What should my husband expect in a prison?

[janedoe]

My husband has been asked to coach a speaking club in a prison as part of a larger national association. It's a medium security facility.

What kind of process is there associated with entering the prison, what he can take in and other security procedures? He has a titanium rod in his leg so that's a concern. We also wonder what type of people in the facility would be allowed in this kind of club.

[Bamps]

Congrats to your husband, I couldn't tell you though, never been there and never knew anyone there to visit.

[ZRabbits]

Congrats to your husband. Never been, nor do I know anyone to visit, but I would think a cell phone use would be a question I would ask. Also definitely find out what type of group will be involved. Also maybe medical records to show proof of rod?

KAZ

[bett]

every facility is different. we had rikers, at one point, as one of our sites. getting in, could be an hour or so wait.
the "kids" wanted to be in class, so they were on their best behavior, and those that weren't were out . no ifs, ands or buts. out, with a guard with him.

[Snowshoe]

I have to tell you, my mind does not see the "a" in your title. Not even when I know it should be there and I'm reading it for the second or more time.

[voodoo]

whatever your husband does, tell him not to give ANYTHING to a prisoner. not a business card/nothing! I wouldnt be too concerned as he will be escorted everywhere...well if he is not escorted, thats a concern

He probably will be shocked at how good they have it. own cell/tv/cable/phone/internet/etc...

[Sue]

Voodoo. They do NOT have internet. Nor their own cell phones. Not even their "own" phones. I'm not sure where everyone gets those fallacies from.
They do have TVs, that they have to buy on their own at super inflated prices.

janedoe, the titanium rod will not be an issue. He will need to be wanded as opposed to going through a regular metal detector. Be sure he tells the guards about it.

No metal, no keys, no weapons, no cell phones, no food or gum can be brought in. All those will need to be placed in a locker, as will his coat. His briefcase (if he brings one and needs it in his presentation) will be searched. He will be escorted to the room where he will be speaking.

The prisoners that are allowed into programs like these will be the best behaved. As it's a medium security, the types you'll find in there are those with criminal histories like burglaries, assaults, home invasions, nothing too major, like murder.

It's great he's doing this. These are people that will be released down the road, and will be your neighbors (I'm directing this to everyone, not you). So giving them skills to cope, and to stay out of prison again, is a lot better than just locking them up and throwing away the key.

[janedoe]

I have to tell you, my mind does not see the "a" in your title. Not even when I know it should be there and I'm reading it for the second or more time.

I rewrote that a few times. I wanted the word prison in there but didn't know how to put it.

[KenZ71]

I would think some prep would be provided by the facility staff. That is a letter stating what not to bring vs what is allowed.

Regardless the staff have most likely seen it all from visitors and the residents.

Goes without saying but respect to all in a prison I bet goes a long way. Especially in the visitor areas.

[janedoe]

Bummer about the food.