However, since state law now prohibits the purchase of televisions for recreational purposes, the department must rely on community donations to replace or provide new televisions. No taxpayer dollars contribute to the purchase of televisions for inmates. Most inmates are released early because of prison overcrowding. No inmates have been released early from prison because of overcrowding since December 1994. Inmates still aren't serving most of their sentences.
Inmates spend all day lifting weights and playing basketball.
Once those tasks are completed, inmates are allowed time for wellness activities, which include weightlifting and basketball. Exercise and activity programs are security enhancements because inmates with unstructured time are a threat to the safety and security of an institution. Idleness greatly increases the potential for assaults on staff and other inmates. In 1993, the state received a final judgment in the Costello v. Singletary case. In it, the Court mandated minimum levels for space, food service and health care for inmates.