, we wake up to 3 inches of rain on the floor. There is visible mold everywhere. The window are all broken and it is very cold at night. There are birds nest inside the building!" (December 30, 2009)

Inmate #1094 ~ "After the riot, new inmates were harassed constantly. We slept in cages, in the hallways for 5 days with non-scheduled bathroom breaks, no mattresses and cold meals. During the day we were taken to outside cages or kennels. Medical attention was scarce. The elderly were treated so shabbily! Showers were denied on every shift. People with staph infections and H1N1 were not separated from others. In all it was devastating!" (December 29, 2009)

Inmate #1093 ~ "I am an inmate at Chino Prison and I am also an ADA inmate and above the knee amputee. I was repeated subjected to cruel and unusual punishment against my will by the CDCR custody staff who forced me to sleep on the floor in an overcrowded cage for several days. I experienced much pain and suffering!" (December 26, 2009)

Inmate #1092 ~ "I was recently told of your efforts to find a law firm to take on a civil rights class action suit. I am here at Chino Prison and I'm a certified triple CMS patient. I am also a diabetic and have been forced to live in an overcrowded cage and sleep on the floor until a bed became available. Please include me in any potential litigation" (December 26, 2009)

Inmate #1091 ~ "I am here at CIM on a parole violation and I am writing to let you know about the unbearable living conditions in this prison. I was stuck in a cage that was approximately 3'x10' with 10 other men. There was no room to stand, let alone find a space to lay down to sleep. We have to hassle with the CO's for hours just to use the restroom or get water. For 2 days I had to endure these harsh and atrocious conditions. There is no reason to treat human beings in such a way!" (December 26, 2009)

Inmate #1090 ~ "Chino inmates are human beings that are caged like animals and who are mistreated and living with black mold infested air ducts. I'm not in a cell, but in a room with 40 other men and only 3 toilets that work. We bird bath because we are lucky to get a shower twice a week. The CDCR is it's own judge and jury!" (December 26, 2009)

Inmate #1086 ~ "I am writing to state my complaint and would like to be included in any law suit that may come. I spent my days sleeping in cages at Chino State Prison. It was unsanitary. We ate cold food, drank unsanitary water. We were verbally and mentally abused on a regular basis by correctional officers. We could not use the bathroom to urinate or shit for hours at a time. Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon because I have so much more to share with you." (December 17, 2009)

Inmate #1085 ~ "I came here in Nov. for a parole violation. I am disabled and need a cane to walk, but never got one until just a few weeks ago. I was put me in a hallway cage with about 30-35 other men, but they were probably meant to hold 10 at the most. Then went to an outside cage, until about 9:00 PM at night. It is dark and cold! We had NO jackets, only a blanket to try and stay warm. We slept wherever we could in the overcrowded cages. They did not let us use the restrooms and we had NO water. After the second day, I felt non-human. I blistered on my head from the sun because there was no shade anywhere! I was in a lot of pain from my knee and this goes on for four more days until I finally got a real bed. I fear that CDCR officers will read this letter and punish me. I have already slept in the cages for days, so I don't want to go back again. Please help" (December 16, 2009)

Inmate #1084 ~ "I underwent corporal punishment from my first day at Chino Prison in November. I was forced to sit outside until 10:00PM at night with no jacket or blanket. When we were finally allowed inside we were forced to sleep 15 men to a zz cell (holding cell) at Chino Central. We weren't allowed to use the restroom as needed. Only when they deemed necessary. The process repeated on the following day and again nothing was given to us to keep ourselves warm from the cold night. We finally received blankets on the third night. We had a little bit more space to sleep in, but it didn't help because all Chino saw was more space for more bodies and that night the spot I had to sleep was next to the toilet. I asked for disinfectant, but was told they didn't hand that stuff out." (December 15, 2009)

