Heavy, perforated cell doors limit an inmate's ability to assault others, without obstructing visibility into or out of a cell. Bunks to are molded into the wall and toilets have no removable parts that could be used to make weapons . All clothing, bedding and personal effects are x-rayed before being placed in a cell. There are eight individual cells in each pod. A shower is located on each floor.
Several overhead skylights flood each pod with natural light.
Each pod has its own 26' by 10' exercise yard. The pods are arranged in a semi-circle, like spokes of a wheel, with a centralized control room as the hub. The control room officer has a clear view of all six pods, also called cell blocks. The officer operates each door, controls the entrances and exits to each pod, and monitors movement in the exercise yards via closed circuit television. The SHU complex encompasses both housing and support functions within a single building envelope.