Informer: State prisons furnish standard clothing issue
Last Modified: Saturday, May 12, 2012 3:57 PM
By Andrew Perzo / American Press
What all does the state furnish to its inmates — clothing, underwear, personal items?
The standard issue for male inmates in state prisons, according to Pam Laborde, spokeswoman for the Louisiana Department of Corrections:
Three pairs of blue denim pants.
Three blue chambray shirts.
Five undershirts.
Five undershorts.
Five pairs of socks.
Two bath towels.
One pair of work shoes.
One pair of rubber boots, if needed for work.
“The clothing issued to offenders must be properly fitted, climatically suitable and presentable,” Laborde wrote in an email. “Offenders are allowed to have more than these and most do (but there is a limit). They are purchased through the facility canteen.”
The state provides each inmate with linens, soap, one tube of toothpaste each month and one toothbrush every three months, Laborde said. Razors are provided “where appropriate,” she said.
“Offenders can make additional requests every 180 days (to replace worn clothing or bedding), but they must turn in the used items to receive new items,” Laborde wrote. “If they intentionally destroy the items, they are responsible for paying for it.”
She said inmates store their items in footlockers, which are provided by the prisons.
Online: www.corrections.state.la.us.
DOTD to review La. 378 intersection
The intersection of La. 378 and La. 378 Spur in Moss Bluff has become much more dangerous since a yield sign was installed over a year ago. Numerous accidents have occurred as a result of drivers turning in front of oncoming traffic.
Will anything be done to alleviate this problem? This area could really use a red light. Much more traffic has been initiated since it is used as a bypass because of the construction on North Perkins Ferry Road.
Steve Jiles, the state transportation department’s regional head, said the yield sign is needed “to control the channelized westbound right-turn movement from La. 378 onto the La. 378 Spur, which conflicts with the eastbound left-turn movement.”
“Although no abnormal accident problem exists at this intersection, any traffic conflicts which may be associated with this highly visible yield sign are brought about by motorist violations in failing to yield the right of way,” Jiles wrote in an email.
“Our District Traffic Operations Section will review intersection geometry, pavement markings, and traffic volume data to determine if changes in traffic control or pavement markings may be appropriate.”
Online: www.dotd.la.gov.
Medicare help line offers provider info
Where can I find the names of doctors who will treat someone who has TRICARE for Life?
Call the Medicare help line at 800-633-4227 or search the online Medicare Provider Directory — which can be reached by visiting Medicare.gov and clicking first on the “Facilities & Doctors” tab and then on the “Find a Doctor” link.
Once the page loads, enter your ZIP code or city name; select the “Physician” option and choose a specialty from the drop-down menu beneath it; and then click on “Search Providers.”
Online: www.tricare.mil.
The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com
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