Interview with Kathy, Cameron, Norm, Arturo and Isidra
JM: How often could you receive visitors? Kathy: we could recieve vistors 3 days a week some
times 4 it would depend on your behviour Cameron: you got 2 hours a week you could do a 1/2 hour or
1 hour if you like Norm: Once a week visits were allowed and sometimes more
depending on the record keeping of the guards.
Visiting took place between sun through thurs. Arturo: you can have visitors 3 days per week for 2 hours
in the morning and 2 in the afternoon Isidra: At that time we could receive up to 4 visits a week because we
received 2 hours a week which could be split with a half an hour
JM: Was the check-in process lengthy for those who came to see you? Kathy: No they sid it was quick and easy as long as you
had uu I.D. with you and mybe had to wait about
20 mins Cameron: sometimes it's long sometimes it's not it depends
on the day and time if it,s a holiday forget it
you'll be waiting for hours if your luck Norm: No, each visitor must wait in line and clear a
metal detector. Then they a seated in a large
visiting area and the inmate is transferred from
the housing unit to the visiting room. Takes 15
minutes or less from time of check in to contact. Arturo: yes from the wait in line to them sending for you
a couple of times they were turned away when a
guard told them I was not there Isidra: At this time yes it was it was very sloppy and unorganized. In
order to get in fast you literally had to beat the crowd
JM: What was the visiting environment like? Kathy: It was nice but a lot of people at once so it
was hard to hear, but crowded at times, we can
talk and hug, and even share pics, the guards
were always there walking and watching
everything we do and listening to our
conversations, it was annoying and not fun Cameron: cold and loud officers disrespecting you and
your family but people are willing to pull up
with it to see their loved ones it's not like the
state the visits are much better those people
looking over your shoulder all the time I know
they have a job to do but can I get two feet Norm: large room with a long horseshoe shaped concrete
barrier. Inmate sat on the inside benches and
visitor sat across on the outside benches. Contact
not allow besides a brief hug. No glass or
barriers to obstruct the conversation and the
concrete only came up to the height of a persons
chest when sitting at the benches. Arturo: there was a stool for you to sit on next to the
other inmates, the visitors sat across a wall and
had the same seating it was loud dirty and the
conversations had to be guarded so that the
person sitting next to you did not start getting
into your conversation Isidra: I mean I guess it was regular. We could have a kiss or hug
before and after the visit. We had to keep hands on table . The
deputies just walked around and monitored. You had to have
sleeves up well visitors did. I mean it was alright I guess