328 Comments for Essex County Penitentiary

Safety toothbrush...too short to stab someone lethally with or to do self-harm by swallowing it. They have ones now that are just bristles on a plastic cylinder that fits on the end of your finger.

Somewhat like a psych mattress...sealed edges, no zippers, can't hide stuff in them. The covers are a thick plastic where now there are lighter, impervious fabrics they can use. These were for durability not not comfort.

You can still purchase this style of bed for use in current facilities.

Ms. Bland was pulled over for having a light out. She became uncooperative so was jailed. She died in the jail. Anyway, these were probably beds in a ward although sometimes they used bunk beds. Prisoners that had achieved a less restrictive level were allowed to live in wards, which felt a little less like actual prison.

I'd love to read some of the paper work. Especially the older ones. And if you are arrested and in jail it is public record. You can do a search and find out anything about a person's background including any tickets or jail time.

Thanks RIckk for the formula and analysis. Took care of a woman with long hair that had been maced. Lots of mace in her hair. They brought her to the emergency room so WE could give her a shower. Guess who got that job? My eyes were watering just being in the small shower room with her. Nasty stuff.

The fabric gets brittle when it ages and then the top layer peels. The duct tape on the floor makes me wonder if they were trying to hold the fabric together on some of the pads. Had this type at the hospital I worked at until they began to age. At that point the infection control staff had a fit and they went away. No infection control in a prison.

I actually have some of these (not from this place) that my father had somehow gotten years ago. Gangsters from th 1930's mostly but pretty interesting stuff nonetheless.

One of the most depressing galleries I've seen yet on this site. Reminds me to be thankful for the life I have. Good job, Motts. Keep the photos coming!

Madison, I think all jails are required by law to have a hospital wing.

Being confined to one of these cells could drive one to madness.

What joy could one possibly have locked up in jail during Christmas?

Makes me think about all the prisoners lined up just to make a quick phone call to family or friends....or a lawyer.

Passive-aggressive...an inmate very well could have written this. Being cooped up in a cell can do damage to the psyche. Music and sleep are a welcome reprieve.

I would lose my appetite and a lot of weight in a mess hall like this.