King County Jail

Jail Layout

Interview with Jenna and Mel

JM: How many different blocks were there?
Jenna: There were four blocks to a floor, two upstairs and two down.
Mel: After a week I landed on the 4th floor, the trustee floor. There were 2 sides. West and North. You start on 4West, which is sort of a "waiting" area, cycle through from tank A to F, then you go to 4West where you receive a job.

JM: Did they have names? If so, what were they?
Jenna: For instance I was on the fifth floor, so if I remember correctly it was A5, B5,C5,D5.
Mel: A,B,C,D,E and F.

JM: Which inmates were housed in the different blocks?
Jenna: Wherever they had room, you could be in with killers, gang member, or j-walkers. I think they separate the crazy people; they are on like the top floor. And people who are sick I believe as well have a special place, but I can't be sure of that.
Mel: On the trustee floor, people with different jobs were housed in different dorms. Intake and release Trustees, barbers, and floor workers stayed in C dorm. Kitchen workers stayed in D & E dorms.

JM: What do you remember being the nicest and worst parts about the different blocks?
Jenna: It all depends on who is in there; they come around every morning with cleaning supplies. We usually take turns on cleaning, but you're not forced to clean. So some people leave nasty stuff all over the place, and you're not really forced to clean your room either. So it all depends on your home training and your need to be human.
Mel: 4 West had more extra activities (AA, Church services) than 4 North.