Paper Trail: Inmate visitations, religious services curtailed during shutdown

Paul Demko//July 14, 2011

Minnesota’s prison inmates are feeling the effects of the government shutdown. Visitations have been suspended until further notice and group religious services eliminated, according to a July 7 memo sent to the state’s roughly 9,500 inmates.

In addition, cable television has been dropped, indoor recreation activities suspended and library services eliminated at the state’s 10 adult and juvenile prisons. Some programs remain operational, including medical and dental services, canteen sales and mail delivery.

“Facility operations will continue to be evaluated on a daily basis and modifications will be considered to best address safety and security issues,” reads the memo written by DOC assistant commissioner, Terry Carlson.