Living Arrangements in Prisons: Cells or Shared Spaces?

Prison administrators typically manage inmate living arrangements to ensure security and compliance with specific regulations. In some parts of the world, traditional prison conditions mirror historical British systems, closely adhering to old wings with dim lighting, cramped cells, and limited resources for inmates.

How Inmates Are Housed

The State in which I served my sentence in Australia is a prime example. Upon entering prison, I witnessed an ordinary setup based on the British prison system from the Colonial Days. The wings in these prisons were dim and dank, yet surprisingly clean. Each cell contained a bed with a slim mattress, a pair of sheets, a pillow slip, a towel, and two blankets.

Prison Woes: Inadequate Facilities

The living conditions varied based on the wing. Initially, the toilets were merely rubber buckets lacking a lid, as the sewerage system was not yet connected to the wing. Every three days, inmates were required to empty the bucket and clean it with disinfectant at the shower area. However, the conditions were not always consistent. Some overcrowded prisons resorted to putting two inmates in a single cell, which significantly reduced the available space for each individual, let alone multiple inmates.

Hygiene and Personal Hygiene

Basic personal hygiene was under strict scrutiny. Inmates were provided with only one small bar of soap every two weeks. Additionally, personal grooming was carefully controlled—facial hair growth was not allowed. Inmates had to shave every three days, a process that had to be witnessed by an officer who provided the razor and changed it after ten inmates had used it.

Shower and Disinfection Routines

Showering was a communal activity. Each wing had six showers situated at the back, and inmates were allowed one shower a week in the presence of an officer who monitored to ensure they adhered to time limits. After the shower, all inmates had to walk through a tray containing a disinfectant liquid to sanitize their feet, possibly to prevent tinea or other fungal infections common in such close quarters.

Entertainment and Routine

Entertainment was limited but existed in the form of small radio speakers mounted on the walls of each cell. These were turned on at 6 PM and switched off along with the lights at 9 PM. This routine ensured that inmates remained on schedule and maintained a regulated daily pattern.

Impact of Overcrowding

As the prison population increased, the solution of placing two inmates in a single cell became more common. However, this arrangement significantly reduced the space and privacy available to each individual. Bunk beds were the norm in such cells, and both beds could not be on the ground due to limited space.

Conclusion

In prison settings, the living arrangements often dictate the level of discipline and the overall experience of inmates. While some may prefer shared spaces for mutual support, the rigid control over basic needs and conditions highlights the challenges inherent in prison management. Understanding these conditions helps in advocating for fair and humane treatment of inmates.