Entertainment in Orange County

Television

Watching television is a favorite past-time of inmates in the Orange County Jail (California) just trying to pass their time. Many inmates, however, get sick of the TV in jail because they report that the same channels are always on (it is up to the guards to turn the televisions on and change the channels) and it is hard to agree with other inmates on what to watch (when the guards are willing to change the channels).

Working out

While the jail does not offer workout facilities (weights, treadmills, etc.), many inmates report working out as one of their most common ways to pass the time. Apparently being a racist jail (read dealing with other inmates) each race wants their inmates to be like soldiers - they often require that you work out and stay in shape.

Without regular workout facilities most inmates just do pushups, sit-ups and other exercises that don't require any equipment. Many inmates report coming out of jail in better shape than they went in - this is especially common with inmates serving time on drug-related charges.

Cards, dominoes, chess

These games of skill are surprisingly populat at the Orange County Jail - many inmates gamble commissary in games which is against the jail's rules. If you are caught doing it you may get in trouble though no inmates report that it is a very serious offense.

Reading books

This is probably the most common way to pass time in jail - mostly because you can choose what you want to read. Your family can send you books as long as they are new and come directly from the store - Amazon.com is the most popular choice for most people buying books for inmates.

Going outside

In general you are supposed to have one hour per day to go out in the yard. This depends, however, on the behavior of other inmates and it is frequently taken away. Many inmates choose not to go outside, however, since they spend so much time being searched going out to the yard and coming back in (a necessary precaution because they are allowed to see other inmates and could possibly pass things back and forth).