Inside Montgomery County Jail: A Look at Life for Persons in Custody
The Montgomery County Jail, located in the southeastern part of the state of Tennessee, has a capacity to house approximately 800 inmates. Montgomery County Jail holds defendants who are awaiting trial or sentencing, those who are serving sentences, and offenders who have been sentenced. Life for persons in custody is structured, and their daily routine is tightly regulated.
The Daily Routine
The daily routine for inmates begins at 6:00 am, where they are woken up and given time to freshen up before breakfast. After breakfast, the inmates begin their work assignments or attend programs aimed at rehabilitation, education, and vocational training. Inmates also have time to exercise, complete chores, and attend religious services.
Lunch is served around noon, and after that, inmates continue their scheduled activities until dinner at 5:00 pm. After dinner, they have free time until curfew, which is typically around 9:00 pm.
Living Conditions
Life in Montgomery County Jail offers little in terms of privacy for inmates, who share cells with other inmates about the same age or with similar charges. Inmates have access to a bed, a desk, and a restroom. However, all meals are taken in a common area, and most activities are conducted in a communal setting.
The jail also has strict visitation policies, with visitors only allowed for specific hours and days. Inmates can receive mail, but the mail is screened, and anything deemed inappropriate is not delivered. Phone calls also have limitations, as line usage is shared and monitored.
Challenges of Life in Custody
One of the significant issues faced by inmates in Montgomery County Jail is mental health. Many inmates struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental and emotional problems that arise from being confined in a small space with little privacy for extended periods.
Another challenge faced by inmates is the disease outbreak, especially in recent times, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The jail has put measures in place for COVID-19 response, including screening for symptoms, testing, quarantine, and social distancing. However, it remains a challenge for authorities to keep the jail safe and healthy in an ongoing pandemic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, life in Montgomery County Jail is structured, regulated, and offers little privacy. Inmates undergo daily routines designed to keep them occupied and productive. However, inmates also face mental and emotional challenges, and disease outbreaks remain a concern. The Montgomery County Jail provides a view of how the criminal justice system aims to rehabilitate inmates, but it also highlights some of the challenges that inmates face while in custody.
