You may recall that the gossip network here on campus is referred to as “Inmate.com”. With the onslaught of Trump 2.0 executive orders and the closing of FPC Morgantown, inmates have been spreading misinformation faster than an L.A. wildfire. What really ignited the trend earlier this week was a posting of 25 names in my housing unit with a directive to see the head program coordinator by 4:00 pm. Up until this point, we were told that no more programming would occur. When the list was posted around noon about 18 of the 25 names were patiently sitting in a waiting area by 12:05 pm to see what special announcement would be made. Hopes for the next programming class to begin was on everyone’s mind with a hope we’d be able to stay at FPC Morgantown. After an hour of waiting, the coordinator crept into the waiting area to simply inquire: “If you’re still interested in participating in the program, let me know so we can have you TRANSFERRED as soon as possible.” The reality of an impending transfer dauntingly shocked all of us gathered. Of course, I shared my eagerness to begin the final programming, especially since it meant that I would be prioritized transfer among the 300+ men on campus. I rather be in the first batch of transfers as to prevent any hiccups or delays.
Following this brief meeting, I was approached by several guys that I hadn’t interacted with, and they wanted to know if a new class was starting or when the transfers would begin. This meeting caused quite the commotion with a fallout of nuclear speculation. Then, this magical list flew around the campus picking up 50 names, then 100 more, oh wait, 140, hold on it’s now 200! While the list was removed from hallway the same day, conjecture swelled among many guys for what the near future held: “Did you hear we are all moving into one housing unit” “Did you know that the first bus is arriving tomorrow and taking 50 guys” “Did you know all guys from Ohio will be going to this prison and all other guys will be going to that prison” “Did you know the groundhog saw its shadow, so there’s only 6 more weeks left at Morgantown (this was mine)” ARGH, it kept going and going….until a new list came out!
The new list was a sensitive list marked only for correctional officers and administrators. This list contains the names of 200+ guys who have been “designated.” Receiving a designation is the prison nomenclature for “you have been assigned to a new prison and will be transferring very soon!” Like the gossipy inmates, correctional officers really stirred the pot when they confirmed the list existed and shared with some guys where their designation would be. Upon learning that the sensitive information was being shared with inmates, the administrators blocked the list… While we know that the prison is closing, many inmates and staff alike falsely hoped that the closure would be reversed. Now, with the impending reality, any little bit of (mis)information is taken out of context and demonstratively shared like yapping Chicken Littles.
I only know that I have been designated and am prepared to transfer at the drop of a dime, which creates a bit of good anxiety. I wish that I had more information to report, but I figured this little tidbit gives some insight into the chaotic mess of much misinformation being spread at any given minute. You would never believe how these criminal men can be so sophomoric with their giddiness of sharing the latest gossip. I hope you have a wonderful week and thank you for taking the time to check-in with me. Please continue to be mindful of any little miracle in your life this week 🙂
Ken Gaughan
Federal Prison Advocate and Consultant