Polk County Jail Inmates

Polk County Jail has four unwritten rules lived by most inmates and are "written" by inmates. The first rule is no gambling since it leads to problems. Second is not attempting to escape or using any drugs or tobacco. The third rule is to keep to oneself and be less social. And the fourth and final rule is to have money to buy extra food.

Stay out of trouble in Polk County Jail
A lot of inmates choose to not live by these simple rules and find themselves in bigger trouble than already involved in, and even lockdown if drugs are abused. Those that do adhere to these four rules can find themselves getting out early based on good behavior. "Good time" is given automatically after sentencing but can be, and often is, lost for bad behavior. Fighting, disobedience to officers, and contraband eliminate any earned "good time" (also known as "time off for good behavior in other areas).

Polk County Jail layout
Polk County inmates stay in pods with up to seventy others. Polk County has several buildings, though not all are in use, that have various names. There are about fifty pods on average in each building. Because of the various inmates housed in this jail, there are multiple maximum-security dorms, which are half the size of the other pods.

Because each pods is different and each pod holds different "kinds" of inmates, the number of toilets, telephones, and TVs vary from pod to pod. Unlike other facilities, Polk County inmates get to choose their bunk assignments, always. Though like every other jail facility, even when inmates are not looking for trouble, trouble finds them. It is unavoidable because most pods are overcrowded.

Inmates are given orange jail uniforms of pants and matching shirt that are exchanged twice a week for clean ones. These uniforms are the same for both men and women. Short and sweatshirts can be bought also.

Meals in the Polk Jail
Inmates receive three meals a day. The most surprising thing about Polk County is the food. Inmates rate it above average in comparison to other jails. The most popular day is Mexican food day. Foods and snacks outside of meals can be purchased on commissary via the weekly canteen. A lot of the commissary selections are junk foods. Often times inmates share their commissary with their cellmates.

Getting medicines in jail
Inmates can receive antacid, Tylenol, and antihistamine from the guards on duty, and prescriptions are dispersed by a nurse at varying times of the day.

Visiting an inmate
Inmates are allowed visitors on weekends. All visitors are patted down for security and safety. Visits take place through a glass window and over a telephone. There is no physical contact.

Telephones are accessible between eight in the morning to eleven at night every day. All calls are collect calls and run for five dollars for fifteen-minute calls. All calls are recorded and can be screened at will by Polk County staff.

Passing the time
Inmates are allowed time in the rec room twice a week for two to three hours. The rec room holds games of vary sorts and television. Because this is only a few times a week, many inmates spend their time exercising, which are usually calisthenics of push ups, sit ups, and jogging to stay in shape. Inmates are allowed outside twice a week, and church services are offered on a regular basis.