There are many misconceptions surrounding prison life that are perpetuated by Hollywood movies and TV shows. Unless one has personally experienced prison life, it is difficult to truly understand what it’s like. However, most people rely on media depictions to form an idea of what goes on inside prisons. Unfortunately, these depictions are often inaccurate.
While some shows like Orange is the New Black and Prison Break do get some things right, most of what we see on screen regarding daily life and prison cells is not entirely true. One of the biggest myths about prisons is that minimum-security facilities are like “white-collar resorts” – this is far from the truth.
It’s important to understand the differences between prison security levels, as well as the rules and regulations regarding inmate movement. Contrary to popular belief, inmates are not allowed to move around whenever they want, and their movements are closely monitored. Prison cells are also not glamorous and can be quite bleak.
Ultimately, unless one has first-hand experience, it is impossible to truly comprehend what life in prison is like. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid making assumptions based on media depictions and to understand that the reality is often far different from what we see on the screen.
In this blog post, I will cover the following topics:
- Different types of inmate housing
- What is inmate movement?
- Can you stay in your prison cell?
- The difference custody levels
Different types of inmate housing
In low-level security facilities, dorm-style housing is common, and inmates are not typically housed in traditional cells. Dorm-style housing can take on different forms, such as a large room with numerous bunk beds or a space divided into cubicles with half walls and at least two beds in each.
For example, in the prison the writer was in, they had college dorm-style housing with wings and hallways that had doors. Each inmate had a key to their door, and the wing had communal bathrooms and shower areas. They lived in a room with six people, which was 10’x10′ and had bunk beds on one side for four girls and two “cadillac beds” on the other side for the remaining two inmates. The room had six lockers for property and a desk in the center with two chairs.
Cell-based housing is generally reserved for medium-security and higher levels. In this case, movies and TV shows tend to depict it accurately. The cells are typically no larger than 8’x8′ and have a single bed or bunk bed, depending on whether it’s meant for one or two inmates. Some facilities may even have triple bunks, which can be incredibly cramped.
The cells usually have a desk, sink, and toilet on one side, and a shelf to store property on the other. At the medium-security level, the cell door can typically be left open during the day, whereas at the maximum security and SuperMax level, the doors remain closed.
What is inmate movement?
The control of prisoners is often referred to as “inmate movement.” This term describes how inmates are regulated within the prison system. In facilities with open movement, prisoners are allowed to walk freely around the campus during the day to attend classes, work, eat, receive medical attention, exercise, attend church services, and more.
However, some facilities have restricted movement, such as the women’s prison the writer was incarcerated in. In restricted movement facilities, inmates are only permitted to “move” for approximately five to ten minutes each hour. During this time, they may leave their housing units and go to specific locations, such as the library or recreational area.
While inmates are “on the walk,” officers are strategically positioned throughout the grounds to monitor their activity. It is prohibited to stop and have conversations with other inmates during this time or go to a building that is not open for movement. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in serious consequences. Once the movement time is over, inmates must be at their designated location or risk getting into trouble.
In a “closed movement” or maximum-security facility, inmates are typically only allowed out of their cells for an hour or two each day. During this time, they may shower, make phone calls, exercise in the yard, and engage in other permitted activities.
The level of movement allowed within a facility can have a significant impact on an inmate’s daily routine and their overall well-being. Open movement allows for greater freedom and flexibility in terms of how inmates can spend their time, which can be beneficial for rehabilitation efforts. Restricted movement facilities, on the other hand, can be more challenging for inmates as they have limited opportunities to interact with others and engage in activities. Closed movement facilities are even more restrictive, which can have a significant impact on an inmate’s mental health and well-being.
Can you stay in your prison cell?
In prison, the rules regarding inmate movement and cell time vary depending on the level of security. In maximum-security and SuperMax facilities, inmates are typically only allowed out of their cells for a few hours each day, and often have their meals delivered to their cell. They may have limited work assignments and programming is done through correspondence. In this case, inmates can choose to stay in their cell if they wish, but their options for activity and movement are limited.
However, in lower security facilities, inmates are required to attend school or work. Inmates are typically not allowed to stay in their cells all day and must attend class or work during the day. After their required activities are finished, they may be allowed to stay in their cell for the remainder of the day, with some exceptions for special programming or treatment.
