We had to give our names & birth dates ahead of time. We were told we could only take our Drivers License and Camera into the facility. Our tour guide told us when we were allowed to take pictures.
Sheriff Joe thought that criminals shouldn't be treated any better than soldiers serving in Afghanistan & Iraq, thus sleeping outside in tents.
Our tour guide was Lt. Detention Officer. First we were shown a wall shelf that showed all the contriband that had been confiscated. Lots of ropes made from blankets and sheets. Knives and books with pages dug out to hide things. In this same area was sort of a computer screen with a phone receiver and they were allowed three 30 minute conversations a week. We also got to look through a door into the dining area. Long tables with steel stools that were attached to the floor.
We then walked along a fenced in area which is where the tents are located. During the daytime the sides are lifted up and we could see some of the steel frame beds. The fence had some camoflage on it, but there were areas we could see in. It was very tall and had barbed wire and our guide told us it also had electrical wires on it.
We saw the area of clean clothes which consists of Black and White pants and shirts, Pink towels and underware and socks. They dye them pink to keep them from being stollen.
These inmates work in large laundry facilities and also cook for the entire jail system, thus saving the county a lot of money from hiring outside companies to do this.
As we were walking, we saw a "Chain gang" being led by. They had chains around each of their wrists and ankles, and led two by two. It was very interesting.
Sheriff Joe was told he had to allow the prisoners a TV. What they didn't tell him was what channels he had to allow them, so he choose the weather channel, cooking channel and one espn. They were allowed to watch special sporting events.
On our way back to Mesa, we ate lunch at a "In & Out" and then walked thru Hobby Lobby and a clothing store called, Be alls.
Donna and Pat went to the pool and I fixed Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Salad & Birthday Cake from the day before.
Great Day!
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