Susan's Record 1980-1989

 


 


1980   

5-16-80    Occupational Therapist stated that “Susan has been doing excellent work in O.T. as usual.”

5-30-80    Work Supervisor states Susan is good at completing her work and “displays a good attitude towards her work.”

7-7-80      Psychiatrist Dr. Johnson states that Susan’s accounts of the crime “are essentially in agreement with the entries in [the] Central File except that she is much more critical of herself than the observers of record.” “Family stresses, conflict and trauma (largely underemphasized by [Susan]) seem to have established a basis for the Subject’s abuse and ... joining up with Charles Manson.” “...she picked up the subtler implications of “open” questions and responded with trust and a remarkable degree of self-searching.” “An indicator of the extent to which Ms. Atkins has changed in outlook, comprehension, and maturation may be her view of the position of the Board on her case. She sees the Board members [as] being in a dilemma; if they can accept the fact that she is truly changed and is an entirely different person than in 1969 to 1974... they then have the problem of sending her back to a society which still will not tolerate her because of the crime in which she participated. She reflects on this, not critically, but with an air of sympathy.” “COMMENT: In some places in the C-File are comments to the effect that “[Susan] has simply exchanged one god for another.” If intended as a criticism, this comment is illogical... Ms. Atkins has carried this further by transposing her enlightening religious experience and the preoccupation therewith, into a practical, everyday living experience. She has changed from being a blind follower to a thinking, caring person imbued with the Christian spirit.” “IMPRESSION: ...Remarkable mobilization of mental and emotional assets while incarcerated. ...shows excellent judgment, positive value system, and truly presents a transformation through finding the positive elements in the present environment. This young woman appears to have undergone a permanent change such that she would no longer constitute a danger to the community.”

7-16-80     Susan’s Counselor states that Susan “continues to display a friendly cooperative attitude towards both staff and peers alike.” “Overall adjustment has been very good.” “Prognosis - If Susan maintains her present attitude and behavior pattern, there is no reason why she could not become a productive member of the community. The Psychiatric Evaluation Report dated 7-7-80, reports that Susan appears to have undergone a permanent change such [that] she would no longer constitute a danger to the community.”

7-21-80     School Instructor states that Susan does “excellent work,” is an “excellent student,” and that “she was a tremendous help in assisting her fellow students.”

7-28-80     Susan received a Commendation Chrono from Staff for voluntarily helping to strip, mop and wax all of the floors in the Psychiatric Treatment unit.

7-28-80     Susan received a Commendation Chrono from the Music Instructor for her “healthy cheerful and positive attitude” during the 6 months she worked with him.

7-29-80     1980 Board Hearing

- Faulted for (Institutional behavior) - nothing
- Recommendations -

1) Remain  disciplinary free
2) Continue participating in vocational and academic training
3) Remain on psychiatric referral, due to the nature of the commitment offense.

7-29-80    Board states that Susan’s “institutional adjustment has improved...” and that her “disciplinary record, psychiatric evaluations and academic efforts have shown improvement.”

8-2-80     Susan was commended “for her excellent help with the Legion of Mary...”

8-2-80      Susan is commended by Dr. White, Chief Medical Officer. “I would like to commend Susan for helping to form and direct the Choir. Upon our approval, Susan undertook this task with enthusiasm, care and patience. She has put in many hours with the women in rehearsals, putting together song books, teaching new songs, and to the joy of all who attend Mass, we now have a Choir for Sunday Morning Mass. Thank you Susan for being an encouragement to many. Your efforts and love are appreciated.” “Susan is highly endorsed by the Legion of Mary Chair-Person...”

8-2-80      Susan was commended by Monsignor Lawlor. “I would like to commend Susan Atkins for her charitable work and help in establishing a Choir for the Catholic Services. She was asked by the members of the Choir to help them by directing their singing.”

8-6-80      Superintendent and Associate Superintendent state that Susan in not considered a custodial or management problem.

8-29-80    Work Supervisor states that Susan is “a self-motivated worker and requires little supervision.”

