More than a decade ago, there were rarely more than 10 women in the Campbell County Jail in Jacksboro, Tenn. Now the population is routinely around 60. Most of the women are in for charges related to drug addiction. Many of their bunkmates are, too. In dormitory-like cells, metal beds flank the walls and giant bars seal the windows. The women watch TV, play endless games of cards or pace in silent frustration, counting the days until their release.

They receive no counseling. They sleep, shower and eat in the same room. On their one hour outside the cell, they can visit an exercise room, but it has no equipment, so the women improvise, rolling toilet paper into balls they swat around, using their plastic sandals as makeshift tennis rackets. Daily routines are improvised. Jolly Rancher candies are melted down to make hair gel. Junk food is turned into a culinary concoction. One night it was spicy burritos made with sausage meat, cheese melted from the shower’s hot water, topped with salsa from small packets. Dessert was a cake made up of half a dozen sweet snacks - using the top of a deodorant stick to mash them into a bowl.

Women Behind Bars

Life on the Inside