Armstrong County Jail Inmates

Armstrong County Jail inmates sometimes find they know others inside - but only sometimes. Because of this Armstrong County has a little different atmosphere than other county facilities. One of these differences is that at times inmates are able to choose a cellmate, something County officials do not much like.

Holding cell
Armstrong County inmates begin their stay in a small holding room that holds a few chairs. The doors are guarded by police officers. The time between a stay in the holding room and entering the facility can take anywhere from four or five hours to ten or twelve hours. Inmates are then taken to one of twelve blocks and one of three pods in a block. Here there are ten male blocks and two female blocks.

Each block serves a different purpose and holds varying inmates. One block holds those on maximum security, another holds those of intake, one for special needs individuals, and another for work release inmates. Blocks are given nicknames according to those inside, such as SNU for special needs and MGP for maximum security. Each name is fairly self-explanatory. The cleanliness and attitude of each block depends on the types of inmates, which can be very different. These change often with the changing of inmates.

Everyday inmate life
Inmates are given orange "jumpsuits" that come with a matching top and bottoms. No matter the crime committed, Armstrong County inmates all wear the same uniform, as do both men and women. Meals are served three times a day, which resembles school cafeteria food. Most inmates rate the food as slightly above average. Breakfast is usually named as the favorite of all meals given that most meals are relatively small.

Snacks and other personal items can be purchased on commissary. Commissary is provided once a week to those with money on their books. A form is completed, and the next week the items are provided. Medications are also disbursed each day. However those who abuse drugs while incarcerated are detained in an individual cell for thirty days.

Staying in shape
Armstrong County inmates occupy themselves in various ways. Some choose to sleep all day while other exercise to stay in shape. Due to the lack of activities, many inmates leave Armstrong County in better shape than when they entered. A basketball hoop is provided in a small yard. Nevertheless inmates are not allowed out of doors, which gives birth to one former inmate's comment that there is "no outside."

A television is offered as well as church services that are held in a small classroom setting for those desiring to attend. Collect calls are allowed on a regular basis. These calls are screened by the Armstrong County facility by way of phone companies and phone records. Inmates are also allowed visitors nearly every day. Luckily check in at this county facility is relatively short in comparison to others. Visits are made in a row of twelve seats for a given amount of time.

Another difference in Armstrong County from other county jails is the rule of good behavior. Here a vast majority of inmates do not have time deducted from their sentences for good behavior. Obeying orders and keeping from fights just makes jail life a little easier.