Tarrant County Jail

Inmates

Interview with DC, Keith, Joe, Heidi and Dillon


JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates?
DC: No, I was a teenager when I was there (18) and they thought of me as such. Most of them talked to me and told me that jail was NOT the place to be. I haven't been since.
Keith: Not diificult, some are challenging. Inmates have respect for each other or "catch a square" (fight).
Joe: thats the worst part of it!
Heidi: at times yes- little things become a big deal- like what to watch on television
Dillon: I stayed away from ost of them except to ask to borrow a pen to fill out my visitor card.

JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates?
DC: I didn't have fights or problems with any inmates. There's alot of stigma attached to inmates. Most of them are mothers, daughters, and want to get out of there and go home to their families.
Keith: You have to check inmates who have no respect. When your locked up with other people it makes it hard to "avoid" anything.
Joe: i kept to myself, didnt get in anyones business,
Heidi: I tried to keep my mouth shut, and remember the bigger picture- that i will not be here forever
Dillon: Stayed in my cell and read a book.

JM: Were you able to choose an inmate if you knew one?
DC: No.
Keith: For what? They put you in the new jail if your a first timer, Green Bay if you've been there before and the old jail if you get into trouble. There are people with misdemeanors housed with First degree felons.
Joe: pretty much
Heidi: no
Dillon: No.