Life in a Prison Cell

A prison cell or jail cell is a small room (typically 6 by 8 feet in size) that is used to confine prisoners or those convicted of a wrongdoing. Prison cells are used to hold individuals alleged of an immoral act within a police station, and used to house prisoners convicted of a crime in a prison or rehabilitation facility. Prison cells are small rooms with steel or brick walls; one barred or solid door, which locks from the outside, is used to keep the prisoner confined in the small space.

The typical prison cell uses barred doors; however, many inmates especially, those with severe psychological problems are confined in a room with solid doors. These doors usually contain a small window that allows the prisoner to be observed, and a slot that allows guards to transfer the prisoner's meals. The limited furnishings and fixtures within a jail cell are constructed to the cell itself; this makes the amenities impossible to move and difficult to damage.

A jail cell contains stainless steel toilets, a small sink, and a cot that contains one blanket and one pillow. Nothing else, other than books, letters, and in some cases selected items are allowed in the jail cell. The lack of items within a prison cell prevents vandalism and disables the prisoner from making weapons.

Each correctional facility is organized and aligned through different cell configurations. From simple police station holding cells to massive maximum security cell blocks, the organization of a correctional facility is designed based out of necessity in coordination with the facility's population.

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