9-3-80     Correctional Counselor stated that “Ms. Atkins’ program participation and attitude are superior.” “She is cheerful, courteous and a mature influence on the cottage.” He also commended her for having no disciplinaries.

9-3-80      Superintendent and Associate Superintendent state that Susan “has received commendation chronos ... for participating in education program, for doing work over and above her regular assignment, for helping in Legion of Mary, and for doing excellent work in the Occupational Therapy class.”

12-10-80   Superintendent and Campus Manager state that Susan “has related well with her peers and staff.” And that her supervisor “indicates that her program participation and attitude are superior.” She was commended for her program response.

12-15-80   Monsignor Lawlor stated that Susan “has worked very hard whenever we ask her to help with the Legion of Mary.”

1981   

1-22-81    Work Supervisor states that Susan “is a conscientious and responsible worker.” “Her attitude towards and rapport with her peers is exemplary.” She also commends Susan for exceptional skill, knowledge, and work habits. Exceptional attitude towards state and her job. Exceptional quality of work, quantity of work, and care shown.

3-12-81    Work Supervisor states that Susan “is a conscientious worker that assumes responsibility without the need for direct supervision. Susan maintains a stable and mature attitude towards her peers.” She also commends Susan for exceptional skill, knowledge, and work habits.

3-25-81    Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, and C&PR state that Susan’s work report “shows all exceptional marks. With regards to behavior and attitude, her demeanor toward staff and other inmates is also described as excellent. She seems to be a stabilizer within [her] cottage.”

3-25-81    Correctional Counselor stated that Susan’s work report “shows all marks as exceptional. Her behavior and attitude toward staff and other inmates is excellent. Ms. Atkins is seen as a stabilizer within the cottage.” “It is felt by this writer that Ms. Atkins has worked very hard... and has maintained herself in a more than satisfactory manner.”

4-13-81    Monsignor Lawlor thanked Susan for her “great help to the Legion of Mary.” “...she is deeply appreciated.”

5-26-81    Correctional Counselor Pope states that Susan’s work report shows all areas as exceptional.

6-11-81    Psychologist Dr. Jimakas states that “From all indications, it appears that [Susan] has improved greatly from her original entry to CIW and appears very likely to continue improving.” “She expressed good insight in her processes... and showed good judgment currently.” In his testing of Susan, he states that her responses were “essentially what may be considered ...”normal”....” “Her violence potential, estimated from both the information in her Central File and her interview presentation, appears to currently be lower than the average inmate.”

6-17-81    Superintendent and C&PR state that the staff on Susan’s housing unit consider her to be a stabilizer.

6-17-81    Correctional Counselor stated that Susan “continues to be a stabilizer on the cottage.” And that her program continues in a positive manner.

7-10-81    Monsignor Lawlor commended Susan, stating that “She has a pleasing personality and gets along well with her peers. When ever she is called for duty, she comes running with a smile on her face.”

8-20-81    Susan’s Counselor states that “Miss Atkins has continued to be a stabilizing influence in her living unit. She gets along well with her peers and with custody staff. She displays a friendly, cooperative attitude. .. Her overall adjustment continues to be a positive one.” “Prognosis: This writer agrees with the report of July 1980 in that if Susan maintains her present attitude and behavior pattern there is no reason why she could not become a productive member of the community. ... Noted is the Psychological report dated June 1981 in which Dr. Jimakas states that Miss Atkins has improved greatly since her arrival at CIW and that she is continuing to improve.”

8-91          Judge Choate tells the Board he no longer opposes Susan's release, as he has been given no evidence to show she can not be returned to the community. 

9-16-81    1981 Board Hearing

- Faulted for (Institutional behavior) - nothing
- Demands - 1) Remain disciplinary free.

2) Continue the education and work program.
3) Consider a therapy program as recommended by psychological staff.

9-16-81    BPT acknowledges Susan's "gradual improvement over the years since reception in the California Department of Corrections"... and "Panel is also aware of improved psychological reports in this case."

10-29-81   Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, and C&PR recognize Susan for receiving several commendations.

10-30-81   Monsignor Lawlor stated that Susan “always comes with a smile on her face, and is willing to assist no matter how long it takes to get the job done. It is a pleasure to have her in the Legion of Mary and all her hard work is deeply appreciated.”

