Dakota County Jail

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Leisure Time

Interview with Shawanda Miller, Jeremy and Chuck

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Shawanda Miller: Different classes - GED, Anger Management, Church, AA, Gym, Library, another one by the jail counselor, STS and one held in the women's unit but can't remember the names of the classes
Jeremy: Dont know, i was there only one night.
Chuck: Not much really. They had a cart with maybe fifteen books. TV is going all day which is kind of annoying. They have classes you can sign up for like paretninging classes and AA and math class and GED class. Only one place in jail with weights and that was the little gym.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Shawanda Miller: Guards would come and get the inmates for what class each individual signed up for. Gym, Library, Church, AA anyone could go, the rest the individual had to sign up for.
Jeremy: Dont know
Chuck: It was really sporadic, they don't want you to have a routine, the rules are always changing and that way they keep you in control.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Shawanda Miller: No because you had gym everyday and you could always walk inside the unit if you chose too.
Jeremy: No
Chuck: Not at all cause guys are always doing situps and pushups in room, on the stairs or lifting books.

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?
Shawanda Miller: Unless it was nice Dakota had an area that was fenced in. Otherwise never unless you had to be transported somewhere.
Chuck: Never.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Shawanda Miller: Yes the jail did. I believe it was a Christian church. It was held over in the Library area, but in a separate room. It was good sometimes Pastor Jim would have a different speaker.
Chuck: Every Sunday they held services in the center of the jail classroom. Mainly Christian type where you sing a song and read a few sermons.