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Leisure Time

Interview with Dale

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Dale: County jails really don't provide much other than a basketball court, maybe someone comes by your cell with a book cart periodically. In prison there was the weight room, gymnasium, law library, barbershop, and even jobs off the compound that were operated by the state but ran by civilian professionals. At one point in time, colleges were allowed to come into the facilities to conduct degree programs.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Dale: I had regular access in prison. In County jails you are less likely to have regular access because there are just not enough officers to supervise inmate activities. In prison, I had a small television and radio in my cell. In the county jails, people tend to spend more time focusing on the outcome of their situation, rather than entertainment.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Dale: No. I actually was in the best shape of my life (physically) while I was incarcerated. I enjoyed weight lifting.

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?
Dale: I went outside daily. I worked off compound from 7 am to 3:30 pm, and in the evenings I ran 5 miles or lifted weights.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Dale: Yes. There are multiple religious services in prison, but in the county jails it is very limited...if it exists at all.

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