Inmate #1082 ~ "I was kept in the reception center cage for 5 days not given a bedroll for the first 2 days. I was in a cage with 10 men. We were fed breakfast and lunch in the cages. We asked to use the restrooms refused to let us go. They let us go on their own time and when they felt like it. Sometimes, we had to wait 6-7 hours. I have a pacemaker implanted, but was DENIED medical attention and did not get my medication on a regular basis. I slept on a concrete floor and was very stressed, uncomfortable and cold. On the 2nd day I was there they forgot to give us dinner. When we complained we were given 2 sandwiches and an apple. I feel I should have been treated a little more like the human being that I am" (December 10, 2009)

Inmate #1081 ~ "My story is just as drastic as the others. Three nights in a cage with 10 other men and no water, no restroom facilities. I have kidney problems which is documented. It was torture for me and was cruel and unusual punishment, especially when there were beds available. You see, when Sacramento came down and saw what they were doing here all of a sudden that stopped and we got beds. Now there starting to do it all over again. It is ILLEGAL and they know it. I have a lot more info for a lawyer or anyone interested. I have a lot of names and information on this situation waiting for to be shared." (December 10, 2009)

Inmate #1080 ~ "I came here in November and I was immediately housed in a cage that was about 4'x12', with ten other men (some of them were violent offenders). They gave us 2 restroom and water breaks in 12 hours. In the morning, we were led to another outdoor cage, where we were kept exposed to the elements (cold) outside until about 9:00 pm. Then led back to the inside cage to sleep. This routine went on for over 5 days! I'm close to being a senior citizen and I am suffering severe psychological problems from the mental and physical abuse inflicted upon me. The California Department of Correction's decision to solve their overcrowding problems by subjecting me to this barbaric form is cruel and unusual punishment." (December 10, 2009)

Inmate #1079 ~ " I arrived in NOVEMBER and slept in a "stand-up cage," and I ate my breakfast in the same cage. After breakfast we were put in the rec yard outdoors with over 60 inmates and only 2 benches that at the most sat 10 inmates each. We had dinner there and remained outside until 8PM. We were then brought inside to sleep in a R&R Cage and this routine repeated for 3 days and nights. It was the WORST imaginable 3 days. I had to sleep on the floor with germs from others shoes and put my face to sleep and breath in "dust bunnies" which could have a pubic hair from someone who perhaps had crabs. I woke up one time and saw a rat roaming the floors that we were forced to sleep on. I had genuine concerns for my health." ( December 6, 2009)

Inmate #1064 ~ "In SEPTEMBER I had to sleep in a cage for some time. Then I was put in a cell and slept on a mattress without sheets. The toilet was not working, yet they made me and my cell mate stay in the cell with a an over flowing toilet. The cell had rats and roaches. I was in such despair, I was put on suicide watch. But instead of stripping me of anything I can use to harm myself, they gave me clothes, sheets and even a razor and dared me to kill myself! I was found hanging, they got me down and pepper sprayed me and dragged me down the tier. They did not treat my cuts and left me in a cage for over 24 hours. I was so depressed and in turmoil (I am an EOP patient)." ( November 16, 2009)
2nd letter ~ Look I got another inmate and they did the same thing to him. He was on suicide watch and they gave him clothes, they were not suppose to. He made a noose to hang himself with. They're leaving razor blades in the cells and giving inmates razors while on suicide precautions." (December 3, 2009)

Inmate #1074 ~ " To whom it may concern, I am among the men who had to sleep on the ground and stayed in cages in a cold outdoor yard for days. We had no showers and had to use a filthy bathroom with at least an inch of muck in the water. It took 3 weeks to see a doctor for cream to put on my inflamed and inching feet. My condition was very bad. I was on the yard for 4 days and 3 nights in OCTOBER. The first 2 days and nights I had to share a blanket with others to try and keep warm and got my own bed roll on the 3nd night. I can provide many incidents of inhumane treatment and violations of our rights" ( November 27, 2009)