1982   

1-11-82    Susan received a Commendation Chrono from correctional Counselor Pope to express his appreciation “for the many hours devoted to helping make Christmas a meaningful holiday at CIW.”

1-14-82    The Associate Superintendent commended Susan for her help during Christmas, stating that Susan’s “assistance was greatly appreciated.”

1-26-82    Correctional Counselor stated that when Susan met with difficulties, “she met it with a clear and open mind. She carefully thought out all possibilities before making any decisions.”

3-5-82      Progress Report states that Susan is doing well as a WAC representative.

4-12-82     Educational Instructor Griffith states that Susan showed above average effort and exceptional conduct while taking his class.

4-20-82    Susan received a Commendation Chrono from Monsignor Lawlor her “love and devotion to our Legion [of Mary].”

5-82          Susan is allowed to work in the Visiting Room’s new Children’s Center after completing 72 hours in Child Development classes.

5-5-82       Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, and C&PR commended Susan for being the “ex-officio close custody representative for the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC), and maintaining her program in an above average way.”

7-82         Educational Instructor Werner states that Susan shows exceptional conduct and cooperation. She is an “excellent student.”

7-82         Education Instructor Brandon, for Creative Writing, states that Susan was made editor of the Creative Writing magazine, where she was “energetic and well-organized; as a student she was creative and productive.”

7-82         Educational Instructor Shenbaum states that Susan showed exceptional effort, conduct and initiative. “She completed more than the assigned work.” “She was never absent and her attitude was excellent. Susan was a joy to work with and most helpful to others.”

7-82         Educational Instructor Sullender states that Susan has a “positive attitude,” actively participates and is a “Good student.”

7-11-82    Educational Instructor Griffith states that Susan is “a serious and motivated student,” who shows exceptional effort, conduct and cooperation.

7-15-82    Susan received a Commendation Chrono from Staff for volunteering to clean her housing unit when the Housegirl was ill for a week.

8-4-82      Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, and C&PR recognize Susan’s work in the prison’s visiting room Children’s Center, as well as her continued service as ex-officio representative to WAC.

10-20-82   Monsignor Lawlor stated that Susan “has been very active in the Legion of Mary activities and is to be commended for all her hard work and volunteer efforts...” “Susan gets along well with her peers and is always willing to give a helping hand to those in need.”

11-3-82    Counselor Brown stated that Susan’s “program has continued in a positive manner.”

11-8-82    The Academic Education Counselor stated the Susan “is to be commended for her educational accomplishment.” He verified that Susan had received her Associate of Arts degree, completing 71 1/3 semester units, attending classes from the University of LaVerne, Chaffey Community College, Coastline Community College, and the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a GPA of better than 3.5.

11-12-82   Susan’s Counselor states that Susan’s “overall adjustment has been productive and positive.” “This writer agrees with [the] report of September, 1981 in that if Ms. Atkins continues her present attitude and behavior pattern there is no reason why she could not become a productive member of the community.”

11-16-82   Psychologist Dr. Arbel states that Susan shows “increased insight and motivation to improve...” She “has attempted with a considerable degree of success to improve [difficult] facets of her personality.” “She appears to have embarked, in recent years, on a constructive course and the resultant improvement is evident, and this process is expected to continue.” “...her behavior and performance in this institution has been highly regarded.”

12-16-82   1982 Board Hearing

- Faulted for (Institutional behavior) -

1) A Disciplinary chrono (that doesn't appear in the File)

2) Separation after marriage.

- Demands - 1) Remain disciplinary free.

2)Continue vocational upgrading.

3)Participate in therapy when available

 

1983   

1-13-83    Vocational Instructor states that Susan “seems to be a capable and promising student and is programming well...” He reports her adaptability and effort as excellent.

2-1-83      Susan accepts appointment as WAC representative by Superintendent.

4-1-83      Vocational Instructor states that Susan “is working hard to succeed in the program and is accomplishing the same. Susan has the ability and aptitude to be successful...” He reported her conduct, cooperation, and dependability as excellent.

