St. Lucie County Jail

Inmates

Interview with Henry and Bob


JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates?
Henry: Getting along with inmates was very hard most of the time. Often I believe that the classification office did a terrible job of directing inmates upon induction to the jail. Many inmates with misdemeanor charges were housed with inmates who were of high felony charge levels. There were also people who were clearly mentally disturbed who were housed with "general population", and opened them up to minipulation.
Bob: Actually the inmates that I interacted with were quite friendly and helpful. It should be known that I was in general population (The "B-Side"), for only the first day of my incarceration and then transferred into the "Drug Dorm", which is a program for inmates with drug and/or alcohol problems so it is my understanding that I was vary fortunate to be there rather then in the general population.

JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates?
Henry: There was no possible of avoiding a fight or conflict with anyone. you fight your own battles, and there is absolutely no safety. Seeking refuge by direction of staff was frowned upon and nearly always resulted with time in isolation/ lockdown.
Bob: Obviously being respectful and courteous is a big help. With many people locked up together in close confines and with people potentially facing years of incarceration it is advisable to respect your cellmates - keep your area clean - know when someone wants to be left alone - avoid gossip - but also stand up for yourself. I heard that if you are involved in an altercation while at the jail and if the person you fight wants to press charges that you can receive a 10 year sentence so that kept the fights to a minimum.

JM: Were you able to choose an inmate if you knew one?
Henry: You were never able to choose who your bunk or cellmate was.
Bob: By "choose an inmate", I will assume you mean to choose your cellmate? If I understand the question correctly, the answer is "Technically, Yes". I say "technically", because you can submit a request to the Deputies but I doubt they would honor that request as it would be extra paperwork for them because they identify you by your cell/bunk number (in addition to inmate id).