It’s important to note that inmate movement is carefully monitored in all facilities. Open movement facilities allow inmates to walk the campus as they please during the day to attend classes, work, or other activities. Restricted movement facilities allow inmates to leave their housing unit for specific destinations, like the library or the recreation yard, for short periods of time. In both cases, officers are strategically placed throughout the grounds to monitor the activity and ensure safety.
Overall, life in prison varies widely depending on the facility and the level of security. While there are some commonalities across facilities, like the size and layout of cells or dorms, each facility has its own unique rules and regulations. It’s important to remember that prison is a highly controlled environment, with rules and restrictions that can make life challenging and difficult.
The difference custody levels
Every prison has its own set of rules and regulations, and the conditions vary greatly depending on the type of facility and the level of custody. As an inmate, your custody level is determined by the severity of your crime and the length of your sentence. There are five custody levels: minimum, low, medium, high, and maximum-security, and each has its own set of rules and regulations.
State prisons are designed to house inmates convicted of crimes like murder, assault, robbery, and drug possession, while federal prisons are for those convicted of federal charges like drug trafficking, identity theft, and child pornography.
In minimum-security prisons, which are usually reserved for non-violent offenders, there is more freedom of movement and a wider range of programs available to inmates. However, these facilities are still very much prisons, and inmates are subject to strict rules and regulations. Inmates in minimum-security facilities are usually convicted of low-level drug crimes and white-collar crimes.
Medium-security facilities offer job opportunities and educational programming for inmates, but are more restrictive with inmate movement than minimum-security facilities. These prisons are often designed to house inmates convicted of more serious crimes, including violent offenses.
Maximum-security prisons are the most restrictive with programming and inmate movement, and are often portrayed in the media as the most dangerous and violent of all prisons. Inmates in maximum-security facilities are usually convicted of the most serious crimes and are often considered to be a danger to society. In these facilities, inmates have limited freedom of movement and very few opportunities for programming.
While the type of facility and custody level are important factors in determining an inmate’s daily routine, there are other factors that can impact their experience as well. Staff presence, housing, recreation, and work program availability can all vary depending on the specific prison and the resources available to it. Some prisons have more resources and staff than others, which can impact the quality of life for inmates.
It is important to note that the conditions in prisons are not always consistent, and can vary widely from state to state and even from facility to facility. While this post provides a general overview of the differences between custody levels and the types of facilities, there may be exceptions and variations based on the specific prison and its location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can inmates stay in their prison cell all day?
It depends on the level of security of the facility. In maximum-security or SuperMax facilities, inmates are typically only allowed out of their cells for an hour or two each day. However, in lower-security facilities, inmates are required to attend school or work, and are usually allowed to stay in their cells after their obligations are completed.
What are some reasons an inmate might want to stay in their cell?
There could be a variety of reasons an inmate might choose to stay in their cell, such as feeling unsafe or threatened by other inmates, experiencing mental health issues, or simply preferring to be alone.
Is it unhealthy to stay in a prison cell all day?
Staying in a small cell for extended periods of time can have negative physical and psychological effects on a person, including decreased physical fitness, vitamin D deficiency, and increased risk of depression and anxiety. It’s important for inmates to have access to outdoor recreation, social interaction, and mental health services.
Do inmates have any rights to privacy in their cells?
Inmates have limited rights to privacy in their cells, as correctional officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the facility. Officers may conduct searches of cells at any time, and may monitor phone calls and mail.
Can inmates refuse to leave their cells?
Inmates may refuse to leave their cells, but they may face disciplinary action for failing to attend mandatory programs or work assignments.
Are there any benefits to staying in a prison cell all day?
There are few benefits to staying in a prison cell all day, as it can lead to physical and mental health problems and exacerbate feelings of isolation and hopelessness. However, some inmates may find solace in reading, writing, or pursuing educational opportunities in their cells.
Conclusion
The decision to stay in your prison cell all day depends on the type of facility you are in and your custody level. In maximum-security facilities, inmates are often confined to their cells for most of the day, while at lower security levels, inmates are required to attend school or work and have limited time to spend in their cells.
Inmates in restricted movement facilities are allowed to move for a limited time each hour, while those in open movement facilities have more freedom to move around the campus during the day. The differences between federal and state prisons and public and private facilities also affect the day-to-day life of inmates. Overall, it’s important to remember that each prison experience is unique, and this article provides a general overview based on the author’s personal experience and research.
