JM: How many different blocks were there? Marco: There were floors. I think there are 6 main
floors. Juan: Three floors: the 2nd floor had 10 cell blocks with
10 men in each one; 3rd and 4th floors had 12
blocks each with 20 men in each block. Emilio: More based off a floor system then blocks.
JM: Did they have names? If so, what were they? Marco: They were numbered. Juan: 2nd floor were "B" blocks. 3rd had names like 3
South 1, 3 South 2, 3 North 1, etc. 4th floor had
the same but was named 4 South 1, 4 North 1, etc. Emilio: Psych, B floor, 3rd floor, 4th floor new side
and PRC.
JM: Which types of inmates were housed in the different blocks? Marco: The lowest floor (floor 1) has the least
security. I was on the 3rd floor. 3rd floor
and up are for felonies. The 6th floor housed
the most serious crimes. I have heard that the
DC sniper was on the 6th floor. Juan: Everyone from homeless vagrants to murderers and
serial rapists. They didn't have much of a
screening process at the time, and convicted
offenders were housed with guys still awaiting
trial. Emilio: Psych-mentally ill/discipline
B/3rd/4th- Violent charges/discipline
new side/PRC- non violent short term and work
release inmates. Most people hope to land in PRC
if possible and avoid B floor/4th floor if they
can.
JM: What do you remember being the nicest and worst parts about the different blocks? Marco: I was in intake on the first floor and then on
the 3rd floor the rest of my time. The lower
floors are more open, there are more people to a
pod, the TV is a little bigger, a little thicker
mattress pad, extra commissary. They restrict
privleges as you go up. Juan: The worst part was the closeness of the blocks and
the feeling of being on top of each other, which
caused arguments and fights. Cells designed for
one person was being used for two, with one person
sleeping on the floor. Unfortunately, I can't
think of anything nice to say about the place. Emilio: The best part about PRC is contact visits and
the fact you are never locked in or out of your
cell. You are allowed a lot of freedom of motion
and access to vending machines as well as more
private and larger shower facilities. Also has a
huge phone bank as opposed to the standard 1 or
2 phones per block. B floor is tiny and cramped
tempers run high. The other floors all fall
somewhere in between the 2 extremes.