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Pierce County Jail

910 Tacoma Ave S.
Tacoma, WA 98402
ph. (253) 798-4668

Interview with Ryan, Alex, George, John, Diana and Maria

JM: How long was your sentencing for?
Ryan: SIX MONTHS
Alex: My sentence was for a year and a day. The day of my sentencing (which was postponed 3 times) I was in the holding cell for 4 hours.
George: 14 MOUTHS
John: my sentences varied from 5 and a half months for violating a no contact order,to a couple of days for shoplifting.
Diana: 2 year probation is What I recieved
Maria: My sentencing was a year and a day.

JM: Did you spend time in a holding cell after your sentencing? If so, what was that like? If you didn't where did they they take you instead?
Ryan: ONLY ABOUT TWO HOURS BUT THERE WAS TWENTY PEOPLE IN A 10'X20' ROOM
Alex: Yes. It was very smelly and crowded.
George: YES, VERY SMALL, FULL, AND SMELLED BAD
John: not at all. after i was sentenced, i was escorted back to general population.
Diana: I was taken back to my cell until later that day when I was released from Pierce county detention center. I think I had to want in a like cell until everyone was done
Maria: A holding cell? Was I in a holding cell? It's been so long, I can't remember, to tell you the truth. I think they took me straight to the Pierce County Jail.

Have you ever wondered what happens behind locked doors in the Pierce County Jail? Maybe you or someone you know is headed there to serve some time, and you are wondering what to expect. Going to jail can be scary, especially if this is your first time.

While we can't promise that jail will be easy or worry free, having the right information can help you feel more prepared for the experience. We have interviewed former inmates of Pierce County, who have shared with us information ranging from their court experiences to what the food is like in this facility. You can read their interviews by clicking the links to the left.

Take a few minutes to read their stories and learn what life is really like in the Pierce County Jail.

Other Inmates
Each jail has a unique culture, and it is helpful to know some of the unspoken rules of the inmates to help you stay out of trouble. In Pierce County, most of those interviewed agreed that the best way to avoid problems with others is to keep to yourself, mind your own business, and avoid whining.

There are many different types of offenders in this jail, with a wide variety of sentences they are serving. The jail does not allow inmates to request a bunk mate, but they do allow inmates to request NOT to be with someone if they feel they can't get along.

Meals
Pierce County provides inmates with three meals per day. Breakfast is served at 4:30am and typically includes milk, cold cereal, 2 hard boiled eggs and a roll or bread. Lunch is served at at 9:30 am and typically consists of a lunchmeat sandwich, chips or a cookie and fruit. Dinner is at 5 pm and is usually varied.

Dinner is always warm and usually includes a vegetable, bread and powdered juice. The quality of the food is rated right around a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-10. Inmates who have money on their accounts can also buy snacks from the commissary. It is helpful to have snacks on hand since lunch is served at 9:30am and dinner at 5, with a long stretch in between.

Continue to the interview