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| Prisoners' routines change over holiday season |
| By The Rocky Mountain Collegian |
| Published: 12/15/2003 |
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Imagine spending the holidays away from family, friends and home. For 19,000 Colorado inmates, this has become a reality. While state penitentiaries provide few changes to their everyday routines, private correctional facilities and the local detention center have developed programs for the holidays. Linda Carroll, spokeswoman for public affairs of the Colorado Department of Corrections, said most state penitentiaries offer little change in daily routine. This decision was made based on the variety of religions in any given prison. "If you show preference to one religion, you have to do it for all," Carroll said. The inmates are given a different menu on holidays but do not receive any extra visiting hours or activities. The holiday meals at most penitentiaries include turkey, potatoes, salad, bread, vegetables and pie. Inmates are given three meals a day. Inmates are only given visiting hours if the holiday lands on a scheduled visiting day, which does not change for the holidays. There are 22 prisons in Colorado. Lori Stolen, programs manager for the Larimer County Detention Center, said the facility offers a variety of programs for the holidays. "We have a religious day and a non-religious day," Stolen said. The non-religious day includes two magicians, Christmas carols, pizza and soda. The religious day includes a non-denominational church worship band, donuts and soda. The inmates participate in two groups: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Programs only allow 60 inmates at one time, so each group sees the same entertainment and is given the same meal. Santa Cops also allows inmates to volunteer their time to help stuff gift bags for children in need. Lt. Deb Russell of LCDC said the inmates also see more visits this time of year. Inmates are allowed four visits per week. Inmates are also given donated Christmas cards. They can pick up to five and send them to their families. The cards come in both English and Spanish. Gifts cannot come into the facility for security reasons, so inmates may only receive a card or money. Russell said counselors, officers and the detention center staff keep a better eye on inmates' mental health during the holiday season. |
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