Inmate families raise concerns over lack of air-conditioning at WRDCC Treatment Unit
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Families are expressing concerns about the treatment of inmates at the Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center after hearing reports of no air conditioning being available.
The Missouri state-owned facility is approximately 18 acres in Buchanan County. The grounds comprise 11 housing units, a medical unit, a chapel, maintenance, staff training and more.
While some of the patients in the facility are inmates, the goal for the treatment center is to rehabilitate and heal from substance abuse or mental issues. The goal of the facility is not to instill punishment.
One housing unit in particular hasn't had AC for the last three months. Patients and their families have reached out to KQ2 about the heat.
"I'm an inmate out here at WRDCC correctional center in St. Joseph, Mo," an unnamed patient said in a voicemail to KQ2. "There's no air conditioner in housing unit 1, the treatment house. We're walking around in boxers and no shirts and stuff because it's so hot in here. There are no ice machines because they're broken down; they're not replenishing ice, and all they keep doing is telling us to stay hydrated on the intercom. Please help!"
Brittany Chouinard is the older sister of a patient in Unit 1. She reported the conditions that her brother and the other people in the unit are facing.
"He said that there are only two fans available (unless they buy their own), windows cannot be opened, they are allowed one hour outside daily and inmates are attempting to cope with the heat by using wet towels while sleeping. They do have water and ice available, according to my brother," Chouinard said.
Inmates have even decided to leave the treatment facility and risk their chance of re-entering society early because of the heat. If they leave, their sentence is extended, but they are back in the air conditioning.
Chouinard, along with other family members, explained that the treatment center has been sending employees home early due to the excessive heat. It is reported that temperatures inside the facility have become so extreme at times that objects have melted.
According to a statement from Karen Pojmann, the Director of Communications at the Missouri Department of Corrections, the contractor is still waiting for parts.
"In one of the housing units, which has three chillers, one chiller is running at 50% capacity, one is running at 75% capacity, and one is fully operational. As soon as parts arrive, the repairs will be made," Pojmann said.
A date or time was not given for the arrival of the parts to fix the air conditioning units.
While Monday is expected to see actual temperatures in the upper 90s, heat indices will feel above 100 degrees.
The KQ2 Storm Tracker Weather Team said relief is on the way toward the end of the week, with a cold front moving through and bringing chances of showers.
KQ2 is continuing to investigate this issue and will provide updates as they become available.
