CT Mirror reached out to people in prisons and asked them questions about the process to appoint an ombudsperson. Here are their responses.
Connecticut Department of Correction
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What major CT criminal justice bills passed in 2024? Not many
While minor and technical adjustments to CT criminal justice policy were passed, bigger changes didn’t occur in the 2024 legislative session.
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Lamont commits to new plan for choosing CT prison ombuds, without law
The plan, which Gov. Ned Lamont committed to, offers a conclusion to months of disputes over his earlier selection of Hilary Carpenter.
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CT lawmakers, Lamont agree on new process for prison ombuds appointment
CT lawmakers were scrambling Wednesday to codify an agreement with Lamont prior to the session’s end for choosing a prison ombuds.
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Facing deadline, Hilary Carpenter prison ombuds appointment in doubt
With a fast-approaching May 8 deadline, officials are uncertain what happens if Hilary Carpenter isn’t appointed to the CT ombudsperson role.
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CT advocates criticize prison ombudsperson selection process, nominee
Hilary Carpenter listened to harsh criticism about her nomination to the CT prison oversight role and choice to not withdraw her candidacy.
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Hilary Carpenter nomination for prison ombuds role saved by committee
Lawmakers had previously cast an 8-8 vote against Hilary Carpenter, but on Tuesday advanced the governor’s pick to the full CT legislature.
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Many struggle with addiction during, after incarceration. Will CT use opioid settlement funds to help?
Part of CT’s opioid settlement money could go to addressing the crisis’ effect on incarcerated people, many of whom struggle with addiction.
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Lamont appoints Hilary Carpenter to DOC ombudsperson role
Gov. Ned Lamont’s selection for independent DOC oversight goes against the Correction Advisory Committee’s choice of attorney Ken Krayeske.
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CT attorney Ken Krayeske recommended to lead DOC oversight
After a hearing, CT’s prison oversight committee recommended civil rights lawyer Ken Krayeske to help oversee the Department of Correction.
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CT advocates renew call for transparency ahead of prison oversight hearing
A day before a hearing tied to independent oversight of the CT Department of Correction, advocates reignited calls for transparency and accountability.
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Prioritizing reentry from prison will boost CT’s economy, report says
A new report recommends that Connecticut implement policies to help people leaving incarceration fill the void caused by the workforce shortage.
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As omicron spreads, CT’s prison system isn’t spared
More than 1,000 Department of Correction employees and 600 incarcerated people have the virus.
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Data show decrease in prison sex abuse reports, but survivors say fear and ambivalence persist
Reports of prison rape have decreased over time, from 182 in 2015 to 94 in 2019, but the problem persists.
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With solitary confinement bill vetoed, hopes dashed for return of ombudsman
Connecticut had a prison ombudsman for 37 years. The PROTECT Act would have staffed the office. Then Lamont vetoed it.