Tarrant County Jail

Leisure Time

Interview with DC, Keith, Joe, Heidi and Dillon


JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
DC: There was TV, and there were books. That's about it.
Keith: New Jail gets recreation (basketball or handball) every other hour, 24 hours a day. The old Jail you get to go to rec 3 times a week for 1 hour each time. Green Bay gets rec 2 times a week for 1 hour. All jails have a TV in each tank that stays on 24/7. An inmate can also go to the law library once a week for 1 hour. The New Jail has GED classes during the week.
Joe: gym,dayroom,showers.
Heidi: books, tv, classes, church, recreation time, and cards

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce?
DC: Well, if you call entertainment books and soap operas, yes, I had regular access.
Keith: TV 24/7. Those who try to control the TV usually get kited out or their butt kicked.
Joe: you either read,or watch shows.
Heidi: very fierce
Dillon: IT was whatever the blacks wanted usually BET.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
DC: No, I actually lost weight there because I didn't eat the food.
Keith: Yes. The guards try to keep you exercising but those who want to usually do push ups and sit ups.
Joe: yes.
Heidi: yes, gained 30 pounds
Dillon: Only in 4 a total of 4 days 2 in arlington and 2 in tarrant county.

JM: How often did you get to go outside?
DC: Every other hour.
Keith: New Jail is every other hour all the time. Green Bay never gets to go or see outside. The Old Jail gets to go outside 3 times a week for 1 hour at a time.
Joe: never.
Heidi: never
Dillon: Every other day.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
DC: Yes, they did. I believe they were once a week. I didn't attend, so I'm not sure. All I remember is that a group of people with bibles would come in, gather all the inmates up who wanted to be a part of the services and find some tables away from everyone to conduct services.
Keith: There are lots of volunteer chaplains. In the New Jail chaplains would hold service in each tank on Wednesdays and Sundays. In Green Bay they go to the gym. I'm not sure about the Old Jail.
Joe: no.
Heidi: yes, they made us feel like people again- different groups from the outside would come in
Dillon: Wasn't there long enough.