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Leisure Time

Interview with Matthew, Michelle and Art

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Matthew: We were not allowed to leave dorm, we were confined to the open-area room for the remainder of the stay. They did have a basketball court in the middle of the jail but I have never been allowed to use it or have access to it. We had games and tv to help pass the time, however.
Michelle: there was a day room where you could play cards and board games or watch t.v. but that was about it. once a week for an hour we would be taken out for rec. there was an enclosed outside area with a basketball net and area do walk laps but that is pretty much it.
Art: Just pretty much get in routine all you read alot read everythig you csn .work on you your down falls think about your family what you need. To do different some people like ti work out alot i do i find that the best relief also watching tv or alot of people play cards and games like that draw write Ll that

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Matthew: Yes, We had board games and card games. We also had tv, as well as movie nights every week. Normally on a monday, we would have a movie night as long as everyone was well behaved. We had regular access because there were many games on hand and multiple tvs. Competing for games or tv was never really an issue, and was rare when it happened.
Michelle: on the minimum units there are usually between 20-30 girls so i wouldn't even bother trying to fight over what to watch. that many girls you wouldn't hear it anyway. but on our smaller unit we usually didn't have a problem being able to agree on what to watch really.
Art: Everything is regulated so if they say its cool then it is if you you will definately know..entertainment is pretty mcuh what you make if it...competition is always fierce when your locked up with nothing but convicts and lots of testosterne..enterainment can be found n a cell with a pencil and paper

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Matthew: Yes. There was no getting in shape. You were not allowed to work out in the dorm, and it was actually prohibited. If caught working out, you would be penalized/punished.
Michelle: yes. with only going to rec once a week for an hour, absolutely. and i would try to work out in my room sometimes, but it is actually against the rules and you cold get in trouble if your caught.
Art: No i lo ve keeping in shape as much as i can when im locked up..really its more or less mandatory to stay fit..for your best interest

JM: How often did you get to go outside? What did you do outside if you were allowed to? If you were not allowed to go outside what could you do for exercise?
Matthew: There was no going outside. I was confined to the open-area room. There was no exercising. Exercising and body building were strictly prohibited. Serious consequences for inmates who were caught.
Michelle: like i said. once a week we could go to the rec area, oh if at least four girls agreed to go. if there wasn't at least four girls, we didn't get rec at all. but basically walk laps, do any exercises or play basketball, when a ball was available.
Art: Whn you go outside its only for an hour and maybe once a week...i usually just try to breathe the air catch a little sun..and work out hard

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Matthew: They did offer church services but I was not told how to sign up for the services. All dorms contained books, including bibles. There was no real need for the service. We had the bibles in the dorms to read.
Michelle: there were church services for the girls in minimum security, but not for the med risks. the special medical girls unit didn't get church eihter.
Art: They had good programs for english and spanish speaking dservices..aa and na as well god programs when it comes to church great volunteers

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