"We are monitoring reports that certain units at the Montana State Prison lack adequate heat. We understand that the facility is having problems with its boilers, and that cell windows are covered in frost. During this brutal cold spell it is the responsibility of MSP to provide necessary heat to individuals in its custody. Depriving people who are incarcerated adequate warmth is cruel and unusual punishment and is blatantly unconstitutional. It doesn’t matter what it takes, MSP and the Department of Corrections must fix this issue now.
We’ve reached out to the Montana Department of Corrections and urge them to address this crisis as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation." Caitlin Borgmann, ACLU of Montana Executive Director
