Dakota County Jail

Leisure Time

Interview with Shawanda Miller


JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Shawanda Miller: Different classes - GED, Anger Management, Church, AA, Gym, Library, another one by the jail counselor, STS and one held in the women's unit but can't remember the names of the classes

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce?
Shawanda Miller: Guards would come and get the inmates for what class each individual signed up for. Gym, Library, Church, AA anyone could go, the rest the individual had to sign up for.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Shawanda Miller: No because you had gym everyday and you could always walk inside the unit if you chose too.

JM: How often did you get to go outside?
Shawanda Miller: Unless it was nice Dakota had an area that was fenced in. Otherwise never unless you had to be transported somewhere.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Shawanda Miller: Yes the jail did. I believe it was a Christian church. It was held over in the Library area, but in a separate room. It was good sometimes Pastor Jim would have a different speaker.