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Life On the Inside
The Milwaukee County Jail is not an environment that can be considered a democracy except in one area and that would be with the watching of TV. There is a TV area with sofas and depending who is there to "vote" will depend on which shows the inmates can watch.

Beyond that all other routines and schedules are dictated by the corrections staff. In the moments when inmates have time to themselves they can check out books and magazines from the library, play cards or write letters. There is access to an indoor gym that allows inmates to walk, job, run or play basketball.

The canteen is open once a week for inmates to order items such as snacks, toothpaste, shampoos and other personal items. Inmates submit a written order and those items are delivered several days later. The only way to make a purchase is if an inmate has money on their jail canteen account.

Inmates are also encouraged to participate in classes offer to complete their high school education and/or manage substance abuse issues. Of course, they can also just do their time staying on their bunks but that wouldn't be very productive.

Good Behavior Policy
Good behavior reductions are reviewed on a case by case basis. While some inmates are required to do straight time, others are granted some time off on the average of 2 weeks off for every 90 days served. The best way to be considered for good time is to stay out of trouble, don't talk back to the guards and follow orders.

Visit and Telephone Policy
Inmates at the Milwaukee County Jail are granted a weekly 2 hour visiting session. During that time, at least 2 visitors can be part of the same appointment.

Each visitor goes through a detailed check in process that includes presenting a valid picture ID, search of the belongings and even a warrant check. Because of that, visitors should plan on showing up at the jail with plenty of time to spare beyond the scheduled visit.

Phones are made available during the day for inmates to make collect calls. A typical call can cost as much as $5. Former inmates made note that these phones aren't always in working order.

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