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Closing Advice

Interview with Aaron, Jessica, Walter, Margaret and Sherry

JM: What else would you want a friend or family member to know if they have a loved one going to this jail?
Aaron: Tell them to keep their eyes and ears open and keep their mouths shut unless surrounded by people that you respect and that respect you and that you have a connection with. Don't ever give anything away unless you are paying someone back or unless you put a price tag on it because people will take advantage of you in there in some way or another. Don't be too friendly with anyone because they are all criminals in there in some way, shape, or form or they just make bad decisions or in most cases have really BAD luck. Friendly mannerisms are considered either a weakness or an excuse for people in their to think you like men sexually which can come back to hurt you later on.
Jessica: If you are doing a short stay like I did, just stay quiet, do what the guards say, and read some books in your jail cell.
Walter: Write letters, and if your loved ones tel lyou they're having issues with the staff, get on the phone and help them. Send your people money for canteen, and if possible visit often.
Margaret: IF YOU GO TO THIS JAIL, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A LOVED ONE ON THE OUTSIDE THAT WILL HELP YOU WITH COMMISSARY MONEY OR YOU WILL BE HUNGRY EVERY NIGHT.
Sherry: It is not the place to be, but it's not a bad facility, except for the food, you dont get enough to satisfy you, you would have to have commissary.

JM: If somebody knows they will be serving time in this jail what is your advice to them?
Aaron: Take an anger management class as soon as you think you might be going to jail or at least get into deep breathing exercises and learn ways to relax. Also consider doing the same after you get out so you can help keep yourself out of jail. That is all jail is: a group of angry people that are clouded in their decision making skills.
Jessica: For any trips to court, be prepared to spend a lot of time in shackles. You'll be handcuffed with a chain around your waist, and be put in leg irons, and kept that was for up to 10 hours. They don't remove them when you are in a holding cell or in court, so prepare yourself for a long day.
Walter: Save up money in advance so you don't go hungry trying to survive on what they give you. If you know in advance that you are being incarcerated, this will help your time go better once you are there.
Margaret: TRY TO MNAKE FRIENDS, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CLASSES THAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER YOU, BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE THE TIME GO BY ALOT QUICKER. GET YOUR GAIN TIME IN A PROGRAM
Sherry: My advice it to keep busy, find something to occupy your time, get involved with classes and groups, its an opportunity to better yourself, and stay away from undesirable people.

JM: Please list any other jail or rehab facilities you have been to.
Walter: Pinellas County Jail 49th Street
Margaret: ORANGE COUNY JAIL
Sherry: Orient.