5-3-83     Monsignor Lawlor states that Susan worked very hard and “is to be commended for all her efforts in the Legion of Mary. Susan is a very warm outgoing person, and she has a lot of love and talent and she is willing to share it with others.”

6-16-83    Vocational Instructor states that Susan’s conduct, dependability, effort and initiative are all excellent.

10-13-83   Vocational Instructor states that Susan has been given “Supervision of the data entry and the production runs for the CIW Roster program. She is very conscientious in her work and is doing a magnificent job.” Conduct and cooperation are reported as excellent.

12-7-83    Correctional Counselor states that Susan has “attained 1265 hours in Data Processing, and is reported as doing a magnificent job.”

1984   

1-10-84    Vocational Instructor states that “Susan has been given the responsibility for the Data Entry and Production runs of the roster program for CIW. She is doing an above-average job, being very reliable and responsible in the work she is doing.” He also reports her conduct and initiative as excellent.

2-24-84    Monsignor states that “Susan is very reliable and comes to [choir] rehearsals [even] when she is not feeling well...” He notes that Susan comes to Mass every Sunday, directs the Choir, and should be “commended for her good works.”

2-29-84    Correctional Counselor Magette stated that Susan “is reported as doing an excellent job,” in Data Processing.

4-6-84      Vocational Instructor states that Susan has made “excellent progress.” In addition to her vocational studies, he reports that she is also “working on revisions to the roster program.” Her adaptability and conduct is reported as excellent.

4-23-84    Vocational Instructor states that Susan “has gained employable skills in the computer field.” He also reports her conduct, effort and initiative all as excellent.

6-4-84      Susan’s Work Supervisor states that “Susan has displayed a very positive attitude and a lot of interest with her new job.” He reports that her attitude toward her fellow inmates and toward staff and supervisors was above average.

6-8-84      Susan received a Commendation Chrono from Production Manager for “excellent performance.” He also noted that “Susan’s productivity and quality of work are definitely above average and makes her an asset to this organization.”

6-30-84    Work Supervisor states that Susan is “making excellent progress...” Her teamwork and participation, as well as the quality of her work is all described as above average. Her effort is described as exceptional.

8-1-84      Work Supervisor reports Susan’s effort and attitude toward staff as above average, as is her participation. Her use of equipment and interest in assigned work is described as exceptional.

8-13-84     Dr Cotter says, in Susan's Physician's Progress Notes, that "This woman has made good use of the educational training, religious, and psychological help available to her... and has matured during her stay here."

10-1-84    Dr. Jimakas states that during a 5-month group therapy period, she found that Susan “participated actively on all topics discussed.” “Ms. Atkins was very self-disclosing...” “She made many contributions to other group members in terms of sharing her experiences and her own difficulties.  Ms. Atkins showed significant insight as well as motivation for psychotherapy.  She appeared to have matured significantly and could be described as above-average in her ability to understand and take responsibility for her behaviors, feelings and their consequences. She has been placed on a waiting list for further group therapy sessions as they become available...”

10-24-84   Superintendent Johnson and Associate Superintendent Jillson report that Susan has attained above average work reports from industry.

11-19-84   The Catholic Chaplain states that Susan is being trained to take over as Chairperson for the Legion of Mary. He claims that “Her willingness to help the Legion of Mary maintain it’s high standard of excellence as a Self-Help Group within the Institution is greatly appreciated by everyone in the organization. She is a hard worker in her volunteer efforts and is a positive asset and influence amongst the Inmates in this organization.”

12-84       Susan was a member of the Recreation Committee, volunteering to assist in planning, coordinating and modeling the campus Christmas show.

1985   

1-15-85    Work Supervisor states that he finds Susan “to have a positive attitude toward her work.” He reports her participation and teamwork to be above average, and her attitude toward staff and the quality of her work to be exceptional.

2-85         Susan begins working with staff in an attempt to organize a ALANON program at CIW - a self-help program for relatives of alcoholics. (the program didn’t work out.)

2-24-85    Susan receives a Commendation Chrono for her assistance with the Legion of Mary.

