Joy, I'm most familiar with the state prison in Parchman, Mississippi. The conditions are horrendous.
Prisoners are permitted thirty minutes outside daily, however, many choose not to take advantage of this, due to the new rule that they are shackled and, therefore, unable to defend themselves from guards and other prisoners.
Meals are vermin infested and, often, cold.
There is no contact visitation. It is even difficult for counsel to meet with their clients. This most often takes place in the regular visiting area.
Paper, envelopes, and pens are purchased from the Commisary in limited amounts weekly. For some bizarre reason that I can't begin to figure out, a prisoner can possess only a blue/black and red pen. Blank greeting cards are not available and a friend is not permitted to send them.
No longer are church groups permitted to bring 'extras' ... socks, small treats, etc. There have been instances whereby 'religious' pastors have gone through the unit preaching eternal damnation for inmates.
Medical treatment is grossly inadequate. A fee of $6.00 is charged to an inmates account for a doctor's visit ... if and when it occurs. There are, not surprisingly, high instances of psychotic breaks among those incarcerated.
Sanitation is almost non-existent. Toilets overflow into cells, units are filthy, and the stench of neglected humanity permeates the facility.
While there are guards capable of showing kindness, many are brutal. The worst example I have heard of this was a recent suicide of a young man. He was discovered in the morning after hanging himself. This was greeted with much laughter by several senior guards.
