The only forms of rehabilitation occur in a rectangular building a few yards from the cell block. The dining hall, like the rest of the prison, is sparsely furnished. That doesn't mean the guards won't shoot, Gonzalez explains. It means that the concrete walls pose a ricochet risk to bystanders, so any shots fired will be directed at an inmate. Prisoners eat in shifts and bring their own plastic utensils and cups to and from their cells.
Meals are prepared on a monthly schedule.
On this day, the makeshift chapel complete with pulpit and fold-up chairs is empty, save for one inmate entertaining himself on an electric organ. Religion is embraced here, and regular sermons are well attended, Gonzalez says. Tall wire fencing encloses a sweat lodge for Native Americans, were people of all nationalities mediate and pray. The library has several bookcases full of literature, pulp fiction and resource guides, but law books are the most frequently checked out, Gonzalez says. The art room allows an outlet for creative inmates.