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Post by anokacomel on Jan 19, 2021 20:40:33 GMT
We currently do not give out prayer rugs for our Muslim population. Please share your policy/procedure on this. Also, let us know of the pros and cons. We are a little hesitant to open up this up 
Thanks, Mel and Jill
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Post by laraynearvidson on Jan 19, 2021 20:49:41 GMT
We have some inexpensive "travel" prayer rugs that come in small zipper pouches. I think they are a couple of bucks each on Amazon. if an inmate requests one, we sign it out to them. If they are seen using it for anything other than it's intended purpose, we take it away from them. We haven't had many issues with it.
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Bruce Lindner, Rice Co
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Post by Bruce Lindner, Rice Co on Jan 19, 2021 20:52:40 GMT
Periodically, Rice County will get in inmate requesting a prayer rug, Quran, male and female religious headwear, etc... We do allow it, but monitor closely. They must use these items strictly for religious purposes. If they use the item for any purposes other than its intended use, it will be confiscated. I have a terrific point of contact for Muslim items and all questions related to Islam. He is: John Emery, (john@irgmn.org). He is very helpful and responsive. Hope this helps.
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Post by lyoncounty on Jan 19, 2021 20:53:41 GMT
We have yoga mats that we provide when an inmate claims he's/she's Muslim and wants to continue their prayer. With a much larger population, it would be harder to accommodate.
Pros: allow inmates to continue religious practice, not violating anyone's rights to religion
Cons: it can be a hassle to provide mats/rugs to all who claims the religion, it opens up the door for false claims,
Lyon County
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Post by Miranda Neuwirth on Jan 19, 2021 20:54:43 GMT
Crow wing gives out prayer rugs upon request. We sign it out to the inmate and put an alert in the inmate's file so we can ensure it is returned when they leave. Same as others, if they are not used for their intended purposes it is removed. If the inmate wants it washed, they can request it and we will get it washed and returned to them. At times when we saw an uptick in requests, it was found some were using it as a pillow and then was removed. Otherwise, for the most part, no issues. Thanks!
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Post by Cassie on Jan 19, 2021 21:02:26 GMT
Scott County has had pray rugs donated by the Islamic Resource Group. John Emery has been a volunteer at our facility. For the first year + we had them there was no issue with them being misused. In the past 6-8 months requests have been constant. We have made the decision to not get more at this time, we have told inmates that our supply is in circulation.
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Post by Jake Schak Dakota County on Jan 19, 2021 21:38:29 GMT
Dakota County will issue and extra body towel for the use as a prayer rug.
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Post by Adamhennepin on Jan 20, 2021 12:20:45 GMT
Hennepin will not give prayer rugs for inside cells. Often times body towels are used inside cells. We provide prayer rugs for Friday Jumah Prayer services. I have allowed this to be lead by an inmate but we now have our volunteer lead it virtually. We had been providing headwear but I successfully got it added to commissary for them to purchase themselves. Rugs have never caused us a problem.
I have spoken to John Emery as well, great contact if you have a question about the culture.
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Post by anokacomel on Jan 20, 2021 14:25:38 GMT
Sherburne provides prayer rugs for observing Muslim inmates, in cell only. The only time they are allowed to utilize them outside of their cells would be in a volunteer group led setting. (Jumah prayer on Fridays would be one example) Females also are allowed to wear Hijabs throughout our facility in a proper manner when approved to be observing Muslim females.
Here at Clay County we DO give out prayer rugs. The inmate has to send in a request to programs. We have had 5 prayer rugs donated from our Muslim community. They are machine washable. When we let the inmate borrow the prayer rug, they are told it is only to be used for religious purposes. If they misuse the item it is taken away. We then launder the rug and wait for the next request.
So far we have not had any problems with inmates misusing the prayer rugs.
Steele County does the exact same procedure as Clay County. Prayer rugs that were donated from the Muslim community, requests to Programs, warned about misuse, and no issues either.
Freeborn County does the same as Steele Co.
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