The protective housing unit in Corcoran State Prison, about 50 miles south of Fresno, is considered the safest place for an inmate to reside within the California prison system.
Designed to protect famous convicts from possible attacks, it houses mass murderers like Charles Manson, and high-profile criminals like Sirhan Sirhan, one of the first inmates placed in the unit, where he passed the time playing chess and working for 13 cents an hour as an administrative clerk.
He was transferred to a separate housing unit in Kings county prison, after an infraction.
On an average day, visitors can see violent criminals and police informants playing chess or reviewing legal documents in hopes of appealing their cases.
The Associated Press reports the PHU was opened in 1992, and is currently home to 20 inmates. California regulations set eligibility requirements for consideration into the unit .
Corrections Department spokeswoman Terry Thornton told the AP, "The inmate has notoriety likely to result in great bodily harm to the inmate if placed in the general population," and "There is no alternative placement, which can ensure the inmate's safety and provide the degree of control required for the inmate."
The wing can house 47 inmates, some in single cells containing a concrete bed, sink, desk, and toilet.
The only known incident of violence in the last 13 years occurred in 1999, when a guard left a door open, which separates PHU from the adjacent Security Housing Unit, where California keeps what it considers to be its most violent, problematic criminals.
Inmates ransacked the unit, assaulting Juan Corona, accused of murdering 25 migrant workers in the 70's, and smashing Manson's guitar.
The required prison attire is denim jeans, blue shirt and brown boots. Inmates are given white T-shirts, white boxer shorts and a denim jacket.
The unit is unique in that food is prepared and served by staff members, not other inmates, as is common practice.
Inmates are entitled to showers once a day, access to a law library, and visits on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Prisoners can receive books, granted they do not contain obscene or pornographic material. Exercise is permitted in the morning and afternoon.
Cells are a standard 8 feet by 12 feet.
Each morning, inmates are awakened for breakfast, served from 6:30 to 7 a.m. At that time, they are provided sack lunches they can eat at anytime in the day. Dinner is later served from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., where are given the option to eat in a day room or in their cells.
Although there is no official lights out, inmates are required to be in their cells by 8:45 p.m. They are supplied night lights and allowed to stay up as late as they wish.
Many speculate if pop star Michael Jackson is convicted on the child molestation charges, he would be sent to the PHU at Corcoran State Prison to ensure his time is served without incident.
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