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Leisure Time

Interview with Marco, Juan and Emilio

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Marco: There's a TV. There were books if you wanted to read. You could get paper and pens to draw or write. They also had board games and cards.
Juan: There was a TV in the dayroom, but due to noise level, it was near-impossible to watch anything. There was a gym that we were allowed to go to for an hour, three times a week, but the only activity was basketball. The weight machine was always broken, for some reason.
Emilio: TV, board games, cards and working out. Some areas have work out equipment other parts you just have to use whatever is at your disposal. They also have programs to help pass the time and access to books. Learn how to play spades as that is the card game of choice.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Marco: It wasn't that hard to access the entertainment.
Juan: TV selection was based on who had clean-up duty in the block that day. That person could pick the shows. If there was a specific show you wanted to watch and it wasn't your day to pick, you could barter to watch the show. But as I said, it was almost impossible to hear it over the noise of guys playing cards.
Emilio: You should not have too much competition. The TV is the only real issue. Most blocks make their own rules to avoid the limited tv access but there is still always going to be someone really wants to watch or not watch. Part of jail and unavoidable. Try to stick to your other options when possible.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Marco: Not really. In the cells there were workouts you could do. You don't really get that much food so you don't gain weight.
Juan: Yes. There's no motivation to stay in shape and the food that is served is carb and salt heavy. Most guys are depressed and want to sleep or play cards to pass the time.
Emilio: Not at all, always came out in better shape then going in. Cut a few pounds and lots of free time to exercise.

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?
Marco: Never. We had rec time but went to an indoor basketball court.
Juan: I was able to get outside exactly three times in the nine months I was there. We were taken during our gym time to a basketball court that was concrete and mesh enclosed for an hour. The deputies were reluctant to use that court and preferred that we use the inside one, but as I said, three times we were able use the outside one. The other guys played basketball. I soaked up as much fresh air and sunshine as I could.
Emilio: NEVER. Unless you are on outside work detail you never get fresh air. One of the most difficult parts especially for long term inmates. Had to stick to walking, push ups, dips, pull ups etc.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Marco: Yes, every Sunday.
Juan: There were religious services offered. You had to sign up for them and be placed on a "master pass list." I went to the catholic services, mainly to get out of the block for ninety minutes once a week.
Emilio: They do offer church services. I did not attend the services but many inmates seemed to enjoy them. They were held somewhere outside of the unit.

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