The Fight for Justice: Constitutional Violations at Red Rock Correctional Center

 

As a prison wife, the struggles of navigating a system that often feels unjust and dehumanizing are far too familiar. My husband has been incarcerated at Red Rock Correctional Center, operated by CoreCivic, since August 12, 2024. In these few short weeks, we've experienced firsthand the disturbing reality of how frequently the rights of inmates are disregarded. It’s not just a matter of poor conditions or lack of basic necessities—it's about the systematic violations of the very amendments designed to protect the rights of every person in this country, including those behind bars.

The First Amendment Violations

One of the most immediate and personal impacts has been the violation of the First Amendment rights of inmates. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, expression, and association. However, my husband’s visitation privileges were abruptly revoked, with no clear explanation or due process. Initially, he was granted video visits, only for them to be suddenly and arbitrarily canceled. When he politely asked to move to a table with better reception, his request was not only denied, but his visit was canceled entirely by a correctional officer acting on a power trip.

This is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a direct violation of his right to communicate with his family. The arbitrary nature of this decision suggests a retaliatory motive, which further infringes on his First Amendment rights. Inmates, just like everyone else, have the right to speak, to communicate, and to maintain family connections. When these rights are stripped away without due cause, it’s not just an abuse of power—it’s unconstitutional.

The Fourteenth Amendment Violations

The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees due process and equal protection under the law. Since my husband’s arrival at Red Rock Correctional Center, I’ve seen how these rights are often ignored. The sudden revocation of his visitation privileges without any explanation or opportunity to appeal is a clear violation of due process. The prison administration’s lack of communication and refusal to provide a valid reason for these actions only highlights the disregard for his constitutional rights.

Moreover, there seems to be a pattern of unequal treatment among inmates. Those who speak up or make reasonable requests, like my husband did, are often met with retaliation or harsher treatment. This unequal application of rules and privileges is a violation of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Every inmate, regardless of their background or the nature of their request, deserves to be treated with fairness and respect. Unfortunately, this is not the reality at Red Rock Correctional Center.

Eighth Amendment Concerns

While my husband's experience primarily highlights violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments, it’s important to also mention the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Although this might not have been directly implicated in our situation, the conditions at Red Rock Correctional Center—like overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate medical care—often raise serious Eighth Amendment concerns. Inmates are frequently subjected to conditions that are not just uncomfortable but inhumane, adding another layer of constitutional violations to the mix.

Why This Matters

You might wonder why these constitutional violations matter so much. After all, these are inmates—people who have broken the law and are serving their time. But the Constitution doesn’t make exceptions for certain groups of people. It guarantees rights to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. When we allow the rights of one group to be trampled, we set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of rights for all.

For families like mine, and so many others I speak with, these violations are not abstract legal issues—they have real, painful consequences. They strain our relationships, cause emotional distress, and make an already challenging situation even harder to bear. My husband’s case is just one example, but I know there are countless other families facing similar struggles.

What Can Be Done?

Raising awareness is the first step. By sharing our story, I hope to shed light on the ongoing constitutional violations happening at Red Rock Correctional Center and other facilities like it. But awareness alone isn’t enough—we need action. That’s why I plan to reach out to Governor Hobbs, the Arizona Department of Corrections, and other relevant authorities to demand accountability and change.

I encourage other families who are experiencing similar issues to speak out. Together, we can make a difference and hold those in power accountable for their actions. Our loved ones may be incarcerated, but that doesn’t mean they are less deserving of their constitutional rights. We must continue to fight for justice, for them, and for all those who cannot speak for themselves.

Contact Information:

If you’re facing similar issues or want to voice your concerns, here are some important contacts:

Mr. Kelly Knoll - Manager
Email: iffliaison@azadc.gov
Phone: (602) 364-3945
Address: Constituent Services Unit, Arizona Department of Corrections, 701 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Warden of Red Rock Correctional Center – Bruno Stolc
Email: Bruno.stolc@corecivic.com
Address: Red Rock Correctional Center, 1750 E Arica Rd, Eloy, AZ 85131
Phone: (520) 464-3800

Deputy Warden of Red Rock Correctional Center – Jason Snow & Greg Fizer
Email: Jason.snow@corecivic.com & Gregory.fizer@corecivic.com
Phone: (520) 464-3800
Address: Red Rock Correctional Center, 1750 E Arica Rd, Eloy, AZ 85131

Governor Katie Hobbs
Mailing Address: Office of the Governor, 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 542-4331
Fax: (602) 542-1381
Email: https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/form/assistance-request
Website: Governor Katie Hobbs - Official Website