Welcome to Supermax

5:17 a.m., prisoner 51427-054 (use # if you want to write out of morbid curiosity) began serving his life sentence at the nations' most secure prison. At Supermax, the soundproofed cells are designed so inmates cannot make eye contact with each other. Each 7-by-12-feet cell has a long, narrow window looking out at other prison walls or the small concrete recreation yard. Concrete platforms topped with mattresses function as beds. Each cell also contains a concrete stool, shower and toilet. Inmates get one hour out of their cells each day to eat or play basketball or handball, though some earn longer recreation periods through good behavior. They can take courses via closed-circuit television in each cell. Religious services are conducted in a small chapel. read story