ADX Florence is a supermax federal prison in Colorado that is well-known for its highly secure and restrictive conditions. Compared to other correctional facilities, ADX Florence inmates have extremely limited privileges for recreation and leisure activities.
Due to the facility’s focus on security and control, inmates at ADX Florence spend the majority of their time in cells, with limited opportunities for entertainment or interaction. If some maximum-security prisons have television sets for inmates with restricted access, how about the ADX Florence supermax prison?
Okay, let’s find out the information about television access at ADX Florence in our post below!
Do Inmates at ADX Florence Have Television?
That said, the cells of inmates at ADX Florence are equipped with recreational media such as radio and television. However, black-and-white television only shows educational, recreational, and religious programming; no movies or news are shown.
Televisions in inmates’ cells are also used as media for education programs, including GED and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs, Adult Basic Education (ABE), and Adult Continuing Education (ACE) classes. ADX Florence also provides high school diplomas and post-secondary programs through paid correspondence programs. Of course, all courses are displayed on television in the inmate’s cell.
The specific policies regarding television access may be different for every inmate. It is known that inmates at ADX Florence are allowed to buy their own personal televisions, with a note for those who behave well. If they screw that up, they may lose the privilege of having television in their cells.
In addition, the privilege of having television in inmates’ cells will also depend on what level of security they have. Well, if an inmate has committed a violent crime like murder, attempted escape, or even spearheaded violence in prison, they are not permitted to watch television.
Why is TV Allowed in ADX Florence?
Known as the highest-security prison in the United States, ADX Florence severely limits the inmates’ interaction with each other. It is known that ADX Florence inmates will spend up to 23 hours of the day in their cell and one hour getting out of their cell—with no contact with other inmates.
However, the interaction restriction can lead to psychological issues in inmates, such as stress, depression, and anxiety disorders. In cases that are getting worse, inmates may commit suicide since they feel lonely and have no friends, especially if their family does not become a good support system for them.
Well, it can be one of the reasons why ADX Florence permits inmates to have televisions in their cells. According to some studies, there are several positive effects of television access on inmate behavior in prison. Here they are:
- Inmates can spend the majority of their time in cells watching television, which can reduce boredom and frustration.
- Inmates can improve their behavior and reduce disciplinary problems within the prison.
- Giving inmates with television access to educational programs can really decrease their levels of aggression and violent behavior.
- Educational and recreational programs shown on television can provide role models and promote empathy and understanding.
- TV access in an inmate’s cell can have positive effects on the mental health of inmates since it can reduce anxiety symptoms and depression, as well as improve the inmate’s overall mood.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
