Sagging pants have become a fashion statement for young males and females around the world. It may also have some pejorative connotations, but it’s no longer a “bad” trend.
The origins of sagging pants are not entirely known. Some argue it originated in the prison system, while others claim it was an attempt to signal sexual availability. One possible reason for this is that black men in the prisons wore pants below their waist, while white men were allowed to wear belts.
The style was subsequently popularized by hip hop artists and has since become a symbol of individuality, freedom and defiance. But while the style may have had some merits, it’s still a controversial topic, and many question why it’s still being worn.
In some cities and towns, sagging is illegal. For instance, in Riviera Beach, Florida, it was banned by an ordinance. Other South Carolina cities have passed similar measures. And some have taken a more aggressive approach, banning the practice entirely.
Some states, such as Louisiana, have a ban on the practice, and in parts of Georgia, it is already illegal. Interestingly, the Mississippi legislature is considering a bill that would make it illegal to sag.
Can You Shower in Jail?
Contents
Taking a shower in prison is no walk in the park, but there are some do’s and don’ts to make the experience more comfortable. The most obvious thing to know is that you’ll have a laundry room. While it’s a good idea to have a clean set of clothes, you can’t expect to do a lot of laundry in a maximum security facility. You’ll need to get some cheap sneakers and flip flops, but you won’t have to worry about getting sucked into a straitjacket.
In some states, a prisoner can earn a nice pay by cleaning up a shower area. This isn’t the most glamorous job, but it’s certainly a step up from what many people are used to. Most facilities have single head showers.
The shower itself is usually clean, but you’ll have to do a bit of elbow grease to remove the sludge and keep the water from getting dirty. Using a disinfectant will go a long way towards keeping bug bites at bay.
Aside from the shower, you’ll also need to get some clean clothes. Luckily, most inmates aren’t too picky about what they wear, but you’ll want to have a few pairs on hand.
Are Prisoners Allowed to Shower Daily?
If you are a prisoner in a California prison, chances are you aren’t allowed to shower daily. This is due to restrictions that prison officials have put in place.
The state’s highest security prison, San Quentin, has been criticized for its water restrictions. Warden Ron Davis issued an order restricting prisoners to three five-minute showers per week.
The Seventh circuit court of appeals affirmed the district court injunction, but modified it. It also upheld a lawsuit brought by incarcerated people.
In the 1990s, personal hygiene requirements were implemented in prisons. According to Steven Brooks, a journalist at The San Quentin News, prisoners were required to wash their hands at least twice a day. However, after the Covid-19 pandemic, he said that it was inhumane.
Showers are available in some prisons, although the number of inmates who are allowed to use them varies. Some of them are even restricted during lockdowns.
Prisoners can sue federal employees and certain prison officials if they are deprived of their right to proper hygiene. These regulations are put in place for a variety of reasons. They are meant to prevent disease, maintain the prison facilities, and reinforce prison officials’ power.
How Do Prisons Handle Periods?
Menstruation is a natural part of the female cycle. But for menstruating inmates, the trauma of incarceration is compounded by the lack of access to hygiene products.
Female prisoners typically receive low-absorbency, thin pads. They have to change them frequently, and even use multiple pads if they’re heavily bleeding. That can lead to infections or toxic shock syndrome.
Attempting to obtain sanitary products from correctional officers can be risky. Male guards often joke about being on their period, making it difficult for inmates to request products. Also, a lack of access can be humiliating.
Some prisons even charge for menstruation supplies. If the inmate doesn’t have the money to purchase the products, they can barter on the prison’s burgeoning black market. This leads to improvised substitutes, like toilet paper, which can be dangerous and cause bacterial infections.
There are only a few states that have laws requiring access to menstrual products for incarcerated women. Those states are California, New York, Connecticut, Oregon, and Washington. However, these laws don’t make a dent in the overall problem.
Can Prisoners Sleep with Their Wives?
Conjugal visits in prison are not common. In fact, only four states still allow it. However, you may be surprised to learn that a few countries still offer conjugal visits, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and even Israel.
These are also referred to as family visits. They are allowed to occur as long as the authorities deem the bond to be strong enough. It can include sex, time with children, and other activities.
The term “conjugal visit” has been around for quite some time, but the most recent version was introduced by the Mississippi State Penitentiary. It was introduced as a way to encourage good behavior and was a major incentive for Black prisoners.
A conjugal visit in prison is similar to one you would have at home. However, it is usually only possible in medium security prisons. Usually, the visitor is the legal spouse of the inmate.
While most inmates are allowed a short chaste kiss, a conjugal visit in prison is not the same as a visit in the outside world. There are laws against covert touching, and you might not be able to see or touch your partner.
What Time Do Prisoners Go to Bed?
In prison, it’s not uncommon to find your sleeping space occupied by someone else. That means the time to go to bed is more about timing than comfort.
Inmates are required to attend morning exercises, roll-calls and lunchtime. They are also expected to do some work. For example, some inmates are assigned to work on the kitchen, while others take on yard chores.
There’s also a tidbit that isn’t so much a tidbit as a requirement: you must be in bed during the count. If you aren’t, you’ll be slapped with extra assignments and perhaps a trip back to your cell. The “lights out” period usually begins at 11 PM and ends around 5 or 6 AM.
The “lights out” period is designed to give inmates an opportunity to catch some sleep without being disturbed. To that end, many correctional facilities offer sleeping sheets lining half of the prisoner’s body. Aside from being uncomfortable, they may be the only thing keeping a prisoner from the sleep of the dead.
Not only do prisoners have to slog through a day, but they also have to contend with noises, from fellow inmates to the sounds of the staff. Some prisons even offer earplugs or pillows to help with the snoring.
Learn More Here:
1.) Pants Guides
