A former MoDOC Correctional Officer at Missouri's South Central Correctional Center (SCCC), Dena Notz, made the courageous decision to resign after facing relentless challenges and systemic injustices within the prison system. Known as a "HUG A THUG" by her peers—a derogatory term used to ridicule officers who prioritize integrity and adhere strictly to protocols—Dena chose to stand firm in her commitment to justice and humanity. Her experience illuminated the urgent need for systemic reform, leading her to establish *Collectively Changing Corrections (CCC)*. This advocacy initiative collaborates with like-minded organizations to challenge the injustices within the Missouri Department of Corrections (MODOC), striving to restore fairness, accountability, and dignity to the system. Through CCC, Dena Notz is paving the way for meaningful change, refusing to let the status quo define her commitment to justice.

MODOC SCCC has had a major problem with drugs coming into the facility and there’s no accountability and oversight. In Unit 6 alone there have been over 60 overdoses. Yet there’s been zero accountability from administration or staff. The lack of intervention not only puts the lives of those inside at risk but also shows a broader lack of addressing the root of the problem. Families and advocates are demanding answers as lives are on the line and the cycle of substance abuse and systemic neglect continues unchecked.

The corruption within MODOC SCCC is evident in its complete lack of accountability, which allowed Census Bureau agents to unknowingly interview prisoners at SCCC. This occurred allegedly, because of a flawed DOC number selection system, which resulted in agents speaking to inmates who were not intended to be part of the census process. The failure to properly track and identify prisoners highlighted deeper issues of mismanagement and oversight within the facility. Some prisoners names and DOC # can not be located in Missouri Inmate Locator Search, which cause a security breach.