Duval County Jail

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Leisure Time

Interview with Bill and Rochelle

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Bill: Books were sometimes available, however there is no TV, no radios, or any other facilities provided for Leisure. Chess/Checker boards and cards were available for purchase from commissary, if you are able to purchase anything in the first place.
Rochelle: Gym, Recreation Center, Library, warehouse, sewing factory.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Bill: Since everything is owned by the individual inmate who purchased it, it was really up to them to decide who had access to it and when.
Rochelle: I had access to it all.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Bill: No, there is plenty of exercises you can do either in your cell or behind the stairs to the upper tier. You could also use trash bags filled with water as weights.
Rochelle: No

JM: How often did you get to go outside? What did you do outside if you were allowed to? If you were not allowed to go outside what could you do for exercise?
Bill: Maximum of 1 hour a day, and only of there is no water on the ground. Because this is Florida, and it rains every other day at least, you were lucky to go outside 3 times a week.
Rochelle: Daily

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Bill: Church services were offered every Sunday, "Most of the time" by volunteers in the community. There was occasional unexplained cancellations that inmates are never told of as to why. Services are held in the outdoor recreation area and are subject to the same weather restrictions as recreation time.
Rochelle: Yes, every Wednesday Night Bible study, and Sunday morning worship service.