Broward County Jail

Leisure Time

Interview with James

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
James: In psych (North Broward) almost none, I think 3 hours a week of recreation, Spiritual cell (Conte.) was mandated to 3 1/2 hrs a day minimum religious studies/groups M-Fr., Main Jail 4 fl. nothing. All dorms had tv's. Books were very hard to come by except religious ones. Sleep was my best friend.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce?
James: What a joke for White/Hispanics. It was always channel 33, and Maurey/Jerry Springer in the a.m.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
James: You could do sit ups, push ups, or dips.

JM: How often did you get to go outside?
James: At Sherriffs N., and Conte everyday, but outside is an enclosed concrete room, with window unviewable, and a concrete roof. At N. Broward twice a week for 1 1/2 hours. Main 2 and 4 floors, never.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
James: A religous person(s) came weekly for Christians. Once a month for Jews, and Muslims. The Chaplain supplied Old/New Testament Bibles.