When not working, they can use the yard, a large open space off the cell block surrounded by high cement walls and ringed with armed guards. Some inmates also take classes toward their GED, or vocational training. Many work on legal appeals. During lockdown all of this is suspended. Guards and other prison staff must clean the prison, cook and serve meals to inmates in their cells.
Some inmates say the portions of food are tiny, that guards drop it on the floor and serve it cold.
Staff has to work overtime and do the work of prisoners. Some of it, like searching cells, is quite time-consuming. Steffens and others interested in the inmates' welfare are concerned that officers prolong lockdowns in order to earn more overtime money. Though Westphal says that prison staff do not work long overtime hours, he admits that there is some overtime for some staff during a lockdown. Following the attack, the administrations did not want to take any chances.