Capital Punishment
&
Social Rights
Research Initiative
Taking a Closer Look: Florida
Union Correctional Institution, Raiford
Men on death row are confined to their cells for 18-21 hours a day but 24 hours on some weekends when there are no visitors.
Men on death row are confined to their cells for 18-21 hours a day but 24 hours on some weekends when there are no visitors.
Men on death row are confined to their cells for 18-21 hours a day but 24 hours on some weekends when there are no visitors.
Solitary Confinement
Prisoners are heavily limited in employment opportunities and one of the only jobs available is cleaner of the dayroom.
Time in Cell
Each cell is 6 x 9 x 9.5 feet high and contains 2 lockers, a sink, toilet, bed, and desk. Prisoners may purchase a small, black-and-white TV and fan.
Visitation
Visitations are up to 6 hours on Saturdays and Sundays and most are contact visits without restraint. Prisoners facing disciplinary action will have noncontact visits. Prisoners may also request special visits for out-of-state visitors.
Educational Programs
Prisoners are not allowed to enroll in GED, college, or any other educational classes whether they are online or in-person at the facility.
Recreation
3 hours of recreation time are available in the yard twice a week for prisoners. Prisoners can play basketball, volleyball, cards, and use a tablet.
Work
Prisoners are heavily limited in employment opportunities and one of the only jobs available is cleaner of the dayroom.
Culture
Prisoners cannot attend religious services and must have approval when attempting to practice a religion or having a spiritual advisor. Contact with a prison chaplain is also limited. Prisoners can buy art supplies and books but the books selection is HEAVILY restricted.
Healthcare
Death row does not have its own medical unit and inmates may have to go to outside hospitals or RMC for care. Expensive medication is avoided. Mental health experts such as psychiatrists are not always available and there is no psychotherapy. Prisoners usually have to pay $5 for medical treatment.
Food
Men on death row are served three meals a day at 5:30 am, 11 am, and 4 pm but the food is notoriously inedible. Prisoners are allowed to spend $100 at the canteen each week.
Communications
Prisoners have access to 30 minute phone calls per day in dayrooms without constraint. However, calls may be recorded, and prisoners cannot send videograms. Prisoners have access to a tablet but they cannot receive physical mail for the first year.
All communication with media goes through the warden.
Attorney Visits
Attorney visits last 30 minutes to one hour in a private interview room. Phone calls have to be set up a week in advance and are known to be illegally recorded.