The summer months in Tennessee can be punishingly warm, and the heat can cause medical issues. Many people rely on air conditioning to keep their homes and businesses comfortable. However, not everyone has complete control over their environment and what amenities make their living arrangements comfortable.
Prisoners, for example, are reliant on the state for everything from toiletries and food to temperature control and clothing. Those serving a sentence of incarceration in Tennessee have little control over their immediate living environment.
Does the state provide air conditioning for inmates serving a sentence for criminal wrongdoing?
Tennessee is more accommodating than other states
Researchers have found that many states, including some in the South, do not have universal air conditioning for inmates. That lack of climate control can be a major safety concern.
Inmates are vulnerable to medical emergencies, particularly if they have pre-existing conditions, like asthma. There are other medical conditions that can make high temperatures more concerning as well. Mental health issues that require psychiatric medication, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and poor blood circulation can all make people more vulnerable to extreme heat.
Tennessee is one of the few states that offer universal air conditioning in its prison facilities. Regardless of the level of security or the location of the prison, inmates in Tennessee can expect a climate-controlled environment. Such amenities help protect the state from the liability that could arise when inmates have medical emergencies triggered by extreme heat.
Unlike those who are not incarcerated, inmates do not have the option of taking a cold shower or enjoying a drink whenever they want. They may not even have access to fans in some cases. However, those in Tennessee do not have to worry about punishing heat and medical complications, as basic air conditioning to maintain safe premises is already a universal amenity.
Most people would prefer to avoid time in state custody whenever possible. Fighting pending criminal charges successfully can help people enjoy a future in which they are not subject to incarceration and left at the mercy of the state regarding basic amenities and personal comfort. People who respond assertively to pending criminal charges may have less reason to worry about the amenities offered in state facilities.