[ZASHAGALKA]

Unfortunately, the question is one of resources. We just don't spend that much of our tax dollars on things like sanitary conditions of jails. Or, more to the point, the people that tend to go to jail aren't nearly as vocal in the political process about where to spend precious resources.

It shouldn't be that way, I agree. But, I also concede that, unless those running the jail take the time and effort to direct the inmates themselves to keep it clean, there is not likely to be a wholesale expenditure on hiring outside resources to do it.

~faith,
Timothy.

[Ion]

If you are concerned then call the Sheriff who runs the jail. Maybe he will let you volunteer on your days off to come in and scrub the walls. Maybe there is more to the story like the inmates were on a lockdown and they couldn't let the porters out to clean. Maybe they are short staffed because no one will take the jobs and the county won't allow him the money to attract new people. Maybe the sheriff has a small budget and right now he needs to spend it on making sure staff and inmates walk out alive and he can't keep replacing garments that are frequently destroyed.

Most people show up to work wanting to do a good job at their level of ability. I firmly believe in positive change through positive action. Talk to the folks running the place and see what you can do to help.

[banditrn]

Originally Posted by Ion

If you are concerned then call the Sheriff who runs the jail. Maybe he will let you volunteer on your days off to come in and scrub the walls. Maybe there is more to the story like the inmates were on a lockdown and they couldn't let the porters out to clean. Maybe they are short staffed because no one will take the jobs and the county won't allow him the money to attract new people. Maybe the sheriff has a small budget and right now he needs to spend it on making sure staff and inmates walk out alive and he can't keep replacing garments that are frequently destroyed.

Most people show up to work wanting to do a good job at their level of ability. I firmly believe in positive change through positive action. Talk to the folks running the place and see what you can do to help.

Assume that I know the sheriff and the bunch of them better than you do - but, I give up!! Just forget I even brought it up.

[sunnyjohn]

Banditrn,

I am happy to hear your son has been sober for two years.

I wish him continued success with his recovery!


"God, Grant me the Serenity...."

[NurseAngie]

[quote=banditrn;1945056][quote=fiestynurse;1940443]
the thought of wearing the same underwear for two weeks was disgusting to me!!

Inmates are allowed to have fresh change of underwear. They purchase them new from the canteen (jail store, if you will) and wash them in the sink. Uniforms are exchanged weekly. I can not imagine how the laundry would ever keep up if it was done more frequently. Also, the inmates are permitted to clean their cells on a daily basis at the county jail where I work (there are unit workers that clean the general areas). Funny, but there are many that would rather call their mothers than pick up a broom. Sad, but true.

[fiestynurse]

banditrn - I am sorry that you did not get the responses that you wanted, but "Me thinkst you doeth protest too much."

[IveSeenIt]

Originally Posted by fiestynurse

You could have called the Public Health Department and complained. That might have triggered an inspection.

In addition, there is usually some type of internal grievance process in most jails. Your son could have used this to request a clean set of clothes.

Finally, I have to say that by listening to your son whine about his miserable time in jail (a situation that he created) and for you to call his lawyer is rather co-dependent and only further enabling your son. He is a grown man. I hope that you are attending Alanon meetings for family members of alcoholics.

Where do you get your information? She can complain to the DOC or Health department or whomever, and nothing will get done. It costs money to do this and you're talking about a big business who is in it for the money and not to take proper care of or have health considerations for this minority of people.

The inmate greivance process is a long process that works about as wellas every politician after you elect them into office. If you are not familiar with it, don't mention it. Inmates have died waiting on the grievance process.

I say give the woman whose "loved one" is incarcerated some respect or you may find yourself in her situation some day with a loved one of yours. What she needs to know is it's all about money ... a booming business not much interested in keeping anyone healthy. What a shame.

[fiestynurse]

It is different in each State and in each County, but many jails have regular inspections from the Public Health Department. Many PHDs work closely with the Jail Administration to control infectious diseases, like Tb and MRSA.

I have also seen the ACLU get very aggressive in situations like this. I know some County jails that have an ACLU Omsbudman that spends all day resolving inmate concerns.

The 9th Circuit just ruled that an inmate must exhaust all the internal grievance procedures prior to filing a lawsuit. This has ensured that the grievance process itself is not cumbersome and is not meaningless. Many Jail Administrators have learned that having a good grievance process is their best way to ward off lawsuits by dealing with issues before they get out of hand. Historically, the grievance system was developed to prevent riots.

Your last paragraph is just ridiculous. Are you an inmate?