Time off for Good Behavior

JM: Did you get off early based on good behavior? If so, what kind of things did you do?
Karen: All inmates were rated according to past jail time, charges, and behavior and I had the highest rating and the lowest risk factor so I was able to go to the “honor” dorm and work in the laundry and sewing department. I worked in the laundry department first, washing, drying, and folding all the dorms clothes etc. I worked six days a week and it was hard work but made the time pass by a lot quicker. I then applied for a sewing job and that was a lot more fun for me, even though I didn’t know how to sew when I started, the deputy (deputy Maurice) taught me how and even complimented me on how well I could sew. We were allowed to listen to our own music in the sewing room with headsets, and we were served coffee and fresh baked cookies from the kitchen. We even had creamer and sugar for our coffee. I remember a time that we were out of creamer and I mentioned it to the other inmates but they were all afraid to make a call to the kitchen to request more. Well I took it upon myself to call and talk to the kitchen manager and he informed me that they were completely out of creamer but was willing to send a few pints of milk. I told the kitchen manager thank you and within a few minutes we were delivered 24 pints of milk!!! Me and the other girls were so excited and felt so privileged to get milk. We were drinking milk and cookies all night! The judge reduced my sentence from 60 days to 45 days for doing labor detail.

JM: What types of actions do you need to avoid in order to get time off?
Karen: Fighting, making noise after lights out, hiding food in your bunk area, etc. Anything that was considered dishonest behavior.

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