6-15-85    Susan received a Commendation Chrono from staff who states that “I would like to commend Inmate Atkins on the manner in which she handled herself during an Institutional Lock Down...” “she helped alleviate a great deal of stress and tension amongst her peers.  She acted in a responsible manner throughout the lock-down.” “I have found Inmate Atkins to be a stable and responsible inmate, when a problem occurs on the unit and a WAC member is needed, Susan has aided this staff.”

6-17-85    Susan receives a Certificate of Participation from Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.

6-27-85    Susan is recommended for re-election for another term as WAC representative.

7-15-85    Susan becomes Chairperson of AA/NA.

7-21-85    The AA Sponsor states that Susan is an active member, attends regularly, and that “Her continuous participation has helped make our AA/NA meetings successful.”

9-9-85      Susan receives a Certificate of Participation from Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.

10-17-85   Work Supervisor states that Susan “is a concerned and responsible person with her assignment. She is capable of dealing with any problems that tend to arise in her day to day duties.” She is reported to show an above average skill and knowledge, and her teamwork is exceptional.

10-17-85   The Production Manager of Industry states that Susan “is an asset to this operation.” He commends her on attitude, her interest in her work and the effort she displays in her assigned work. He also reports Susan’s learning ability as exceptional.

11-18-85   Susan receives a Certificate of Participation from Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.

11-20-85   Counselor states that “Contact with subject has been minimal in this past year because she is usually able to resolve her problems herself... She programs well and has had few problems in the Unit. Unit officers have indicated to me that [Susan] is no problem and can be depended on for assistance if called upon to do so.” “Overall personal growth this past year has been very good.”

12-2-85    Staff Psychologist stated that during the 5-months of group therapy, Susan was an active participant, showed insight, was assertive and open in the group, and shared experiences of real personal importance.

12-5-85    Psychologist Dr. Hamner states that “considerable improvement has occurred since 1982...”

12-13-85   Susan received a Commendation Chrono from the Senior Medical Technical Assistant, who stated that he found Susan to be a “diligent, conscientious, and caring individual as she has worked with the Medical Department Personnel on resolving various types of Medical problems that Inmates come to her with.  Her manner has always been one of professional courtesy whenever I have attended a Medical Committee Meeting with the WAC members.” “Susan is to be commended for her volunteer work with the Medical Department and it is hoped that she will come back and work with the Medical Department again in the future.”

12-24-85   Susan received a Laudatory Chrono from the Production Manager stating that, in the 18 months that he worked with Susan, he found her to be “a diligent and conscientious employee towards her assignment. I feel that Inmate Atkins is capable of handling this type of job upon her release.” He further commended her for handling the pressure from both inmates and staff on a day-to-day basis.

12-31-85    1985 Board Hearing

- (Institutional behavior) Faulted for -

1) Psychological report by Dr. Hamner.

- Demands -

1) Remain disciplinary free.
2) Continue to participate in any self-help and/or therapy programs that are available to her.
3) Continue present work and vocational habits.

 

1986   

2-20-86    Program Administrator notes that Susan is still chairperson of AA.

3-24-86    The AA Sponsor states that Susan’s participation in AA has “helped to make our meetings successful.”

5-12-86    Susan receives a Certificate of Participation from Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.

9-8-86      The AA Sponsor states that during the 14 months that Susan has acted as Executive Chairperson of AA, she participated in an active manner. “She has helped the organization to function in a positive manner.”

10-28-86   Susan received an Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement for showing “exceptional ability” and achieving “outstanding recognition” from the Want Institute, Group Therapy, Dr. Minion (?), Dr. Parker, Dr. Allen, and Dr. Patton.

11-6-86    Susan receives a chrono from the AA Sponsor thanking her for her active and continuous participation in AA.

11-19-86   Susan was Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of California for services rendered to the Women’s Advisory Council at CIW. 

11-21-86   Work Supervisor reports Susan’s attitude as exceptional. He also reports her quality and quantity of work as exceptional.

12-5-86    The LTO Sponsor thanked Susan for her contribution to LTO’s project Para Los Ninos in Los Angeles, which handmade Christmas gifts for underprivileged children. She states that Susan’s “efforts and enthusiasm in working on the project have made is possible to achieve the goals that were set.”

