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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

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Filed under: 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.

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