SEORJ

I have always had a passion for criminology (mainly prisons), and I haven't really found the right explanation as to why yet. Once I figure that out I'll be sure to let you all know so you don't think I'm absolutely insane. Lockup San Quentin on MSNBC has always been part of my Sunday night routine, and I used to want to be a prison guard. After chatting with my Sociology 101 teacher for a bit, I decided I am even going to try to minor in criminology. My goal is to figure out a way to combine my passions for photography and prisons in some way. When a photo assignment for The Post (our school newspaper) came up that had to do with the shortage of beds for women at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, I knew I had to take it.

After a bus ride and a bit of a sketchy taxi ride, I arrived at the jail. They were surprisingly super relaxed about me being there with a gigantic camera, and let me walk right on back. I was only allowed to shoot for ten minutes or so, but I got what I needed and left thoroughly eager to go back. The Warden said he would be willing to help me with any future projects, and I am definitely going to take him up on that offer.

Kelci Leasure, an inmate at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, watches television from her bunk on January 7, 2011. The jail has an insufficient number of beds for the women incarcerated there, forcing them to find bedding alternatives such as placing bunks in the dining hall area.