BREAKING: Private Facebook posts show the Arizona Department of Corrections is selling prison toilet paper to employees at cost during a pandemic, while inmates struggle to access personal hygiene products kjzz.org/content/149494…
KJZZ was given access to the Facebook group, whose members recently discussed the policy and shared pictures of memos posted in Arizona prisons announcing the opportunity to purchase prison toilet paper at wholesale prices.
For years, the department has come under scrutiny for limiting the amount of products like toilet paper, tampons and pads that are available to inmates out of a state concern that inmates would hoard them. Now, it appears the department is allowing their employees to do just that
Speaking of the toilet paper sales to inmates, one member of the group expressed concern that employees were able to buy an entire case. 
“The Tp we give to inmates?” Another member asked.
“Yeah. It sucks, but it’s better than nothing,” the author of the post replied.
KJZZ has independently verified that several people commenting in the group are ADC employees, but is not naming them.
“Yeah. It sucks, but it’s better than nothing,” the author of the post replied.
KJZZ has independently verified that several people commenting in the group are ADC employees, but is not naming them.
In December of 2019, incarcerated women living at the Perryville prison in Goodyear told KJZZ the department was withholding toilet paper and feminine hygiene products, citing costs. kjzz.org/content/137164…
The women said the correctional officers strictly enforce a one-roll-at-a-time policy, where guards must search inmates’ living areas before they are allowed to get additional toilet paper.
Correctional officers have to call a sergeant’s office and clear the inmate, who is then allowed to exchange the empty roll for a new one, the women alleged.
A recent commissary list for inmates in Arizona prisons lists toilet paper for sale as “Toilet tissue, single roll, (limit 4)” for 60 cents per roll.
ADC employees said they were able to purchase a case of toilet paper, or 96 rolls, for $38, or 40 cents per roll
ADC employees said they were able to purchase a case of toilet paper, or 96 rolls, for $38, or 40 cents per roll
According to the Facebook posts, selling toilet paper to employees occurred at multiple prisons.
The initial post indicates the Eyman prison was one location. Other members of the group posted that they were able to buy the toilet paper at the Lewis prison.
“38.66 for us at Lewis,” a member of the private group wrote. “Ones who ordered yesterday can pick it up Friday. I ordered, better than going to the stores and online to find nothing.”
In the past, when inmates have complained of toilet paper running out at the prisons, the department cited costs as the reason for placing a limit on the amount of toilet paper for inmates. kjzz.org/content/711066…
“Prior to February 2018, inmate toilet paper costs at ASPC-Perryville were approximately $16,000 per quarter,” said former department spokesperson Andrew Wilder in a 2018 interview with KJZZ. “Since March, those costs have risen to approximately $48,000 per quarter.”
Members of the private Facebook group also shared memos they claimed had been posted in the state prisons.
“Staff Toilet Paper Sales” one flier reads. “Please contact Rebecca in the complex DWOP office.” DWOP stands for Deputy Warden of Operations, seeming to indicate ADC administrators were aware of the program.
Another member of the Facebook group indicated ADC administration approved of the policy. "Admin wanted to do something to help the staff," the group member wrote. "The request was elevated to central office and authorization to do this for staff was obtained."
“PRE SALE ONLY!!” the flier continues. “$38.66 per case. 96 rolls per case. Limit one per staff member. Cash or credit. Exact change only. All orders must be received by 4pm 3/19/20. Oder pickup 3/23/20. Will be available from 6am to 3pm in the Warehouse for pick up.”
The man who wrote the original post seemed to be conflicted about the offer. “Money isn’t the issue, it’s the irresponsibility the department uses in it’s judgement.”
Another man wrote he would not be taking advantage of the offer, citing the poor quality of the toilet paper.
“It’s John Wayne toilet paper,” the man wrote. “It’s tough, it’s rough and don’t take shit off anyone.”
“It’s John Wayne toilet paper,” the man wrote. “It’s tough, it’s rough and don’t take shit off anyone.”
The Arizona Deparment of Corrections has not responded to a request to comment on this story, or any requests for information from KJZZ about conditions in Arizona Prisons, for 36 hours
Reporting like this is not possible without sources, for whom I am very grateful - please continue to send me tips and information about Arizona prisons jjenkins@kjzz.org Thank you for entrusting me with your voices - public radio is here to serve the whole community
