Obsolete, Crowded Jail is Reflection on County
Sullivan county’s out-moded and over-crowded jail at Blountville is a throwback on the progress of the county.
This not only is the opinion of the writer and many citizens of the county who have visited the jail on behalf of civic organizations of the two principal cities of the
county, but it has been the view of every circuit court grand jury for the past five years or longer.
And while these reports have been made quarterly, for some reason county officials have never seen fit to take any definite action. Nor has the general public been interested enough to encourage any steps which might alleviate conditions for several hundred prisoners who spend from one day to11 months and 29 days each year in this dilapidated jail.
Words Inadequate
Words are inadequate to describe this prison that might have adequately provided the needs of the county 50 years ago or longer. But it takes only one visit within these four walls to make an indelible impression that will not soon be wiped away. ’
To see as many as 120 ’prisoners crammed into a space provided to accommodate only 60, and then in vermin-infested cells which, despite efforts to keep them clean, are little better than the dungeons pictured in historical novels.
Usually the jail is crowded beyond its capacity. Prisoners are forced to rub elbows with one another regardless of differences in physical condition.
Ventilation Poor
Ventilation, none too good in normal times, is poorest during winter months when windows must be closed for the inmates’ comfort and during the hot summer months when the intense heat makes the place all but unbearable.
The very air within the building is stale and rancid, suggesting dry body heat, perspiration-laden clothing and none to clean flesh and the odor of disinfectant brings on a nausea to those unaccustomed to the odor.
Women are housed on the first floor. A- part of the woman’s cell block at one time was a toilet. Regardless of age or color they are all forced to huddle together. The first offender keeps company with the habitual criminal and in so doing soon learns all the finer points at whatever trade beyond the law she may be applying.
Negro Quarters Poor
Also on the first floor is located the kitchen, a reception room, a pantry for food supplies and the jailer’s office.
Negro quarters, located on the second floor, is even more inadequate than space allotted for white prisoners. There are two furnished cells for negroes, with a single window in each. Each cell is supposed to accommodate four prisoners. At times as many as eight
negroes occupy each cell.
When the jail was last visited by a representative of The Times the negroes were so closely crowded in the cells no light from the window, located in the rear, could penetrate to the cell door.
Single Cage
Two cell blocks for white persons also are located on the second floor; One has a single cage in the center of the floor and in the room connecting a cage is located on either side of the room with an open space in the middle.
All bars show scars where prisoners have tried to saw their way to freedom. These “scars” have been caused by’ an electric welder which has been used to heal the cuts.
Whlle the offenders are not occupied working county roads they while away their time playing cards or just sitting around talking. Their attire is just what they please
to wear. Many prefer to loll around in grimy undershirts which allows a little more freedom of body movement, at least.
Each cell block is equipped with one wash basin and one toilet. This plumbing equipment in common property of all inmates regardless of physical conditions. In conditions of this type social diseases are more easily transferred and body vermin soon becomes just another
discomfort.
Prisoners Friendly
The prisoners for the most part are friendly and welcome each visitor with a whoop of joy and a merry “hello.” They indicate an almost childish inquisitiveness concerning each newcomer and are willing to “chew the fat” with all who will address them.
Tobacco is highly prized and “Gimme a cigarette. buddy” is the common plea.
The prisoners are fed twice daily. The first meal is usually prepared during the middle of the morning and the last meal is brought around at 4 p. m. These meals are prepared by the trusties, who through good behavior, are given the run of the jail.
The meals are neither balanced or prepared under the most sanitary conditions. This unbalanced diet renders the system less immune to ravages of disease.
The sheriff ls allotted 25 cents a day with which to feed his prisoners. Prepared in large quantities the “grub” is far from being extremely palatable.
Condition Indicted
Conditions time and time again have been indicted by the grand jury as being “unbelievable” and “inhuman.” The county court has not taken necessary action, thus
far, for the erection of a new building or enlargement of the present quarters.
Informed persons describe the local jail conditions as on par with the ill-famed “Black Hole of Calcutta” of former years.
Human Beings
They agree that Sullivan must have a new jail if it is to keep its own self respect as an integral part of the state of Tennessee. ‘
Or as one person recently described his feelings after a visit to the jail: It makes “me feel dirty inside to know that this type of dwelling-is used in Sullivan county. I do not favor pardoning prisoners for breaches of the law. Neither do I favor coddling them, but I do feel that they should be allowed to eat and breathe as human beings and not as so many
cattle in a stock pen.”
