Survey respondents are evenly split (50.1%/51.5%) with regard to knowing whether or not the DC employs the use of chain gangs. Regarding approval or disapproval of the use of chain gangs, most (73.3%/74.7%) of the respondents from both surveys indicate approval; however, it is noted that all survey respondents are not aware of the level of dangerousness or security risks presented by the use of chain gangs and the high custody and supervision level required of inmates assigned to these work squads. Respondents to the general public survey indicating approval of the use of chain gangs were evenly split between men and women; however, the majority of respondents disapproving the use of chain gangs were women.

The department utilizes restricted labor squads (chain gangs) at seven correctional institutions: Apalachee Correctional Institution (CI) - East Unit, Gulf CI, North Florida Reception Center - West Unit, Cross City CI, Marion CI, South Florida Reception Center and Polk CI. On March 31, 1997, a total of 177 close custody inmates were assigned to these work squads. These squads work outside the secure perimeter of the institution on institutional property under the armed supervision of Correctional Officers. The inmates are shackled individually at the ankles and are not connected to each other in any manner for reasons of security and safety.

Every day the DC requires 3,000 inmates, who do not require the same level of supervision as inmates assigned to chain gangs, to work in the department's Community Work Squad Program for municipalities, cities, counties, state agencies (such as the Department of Transportation and Division of Forestry), and non-profit organizations. During fiscal year 1995-96, these work squads provided a total value added and cost savings in excess of $21 million dollars to the state of Florida. (See previous survey question for more details.)

The start-up cost for one chain gang is $152,717, with recurring costs in excess of $100,000 per year. The squad requires three staff with a maximum staff-to-inmate ratio of one to up to 10 inmates depending on the type and location of the work. When working inmates inside the secure perimeter of an institution, the DC can reduce staff involved and increase the number of inmates supervised. In this latter instance, the staff-to-inmate ratio is one to up to 25 inmates, again dependent on the type and location of the work. Also, when working in this situation, the start-up and recurring costs are less than $40,000 per year.

A total of 93.8% of the general public respondents and 95.1% of the press respondents know that inmates have access to television. The general public are almost evenly divided in their approval and disapproval of television access by inmates (49.4% to 50.6%), but the news media respondents favor television for inmates by 69.5%.

Most prisons have televisions available for viewing when they are not working or attending educational programs. The televisions are located in large dormitory dayrooms for group viewing. Most of the DC's televisions were paid for by proceeds from sales to inmates from the inmate canteens. However, state law now prohibits the purchase of televisions for recreational purposes.

The majority of respondents (93.2%/91.6%) are correct in believing that inmates have access to weightlifting equipment. The general public is almost evenly divided in their attitude toward inmates having access to weightlifting equipment, but again, the news media has a much more favorable view (64.7%).

Once an inmate completes his required work or school assignments, and if the inmate has remained free of disciplinary problems, he or she is allowed time for wellness activities. If an inmate has remained free of disciplinary problems for 120 days, these activities may include weightlifting. Exercise and activity programs are a component of the DC's security program because inmates with unstructured time are a threat to the safety and security of an institution.

The majority of the general public (87.7%) and to a lesser degree, the press (70.3%) believes the typical inmate is housed in an air- conditioned prison. This is incorrect. However, 66.9% of general public respondents and a surprising 74.6% of news media respondents approve of air-conditioning for inmates. One of the biggest misconceptions about prisons is that inmates are housed in air-conditioned cells or dormitories. In fact, only seven of the DC's 55 major institutions have air-conditioning, excluding five contract facilities. Contract facilities are privately owned and therefore the DC does not control their construction or management. Of the seven DC facilities with air-conditioning, only portions of them are air-conditioned, not the entire facility. These prisons were built in the 1970s or were built by the former Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) for juvenile justice programs. These facilities are Brevard Correctional Institution (CI), Broward CI, Dade CI, Hillsborough CI, Lancaster CI, Union CI, and Corrections Mental Health Institution (CMHI). Union CI was built in 1913 and has since been renovated with air-conditioning in some areas, such as its hospital. CMHI houses mentally ill inmates.