By- A. Govea
Once you come for whatever reason, they must confirm who you are. And if you brought in any personal effects they are removed and secured. Presumably, they will be returned to you on your release. Next, they need to ensure that you do not have any life treating medical conditions. And that includes doing harm to yourself. There is a lengthy line to get a medical check, I noticed some laying on the floor either sleeping or at least having the appearance of sleeping.
This process is mandatory but according to our guide some guests grow inpatient or unruly in line. So, for those folks there are special holding cells they are placed in until their turn comes. As I said before the process is not optional you are going to get checked out like or not. Once this part is complete next, we go to fingerprinting to continue the identification process, believe it or not some people lie about their identity. Pero with today’s computer technology you will be found out very quick. And of course, there is the mandatory full body search to ensure inmates are not bringing weapons or drugs into jail. Oh, and you will also get your picture taken, which depending on your arrival condition may not be flattering. The pictures are commonly known as Mugshots quick.
Facing the Music
Ahora (Now) you get to go in front of a judge to have them read your charges. Which a good part of the people that come in don’t’ know why they are there. Not because they are necessarily innocent but because many come in drunk or on drugs and some zonked out of their mind. Imagine being the person or people that have deal with that… Accused will walk into a small room, step in a designed square, and face the video screen. This of course if you are coherent enough to understand, which clearly for many it may be challenging. And not just because they may be high on a substance. Sadly, many of the folks brought in should be going to a mental facility not to jail. But that is another issue that I will address later.
Money Talks
So now that you have made this far time to find out how much it will cost you to bail out. Which of course allows you to go home until your court date. Here is where you hope that there is at least one person out there willing to help secure your release. For some this is no big deal, they make the call and can usually get out within twenty-four hours. For others depending on what they did, they must sit-it-out do the time as in time served. Which then leads to the next step.
What kind of room
When it becomes clear that you will become a permeant resident, depending on your crime, on to next step. Here is where you must let them know of any special conditions or requirements, medical conditions, mental conditions or a high-profile inmate (ex-cop, crimes against minors etc.). In addition, you will be questioned about gang affiliation Once you answer all questions you are offered an opportunity to become what is labeled as a Trustee. Trustees are allowed to leave their cell for work details mostly cleaning assignments around the facility. Most inmates opt in to program for two basic reasons. You have a little extra time out of your cell, and you earn extra credit for your sentence as a Trustee.
The Super Max, y Mas
Next, we were taking to what is called the Super Max unit, which holds uncooperative inmates or inmates that violated jail rules. Here the inmates are required to stay in their cells all day if I remember correctly. You are not allowed any of the privileges like buying extra stuff from the commissary or jail store. How long you stay depends on the severity of your violation. Most inmates avoid being sent here want to stay away from the Super Max which by the way also has women inmates. We only got to visit mens’ area because according to our guide some of the women have trouble keeping clothes on in their cells.
From here we went to the medical wing where inmates can receive about any medical assistance found out in the Free as some incarcerated people say. And this includes a dialysis center for the inmates that require this care as well. In addition, you can also get dental care, but before you start thinking “Wow Id like to have free dental” Dental care is just for pulling bad teeth, no implants or anything cosmetic. And just like on the outside, often you must wait for service and, very often longer than they like. In addition, they also have a full pharmacy that according to the person in charge is understaffed. It should be noted that the medical wing is operated by JPS independent of the jail staff. Which also means that they have a sperate budget from county jail budget.
Next, we went to one of the general population floors that is complete with a small basketball gym. There are also several secured tables in the middle of the floor where inmates can play cards or just visit, I guess. However, whatever they do is under surveillance by at least two guards and video cameras. So, to be clear it is not a free for all and any bad behavior is dealt with immediately. This time must be earned, and it can be taken away.
Ladies Floor
The set up for the ladies is the same as the men’s floor. However, according to our tour guide and female officers on the floor, more drama here. The officers agreed that there are more fights between females then on the men’s units. Which in a way almost seems sexist to say, Pero that is what we were told on day of visit. I will say, I saw no fights, maybe I came on good behavior day though.
Other Services
According to what we learned there are other services offered besides the medical care. That includes psychological services, GED and ESL programs as well as a library with access to a law library. Now we did not personally see all this in action but is listed on their official website.
(To be clear if I have anything out of order or misstated, it simply a memory mistake, not intentional)
End Part 2 Next Week the Good the Bad and the Ugly