Without commentary, it shows some of the routine barricades still thrown in the way of justice. An additional man was to be moved at the writing of this article. The difference between the two is like night and day. IMU is a large concrete and metal structure with a capacity of 96 men. Inmates in the general population can be sent to IMU for periods of five days to several months, depending on the seriousness of the infraction.
All prisoners receive their meals in their cells through a slot in the door.
Sometimes when I receive a call from an inmate in IMU the noise in the background is deafening. The no-contact visiting rooms are bleak, with little air movement. I struggle with nausea after spending two hours in them. Because other Walla Walla prisoners are sent to IMU solely for punishment, there is considerable controversy over the policy of sending newly sentenced death row inmates there for a minimum of one year. Segregation from other prisoners is required by statute, but the effect of a full year in this kind of isolation and deprivation is devastating.