12-26-86   Vocational Instructor states that “Susan is a very bright lady...” “She adapted quickly and will continue to excel in the program.” He grades her adaptability and effort as excellent.

12-31-86   Vocational Instructor states that “Susan brought... much brilliance to our program...” “Her attitude is good; she’s helpful to others, and she’s quite anxious to learn and apply herself fully.” He gives her straight A’s for her attitudes.

1987   

1987         Susan receives a 1st Place Award Certificate for her participation in the Women’s Summer Olympics. (no date)

1-12-87     Program Administrator Nelson commended Susan for serving two successful terms of office with the WAC (Women’s Advisory Council), and for serving on the Medical Committee. He states that Susan’s “contribution to this organization was greatly appreciated.”

3-31-87     Vocational Instructor Wells commends Susan for “perfecting her advanced-level skills...” and for “completing special projects for our program as well as for others throughout the institution. She is anxious to learn and to apply herself and will continue to excel in our program.” Her conduct, cooperation, dependability, effort and initiative are all reported as exceptional.

5-4-87      Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in Advanced Typing Review.

5-5-87      Susan received a Laudatory Chrono from the Child Development Instructor for formatting and typing six entire sections of the statewide competency based Effective Parenting Curriculum Test. He states that Susan’s work was well done and professional, and Susan “is to be commended for her efforts.”

5-7-87      Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in Intermediate level word processing using the LANIER EZ-1.

6-30-87    Vocational Supervisor states that Susan “produces high quality documents and will continue to excel...” He gives her straight A’s in conduct, attitude, and assigned work.

7-6-87      Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in Advanced Level Word Processing using the CPT 8500.

7-6-87      Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in Entry Level Word Processing using the LANIER EZ-1.

7-6-87      Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in Entry Level Word Processing using a PC.

7-30-87    Vocational Instructor states that “Susan was an excellent student...” She is “fully employable. She is very bright and made an excellent addition to our class.” He gave her straight A’s in attitude and classwork.

10-6-87    Psychologist Dr. Jamakas, after having Susan in one of his therapy groups, stated that she had “participated actively at all times and showed qualities of being a good-peer counselor to other inmates... shown continuous improvement as noted in group [by] her interpersonal communication with other group members and willing[ness] to take risks in terms of exposing her thoughts and feelings.”
  

1988   

4-14-88    Work Supervisor states that Susan “handles job assignments very well [with] little or no supervision.” She reports Susan’s attitude as above average.

7-20-88     Executive Body and Group Sponsor for LTO acknowledged Susan for her participation and enthusiasm in the Long Termer’s Organization.

10-4-88     Susan received a Certificate of Completion for Successful Completion of three months of Dr. Parker’s Psychotherapy group.

10-14-88   Work Supervisor states that “Susan does [an] above average job, [she] is punctual, completes assignments with minimum supervision.” He reports her attitude toward staff and her skill as above average.

10-18-88   Counselor states that Susan “is to be commended on her active participation in AA/NA, noting her position as executive chairperson... She is further commended on her above average work reports for three different assignments, and her participation in WAC. She has attended three group therapy sessions since her last Board appearance and appears to be meeting the recommendations of the BPT.

11-8-88     Psychiatrist Dr. Villar states that Susan’s “insight is very good and her judgment is intact.” “She has emotionally matured in regards to her outlook towards society.” “She showed a lot of remorse when talking about the details of the crime.”

12-1-88     Psychologist Dr. Arbel states that Susan “seems to have good insight into the psychological dynamics that led her to join Manson and become so vulnerable to his manipulation and control at the outset of their encounter.” “In comparing the 1982 evaluation by this writer... there seems to be improvement in insight, less defensiveness, and her emotions are more stable.” “This behavior indicate[s] improved stability and self-discipline.” “Ms. Atkins was described as having made continuous improvement in interpersonal communication and that she has gained good insight into her psychodynamics.” “With regard to the present offense, she showed good insight about the crucial psychological circumstances that led to her involvement with the “Manson Family”.”

