Coastal voices: Pelican Bay follows the law on trash

Regarding the Jan. 22 article, “Prison Trash Dispute,” as the official spokesperson for Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP), I am deeply concerned that this story was completed using inaccurate information, without the opportunity for PBSP to address facts, defend against unwarranted allegations and respond to inaccurate assumptions from individuals not associated with Pelican Bay.

I want to assure your readers that our top priority is public and institutional safety and security. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is a law enforcement agency funded by tax dollars and as such, we are committed to being as transparent as possible, given our mission and obvious security issues associated with housing California’s most serious criminal offenders.

When responding to questions from reporters, it is our policy to not give a statement based on assumption or decline to comment, as indicated in the article. Explanations are always given when we are unable to discuss an issue due to security issues. Oftentimes, it is necessary to gather information in order to completely and accurately respond to questions. This ensures your readers would get facts, not assumptions. Unfortunately, we were never afforded the opportunity to provide a complete response before the article was published.

In order for your readers to have a clear understanding of this issue, I would like offer these facts. The state of California and PBSP have never “sent” trash to Curry County. The prison is operating under a legal binding contract with Del Norte Disposal for the removal of waste from PBSP.  At no time has there been “pressure from the prison” toward Del Norte Disposal.  They submitted a bid, it was accepted as the low bid, and they have been fulfilling the terms of their contract by effectively removing waste from PBSP. Where the trash goes when it is taken from the prison is not up to PBSP to decide, as it is not part of our contract. It is a business decision made by Del Norte Disposal. PBSP pays them to pick up the trash and remove it from the prison, period. 

PBSP is precluded from entering into any contract negotiations when a contract exceeds $5,000. Contract management staff at CDCR Headquarters in Sacramento is responsible for the management of the department’s contracts for all of California’s 33 prisons. They develop, review, and process contracts in accordance with all state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.  This limits the state’s liability and ensures contracts are in the state’s best interest.  As you are aware, the state’s best interest is the taxpayer’s best interest.  The shrinking economy is having an effect on each of us and no taxpayer likes to see tax dollars wasted.

To imply that PBSP is responsible for the loss of jobs and money to our local economy is an unwarranted accusation, especially in light of the fact that PBSP employs more than 1,600 people. 

As a law enforcement agency, the CDCR will continue to follow the law and its strict procedures to ensure that our contracts stay within applicable state and federal law.

Lt. Ken Thomas is the administrative assistant/public information officer for Pelican Bay State Prison.