Missouri jail painted pink with teddy bear accents to resemble nursery

by J.D. Griffioen (Subscribe to J.D. Griffioen's posts) Nov 10th 2006 2:30PM

Categories: Media

The only time I was ever glad we lived in a one-bedroom apartment when our daughter was born was that we never had to decorate a nursery. If I were a kid, living in a pink taffeta bear-covered hellhole like the one pictured would be worse than prison.

One that very note, officials at a southwest Missouri county jail have a surprise waiting for a group of prisoners who staged a successful jail break when they are hauled back into their cells. The detention center has been repainted a soft shade of pink with pink and blue teddy bear trim. Dallas County Sheriff Mike Rackley said he decided to update the look as part of extensive repairs necessary after inmates set a fire and vandalized the interior during their escape attempt. He then said one of the most awesome things I have ever read: "Basically, if they are going to act like children and commit a childish act, then we'll make a childish atmosphere," he said. "And its a calming thing; Teddy bears are soothing. So we made it like a day care, and that's kind of like what it is, a day care for adults who can't control their behavior in public."

Scientists have documented the ability of certain colors to evoke calming emotional and physical responses. Mike Carlie, a professor of criminology at Missouri State University, thinks the Sheriff might be on to something. "There have been positive findings that show that certain colors stimulate and excite, and other colors, I guess you would say 'soothe the soul.'" Rackley just says he's willing to try anything that will keep inmates safe and secure.

Source

Comments (9)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mama C-ta 11-10-2006 @ 2:57PM

That's funny. I think it would have an advese effect on me, I'd go on a killing rampage if I were surrounded by pink everything and bears!

Reminds me of this prison I read about that makes their inmates wear pink: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/10/national/main2077390.shtml

Ginny 11-10-2006 @ 3:12PM

"Rackley just says he's willing to try anything that will keep inmates safe and secure."

My @$$! He's trying to tell them that if they act like kids, they'll be treated like kids. Period. None of this "calming colors keep them safe" B.S.
I think it's funny as heck!

Jacqueline 11-10-2006 @ 8:17PM

Hahaha... that's too funny. I hope they collect statistics to find out if it actually does help.

M 11-10-2006 @ 4:55PM

That is freaking hilarious!!!!

Adrienne Backus 11-10-2006 @ 5:42PM

Hee, hee. I live in SW Missouri and this is the first I've heard of this. What a great idea! As a recent East-Coast transplant I have to say I've been really impressed by the plain old horse sense that a lot of Midwesterners seem to have. It's such a refreshing break from the navel-gazing that goes on in the East. How much do you want to bet some lawyer gets a hold of this and sues for cruel and unusual punishment? :-)

Mary Cole 11-10-2006 @ 6:50PM

Yes! I think it is a wonderful idea. Why not? Pink has a known calming affect. I also would place them in black and white stripped jumpsuits. That way when they escape, the public knows they are criminals.Take away the weightlifiting and let them jog, if they are good or bad. No cigarettes, minimal TV unless it has something to do with decency and goodwill. Oh yes, all hair must be shaved military style. No beards.

Belinda 11-11-2006 @ 9:38PM

Hehe, too bad that going as far as putting them in diapers and making them drink from bottles would be considered cruel and unusal punishment. LOL! This is so funny, personally I HATE PINK, but what ever floats his boat!!

Andie D. 11-11-2006 @ 11:57PM

Here in AZ we have good ole Sherriff Joe, who makes our prisoners where pink boxer shorts.

Maria P. 11-12-2006 @ 3:06AM

Uhhh interesting... LOL

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