Prisons going through hot temperatures without air conditioning

Many prisons across the state are without air conditioning this summer and the heat index is reaching as high as 115 on some days.

In Mississippi, a study found that prisons were reaching a temperature of 145 degrees. In April, Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain said all correctional facilities would be receiving AC, but that could take up to a year and a half to get AC in every facility in Mississippi.

That means, many prisons will go through summer before getting any relief. According to the National Weather Service, anything above 103 is considered the danger zone and can lead to cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

Inmates are allowed three cups of ice a day at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sharon Manning, who has a loved on at a South Mississippi prison, says this is more than just punishment, it’s inhumane. “My loved one called and said they got a cup of ice that was supposed to last until 5 o’clock. I understand being in prison, it should have some level of being uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be a level of dangerous and deadly.”

MDOC responded to WXXV for comment, saying in a statement: “The state does not currently have the millions of dollars it would take to AC our seven state-owned prisons, but inmates are kept cool with hydration, ice, ice water, iced electrolyte drinks, fans, and everything else that is available to everyone in the free world who don’t have air conditioning. Remember that our corrections officers are exposed to the same climate.”