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Want to learn about the Salt Lake County Jail?

Have you ever wondered what life is like in the Salt Lake County Jail? Maybe you drive by it on your way to work, or perhaps you or someone you know is looking at serving some time there. Either way, you have come to the right place to have your questions answered.

We have interviewed former inmates of Salt Lake County, who have filled us in on what the food is like, how the court system works, and many other details about day to day life in this jail. You can read their interviews by clicking on links to the left. Take a few minutes to read their stories and learn what life is really like in the Salt Lake County Jail.

Food
Salt Lake County provides inmates with three meals per day. Unfortunately, the food does not rate very highly. Breakfast usually consists of a rotation of biscuits with gravy, grits, corn flakes and sometimes eggs and potatoes. Lunch is usually bologna and bread, ham salad (otherwise known as "cat food") or the occasional hot dogs.

Dinners are usually hot and include foods like goulash, spaghetti and burger patties. Portions are small and the food is not well seasoned. Once a month, the jail will serve special meals like burritos, and sometimes even cake or pie.

Inmates who have money in their accounts can order a variety of snacks and other types of food from the commissary. Having money to buy things off commissary has made jail time more bearable for many inmates, and is highly recommended to those who are coming into the jail.

Passing the Time
One of the most difficult parts of serving time is fighting boredom and trying to stay busy. Salt Lake County does provide some facilities to help pass the time. Books are available to the inmates, as well as various games such as chess and dominoes.

There is usually an inmate or two with a deck of playing cards, and an inmate favorite is spades. Sometimes there are racket balls in the yard and the inmates will play handball. Television is also provided in the main living areas.

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