New jail wing opened to public

Globe — The new women’s wing of the Gila County jail is a foreboding place despite its brand new furnishings, brand new flat screen TV, and sunshine pouring through the windows.

Community members were given a tour of the jail and the option of spending the night last week as part of a fundraising effort to support the two domestic violence safe homes in the county.

The newly constructed wing features two rooms meant to hold 20 women in each. The concrete floor in each holds 10 sets of steel bunk beds firmly anchored to the floor.

Although down pillows are not part of an inmate’s life, there is a faint bump at the end of the plastic mattress to suggest a pillow.

Steel tables with steel chairs attached to them are offered in the dining area. That segment of the room is conveniently located near the restroom area. When one of the visitors asked where her linen napkin was to accompany her Styrofoam enclosed dinner, jail staff laughed and said they usually use toilet paper.

The bathroom area itself offers a couple of curtainless shower areas and three toilet stalls with concrete walls about waist high.

Every section of the room is monitored by cameras housed in a security room. The waist high walls are meant to provide the women with some privacy when nature calls.

For the complete article see the 07-18-2012 issue.

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