12-16-88    1988 Board Hearing

- (Institutional behavior) Faulted for -

1) Not participating in self-help or therapy including AA/NA and one-on-one therapy. (This is a claim contradicted by the record.)
2) Failing to demonstrate evidence of positive change since incarceration. (This is a claim contradicted by the record.)
3) Three non-disciplinary counseling chronos. (It is illegal to use non-disciplinary chronos against an inmate at a parole hearing.)
4) Psychological report. (Which wasn’t negative.)
5) Refusing to take the MMPI. (Which she has a right to do.)
6) Exercising her right to not answer questions. (Which it is illegal to hold against an inmate at a parole hearing.)

- Demands -

1) Remain disciplinary free.
2) Upgrade vocationally and educationally.
3) Participate in self-help and therapy programming which is made available

 

1989   

2-7-89      Susan received a Certificate of Completion for Successful Completion of another three months of Dr. Parker’s Psychotherapy group.

2-15-89    Program Administrator and Correctional Counselor state that at Post Board, Susan “requests placement in Voc Data Processing (in response to Board demands) and participation in individual psychological counseling (in response to Board demands).” “Committee notes no individual counseling is available...”

6-28-89    Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in Vocational Data Processing and Introduction to UNIX operating system.

6-28-89    Vocational Instructor reports Susan’s conduct, dependability, effort and initiative as excellent.

7-20-89    Educational Instructor Orleans commended Susan for being an “excellent student,” and for her “outstanding class participation.”

7-30-89    Susan’s Counselor acknowledged her as an “Excellent student.”

9-27-89    Vocational Instructor reports Susan’s conduct, dependability and effort as excellent.

9-27-89    Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in introduction to Basic Programming.

9-27-89    Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in introduction to Data Processing.

9-27-89    Susan received a Certificate of Educational Achievement from the State of California for completion of training in Equipment Utilization.

10-2-89    Psychiatrist Dr. Armstrong states that Susan’s insight and judgment capabilities [were] commendable.” “...her level of dangerousness appears to me less than that of the average inmate and the likelihood of her return to drug abuse also most unlikely.”

11-8-89    Susan’s Counselor states that “She continues to excel and do above average work on her vocational and educational program. Though most of the difficulty Ms Atkins has experienced [is]... due to the fact that she has not had a chance to be more involved in self-help groups and therapy programs because of the long waiting list.”
 

11-9-89    Program Administrator and Correctional Counselor commend Susan for her “excellent job on her College Education program.”

12-2-89    Susan was thanked by an Administrator for her special “contribution to the “Gifts for Children of CIW Project.” Her gift inspired many others to contribute as well, and is greatly appreciated.”

12-20-89    1989 Board Hearing

- (Institutional behavior) Faulted for -

1) Not having programmed long enough. (After doing 20 years on a 7-to-life sentence.)
2) Lack of ongoing AA/NA. (Which wasn’t demanded of her.)
3) Limited therapy. (Therapy was not available at this time and the Board knew it.)
4) Failing to demonstrate evidence of positive change. (Which contradicts the record and the Board’s own past assessments.)
5) Four disciplinary chronos since incarceration. (Which the Board itself had claimed were not relevant in the past hearings.)
6) Several non-disciplinary counseling chornos. (Which it is illegal to use against an inmate at a parole hearing.)
7) Overall programming not of long duration. (Which is contradicted by the record and the Board’s own past assessments.)
8) 1988 psychological report (Didn’t use 1989 Psych report because it wasn’t negative.).
9) Refused to take MMPI the year before. (Which it is illegal to hold against an inmate.)
10) Gains are short-term. (Which is contradicted by the record and the Board’s own past assessments.)

- Demands -

1) Remain disciplinary free.
2) Upgrade vocationally so as to gain a certificate, and improve educational efforts.
3) Participate in self-help, specifically AA/NA and therapy when it becomes available.
4) Cooperate with psychological battery of tests such as MMPI.

12-29-89   Work Supervisor reports that Susan’s conduct, cooperation, and dependability are all excellent.

12-29-89    Susan received an A grade in Vocational Data Processing.




 

 

 


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