Doing Time investigates the daily life of people navigating court and jail. We focus on Cook County, home to the country’s largest single-site jail, and the courts that order people’s release or jailing. Readers of this series will hear from insiders, formerly incarcerated people, loved ones, policy experts, and government actors to establish the forces that shape the everyday experience of doing time.
If you or someone you know wants to share an experience you’ve had at Cook County Jail or the courts, please write to doingtime@southsideweekly.com.
Stories from the series
Getting Your Property Back After Jail is Hard
During arrest, people are separated from their property. Getting it back is not easy.
Going Hungry in Jail
Insiders describe provided meals as gross and unhealthy, while commissary items can be expensive.
‘Why Are We Donating Our Towels?’
Jail insiders describe having to buy their own supplies to keep their cells clean.
Twenty Minutes and a Hug With Your Loved One
As jails across the country move towards banning in-person physical visits, Cook County’s visitation policies can be a lifeline.
“They Have No Respect For Us”
ince Kenan tore his ACL last March, his knee has been hurting. Two weeks after a flare-up, he found it difficult to board the transport bus to court, from Cook County Jail. But despite filing medical slips, he had not been authorized to use mobility aids. Between his injury and being shackled, Kenan could not…
Earning a Wage Behind Bars
One jail worker shares what it’s like to work while incarcerated, from cleaning up flooded cells to doing laundry.