Pierce County Jail

Inmates

Interview with Ryan, Alex and George

JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates?
Ryan: NO
Alex: Not really. I just kept to myself and only talked to people about my age (36).
George: NO, I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY

JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates?
Ryan: MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Alex: Left people alone. And yes there were plenty of fights. In county jail, there's a lot of people coming and going. A bunch of people in for drug offenses that sleep almost the entire time they're there. A lot of misdemeanor offenses just waiting to see the judge to be released- less than 24 hours. And then there's the people fighting bigger offenses or who have been sentenced to long time. There was one guy in my dorm that had over 2 years in county because it was year long sentences "back to back." The people you choose to associate with are more commonly in the category you fall in. I met one guy who it was his 30th time in jail (mostly for drug offenses). After he detoxed, he was decent to play cards with.
George: MIND MY BUSINESS

JM: Were you able to choose an inmate if you knew one?
Ryan: NO
Alex: We were in a dorm, 2 tiers with 42 people per tier. They don't allow you to request who to be with, but they DO allow you to request who NOT to be with. If you have a history of causing trouble with or fighting with another inmate, they won't let you be with him.
George: NO