Custodians at Washington Corrections Center faced harrowing conditions while cleaning solitary confinement units, ultimately leading some to resign from their positions. The work, often performed around midnight when most incarcerated individuals are locked in their cells, exposed them to deeply disturbing sights and health risks.

Strip Searches and Hazardous Work

Before beginning their duties, custodians like Dennis Repp and Durrell Jackson were subjected to thorough strip searches by prison guards. “These strip searches consist of getting completely naked before a prison guard…which never ceases to be a sickening experience for me,” Repp, a two-year veteran of the job, stated. Following the searches, they donned bright-orange jumpsuits and prepared to clean the solitary confinement areas.

The cleaning process involved navigating a long hallway and scrubbing recreational equipment used during prisoners’ limited one-hour out-of-cell time. Crews were equipped with brooms, mops, and cleaning rags made from repurposed clothing. They also received hazmat training to handle biohazards like urine, feces, and bloodborne pathogens, including HIV and hepatitis.

The Reality of Solitary Confinement

The custodians described a grim environment within the solitary confinement tiers. “When we first walk onto the tier, we’re usually met with the scent of body odor, dirty clothes, and rotten fruit,” Repp explained. The air often carried the lingering smell of pepper spray used on inmates. They frequently heard prisoners kicking cell doors and screaming, often due to mental breakdowns or the withholding of basic necessities.

“It’s very disturbing to see human beings locked in concrete boxes for 23 hours a day,” Repp added. “Many of these people really need mental health assistance. But instead of getting proper help, they’re being held in cages and treated like they’re not people.”

Cell Conditions and Health Risks

The condition of the cells varied depending on the length of occupancy. Cells unoccupied for extended periods often had paper and toothpaste plastered over the lights, a desperate attempt by inmates to block the constant brightness. However, cells occupied for longer durations presented far more disturbing scenes.

“Usually have piles of moldy food, swarms of bugs, and layers of dust on the floors, beds, and toilets,” Jackson described. Contaminated mattresses posed a significant health risk, as fluids seeped into the foam and could not be properly decontaminated. Repp reported informing guards about these issues, but was instructed to simply wipe the mattresses for reuse, as disposal was avoided due to concerns about contraband concealment.

Traumatic Experiences and Lack of Protection

The emotional toll of the work was immense. Jackson recounted cleaning a cell after an inmate attempted suicide, finding blood throughout the space. He also described instances of inmates smearing feces on walls and floors. Despite these hazardous conditions, the custodians were initially provided with minimal protective equipment – only jumpsuits and rubber gloves.

“Despite the blood and body fluids that were in these cells, we weren’t given the proper equipment to protect our eyes, face, head, or shoes,” Jackson stated. The use of pressure washers to clean cells further disrupted other inmates and exposed the custodians to paint and fecal matter without adequate protection.

Resignation and Calls for Change

Repp ultimately resigned after the prison administration attempted to force work crews to clean blood and bodily fluids without additional compensation. He expressed concern for his mental health, stating, “That place will make you lose yourself.” He also noted the threat of disciplinary action for refusing the assignment, which could result in extended cell confinement and loss of privileges.

Following months of complaints, prison officials eventually provided boots, eye protection, and water-resistant suits. Repp emphasized that while physical protection is important, protecting the mental well-being of workers is equally crucial. He advocates for more humane treatment of prisoners in solitary confinement, including increased time out of cells, regular showers, and better access to communication with loved ones, as well as mental health treatment for those in need.