Inmate #1073 ~ " I was housed at Chino Central in OCTOBER 2009, where I slept on the floor for 4 nights due to the overcrowding at the prison. I did not get a shower, conditions were very unsanitary and I developed a Staph infection on my face. I was released and went to the emergency room immediately for treated of my condition, but now am disfigured. In NOVEMBER, I was arrested again and returned to Chino to sleep on the floor for 4 nights once again before there was room to moved me to a cell." ( November 27, 2009)

Inmate #1072 ~ " I am currently being held at Chino Institute for Men. Please include me in any litigation against the State due to violation of our 8th amendment rights under the US Constitution, on the issue of cruel and inhumane treatment. I am one of those inmates forced to sleep in cages on a concrete floor during the reception process at Chino Prison. I too was subjected to such treatment for two days in OCTOBER. If there is need for testimony, I am willing to tell my story of the suffering" ( November 27, 2009)

Inmate #1071 ~ " I arrived at Chino Prison Central in NOVEMBER and spent the night in a cage with other inmates on the night I arrived. No toilet, no water were available. Inmates have been sleeping on the floors for weeks here. I am so glad I wasn't bitten by the big rats that live here too! Chino is a huge mess and it really doesn't fit the CDC rules. I believe this prison should be closed down due to the filth and violations of the rules." ( November 25, 2009)

Inmate #1066 ~ "I have been at Chino for several months now and the living conditions have been poor. As I write this, there are inmates sleeping in cages in the hall way because of the lack of bed space and this is months after the riot! Some of the inmates were forced to sleep outside with no blankets for over 3 days. Now I know this against our rights!" (November 18, 2009)

Inmate #1062~ "I slept on the floor for 2 days with no mattress and with visible spiders and rats, as well. I was told there was no bed space available. I was compacted in this cage with 10 other men. The cage was 3 feet wide and 8 feet long. After vigorously protesting, I was told by the CO that he'll continue to place more bodies in the cage to sleep.....AND HE DID! Now with these overcrowded conditions I observed prisoners who were extremely hostile towards others and some bullied others for the most comfortable place in the small cell to sleep. This is far from humane!" (November 15, 2009)

Inmate #1056 ~"I was placed outside in the cold for more than 72 hours. I was held in a the exercise yard in what would be considered cages.I write to you now as I was moved from the out door cages to hallway cages not fit for 10 people let alone the 15 to 20 that were forced to occupy the space. It was extremely stressful situation for all of us." (November 11, 2009)

Inmate #1051 ~"I came here in SEPTEMBER and put in outdoor cages from morning until late at night (about 10:00 PM). We were never given underwear or a blanket to keep warm. We slept on the ground and ate all 3 meals in the cages. There was no overhead shade for cover or privacy! Since I am a level 1, I should by no means be housed with a level 4 inmate...BUT I AM RIGHT NOW! When I bring it to their attention, I am told they will put me in a different cell but don't! I am still trying to get housed properly" (November 10, 2009)

Inmate #1050 ~" I came to CIM in OCTOBER and had to sleep in outdoor cages with no blankets and overcrowded with 11+ other inmates. I was given no under garments, just the standard scrubs. I was in an automobile accident 5 days prior to my arrival and was on several medications for various disorders. I have yet to see a doctor and I'm suffering from major sleep deprivation. I feel this abuse is a gross violation of the law!" (November 10, 2009)

Inmate #1042 ~"I've tried to notify personnel, nurses and anyone I could, to inform them of my disabilities. I was in an accident and had surgery to have a metal rod replace my shin bone. I also had a ruptured spleen and have a very large deformity that causes me extreme pain and discomfort when I try to sleep" (November 4, 2009)

Inmate #1030 ~"I wasn't in the riot, but I've been her since SEPTEMBER 24th and dealing with the aftermath of abusive treatment. Sleeping on the dirty floor with not even a mat! No showers for 4-5 days!" (October 27, 2009)

In the words of one Chino Prison inmate...
"please pray for us prisoners, here in Guantanamo Bay!"

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