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I went to the Don Jail awaiting remand when i was wrongfully arrested for an Arson charge at 19 years old.
It's true that it is a dirty and boring place and the staff don't watch anything that goes on in range, and one person in a cell usually does have to sleep on the floor by the toilet.
But all in all I think many people overreact to these conditions. It's definitely not anywhere near as bad as you would be scared and piss yourself and pretend to be overdosed (like someone else said).
The people were ok. No one messes with you unless you say something wrong or look at them wrong, which is easy to avoid.
I'm a skinny white kid who plays video games, like world of warcraft all day and have never fought and I had no problems at all.
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I know a 30 year-old white guy who got remanded to the Don Jail after his arrest for a few days until his Bail Hearing could take place.
He was so scared he pretended to be overdosed on something so he could make them keep him in the medical ward unit.
He pissed himself when he was grabbed up and in the courtroom. He was a scared, yo.
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I grew up in the Old Don. Been in there nore times than I could count. Also been in Millbrook, Guelph, Mimico, Toronto East and West. Then Joyceville, Warkworth, Millhaven and finally, I ended up in Kingston Pen. I haven't been back since. I gave my life to Christ 6 years ago...call upon the name of the Lord and He will save you folks!
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I've been there, bro, and it is true. It's a joke and a very filthy place.
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I've never been in prison or known anyone in prison but I did read a lengthy article in the Toronto Sun some years ago about the Don Jail. The Don sounds more like an asylum than a jail. People are treated horrendously there. 5 or6 inmates are in cells that are meant for only 2 people. Often mentally ill prisoners are placed in cells with those who are not mentally ill. Can you imagine how frightening that would be? Toilets are often backed up and overflowing. The building is very old and parts of it are said to be unsafe due to its decrepit condition. Guard security for inmates is minimal. Cockroaches and rats swarm around the place, even during the day.
Is this any way to treat human beings? Yes they have made mistakes but the purpose of jail is not to torture and abuse those who have lost their way. my understanding is that jail serves three purposes: (1) Protection for the community from criminal acts (2) A natural consequence of deviant acts that serve as a warning not to re-offend (3) a chance for inmate rehabilitation via access to psychiatric reform programs.
Does this sound like the DOn Jail to you?
The jail should be closed down. The Mayor of Toronto should become more concerned about this issue. It is shameful and embarrassing.
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This is the jail that I first went when I became 16yrs old I was on the old side of the jail and it was pretty ugly jail that I ever been to in my life and I have been in many jails across the country
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