Does anyone have any information on the Toronto East Detention Centre? I heard it's a rough jail, but I'm hoping it can't be as bad as the Don jail.

Compared to the Don, the East is a better place to be. Some prefer the Don just because they know people there. Alot has to do with what 'race' you are, and what range you end up on.

The East is nowhere near how bad it used to be, and once you are there for a little while, you'll make a friend or two, and feel a little more comfortable.

Depending on charges, can always apply to go to the work range.

Thanks for your reply. It's nice to know that it's not as bad as the Don jail. I guess one of the benefits of the Don is that people have been able to argue three days for every day served (dead time), so people can get out quicker. I've heard horror stories about the Don, though. I've also heard that the Toronto jails are also worse than some of the new super jails, like Central East or Central North.

Is your understanding that particular races have a more or less difficult time in the jail? Can you elaborate on that for me?

Thanks.

When you arrive for the first time at a Pre-trial Centre, you go thru the intake process. The officer gets to place you on a range, and the later in the day it is, the less bed space that is available.

If you happen to be 'white', there may be one range in that jail that has a majority of white inmates. Likewise, you might get placed on a range that is 50% Sri Lankan, and 50% Black. Everybody on that range wants you gone, however they want you replaced with one of their own.

Some people handle the situation better than others, and handling it wrong could get you hurt fast. Likewise, you don't want to get bullied, or 'punked', and then end up on another range with a less than solid reputation.

Upon arrival, the more polite you are, (less attitude), regardless of the fact that you've just been arrested and your life is in a mess, the more likely the intake officer will place you on a range that more suits you.

There are always ranges, for example, certain inmates may have been there for 2 or more years. Certain inmates basically run the place, and have alot of respect from other inmates.

Likewise, there are always problem ranges, when you walk on, you can feel the friction. Maybe there was a recent racial fight, gang fight, or who knows. Maybe someone stole something, or short changed someones meal?

Manners, and common sense go a very long way. I've spent time in LA County Jail (6 months) whose population goes from 18000 - 25000 inmates, and 4 years in the California State System in Maximum Security, and transferred back to Canada. Currently 3 months from the expiry of my sentence.

One thing I'd like to mention, for anyone denied bail, stuck in a pre-trial centre, everything you do there, suspected of drugs, fighting, problems, or you help clean the place, or go to the work range etc., will all be part of the intake process at Federal Reception. I've seen more than one first time offender go into shock when they are assessed Collins Bay.

Thanks for all of the information - I feel as if I have somewhat of a better understanding of what happens. I would imagine that there is more diversity in the Toronto jails than the other ones (Central East or North).

Was it your experience that people were moved ranges as "punishment" or to remove them from a group/break up a group. I noticed that conflict with a CO can mean the inmate is moved to a range that is seen less favourably (by the inmate) and wonder if there's more to it than I see.

Thanks again. BTW, congrats on successfully getting close to the end of your sentence.

If there is a problem range, at times it can be difficult to break up, as the problem can easily spread to other ranges.

However a potential mention of breaking up a range can calm it down. Likewise, being told if you don't smarten up you personally may be moved.

The easiest way is when you are returned from court, they can send you anywhere - and you have no say in the matter. But!, inmates always know which guards to hit up for moves, when a problem guard is on his days off or off shift, you bug others enough, they'll move you back.

In the end, be it inmates, or staff, it's all politics.

Interesting. Thanks again for your thoughts. I know someone who was moved among probably four ranges (not at Toronto East) when he had conflict with an inmate or guard, plus there appeared to be at least one time where they moved several people (which I wondered might have been an attempt to break up a gang/problem group).

Hi there...it s really "dark" in there if ya catch my drift...visiting is gross cuz you gotta wait over an hour or 2 to have them come down and than it s so loud and annoying with all the thugs and their girls that dress so ridiculous and act so stupid it made my blood boil to go visit my hubby. My hubby was the only white guy on the range but no one messed with him cuz big guy heavily tattoed and keeps to himself. he s been in so much for his shoplifitng he s got anti social personality and cant be bothered with the immature thug nonsense . Its closed visits as usual and always packed. Just hate the bull**it that came along with goin to visit. Makes it hard for descent people to visit their hubby s with their small kids when theres all the immature bull***t goin on everytime you go to visit. Was like a bunch of animals....anyway take care

my man told me the officer cut the public phone wire at his floor, so in his floor only have one public phone. he's afraid very difficult to call me .

Each range at metro east has 3 telephones. They will come in and fix the phones, it may take a little time. Any phone calls are a major source of problems.

Each range, there are inmates who have been there the longest, and basically run the place. If it is urgent to use the phone, you can always ask, and you'll get on. (eventually)

If he has a court date, the day before court they move you to the court cells. This is an identical range you were on, but everyone there is going to court the next day. There will be 3 public phones there and it is just a matter of getting in line.

There is also a Chaplin at metro east, he can write him a note. He'll get a chance to visit with him, and the Chaplin will let him make a call from his office.

Metro East is really bad for phones, depending what range you are on, and what race you are. If the range is mostly black, and sri lankan, and your white, good luck using the phone.

Nothing worse than having to call your lawyer, and these guys call home and listen to music, they aren't even talking to anyone! They'll sit there for an hour on the phone, unless someone bigger bullies them off the phone.

Sorry to say, but the least you attempt to use the phone, the less problems you will have.

i went to visit metro east centre this morning, they said the centre is knocked down, anyone knows how many day they will knock down? and howcome they will knock down

A couple of major things happening, big biker arrests in Toronto, so high security, plus stabbing this morning as inmates were getting ready to load into court vehicles.All you can do is call ahead.

thanks. I called today but still lock down. hope tomorrow will be re-open

Hey robreid where u writin from, inside or out? What u know bout the west detention, the one on Dixie? I have my son there, he got remanded for 2mts,....I did a lot of time out there but that was in the 70's and the 80's, tell me what u can bout the west? thanks

Very much like Metro East cliental, though generally if your court date is more than two weeks away, they move you to Maplehurst out in Milton. That is one of Ontario's new Superjails.

Metro East holds inmates from west, and north west Toronto. This includes Jane/Finch, and Albion RD areas. So you can picture the crowd. However, for quite some time it was 3 guys to a cell. That has now been reduced to 2, which has ended the over crowding and many problems.

The ranges are bigger at the West, as it is far newer than the East. Depending on your sons charges, can always put in a request for the work range. Back in the 70's and 80's, there was the gym, and weights, school, tabacco, pretty much everything is gone.

They do give you 2 for 1 credit while in remand, so you can reduce time that they are looking at. That depends of course, how long your willing to sit there. If your looking at Pen time, its better to plead and get the heck out of remand.

Robbreid: do you know how can i delivery the dictionary or books to Metro East? - Tks

Telephone Metro East @ 416-750-3513, ask for the phone number, or to be transferred to the Chaplin. He has an office within Metro East and controls all the books. He may only be in one or two days a week, either ask when that is, or just leave a message. I'm sure he works at a local church, so when you speak with him, you may be able to drop them off there.

Guys i need your help. I was arrested on highway 400 near barrie for a accident. i spent 1 year in CNCC Penatang. And got out on 2 years house arrest. the crown has re appealed my case. I reside in toronto and now if i get jail time which jail would i be sent to. I may go to jail for 19 more months so would it be CNCC pentang, Maple hurt, East or west.

Also i would like to know the conditons of the jail. I am a first time offender. 20 years old and i am scared of going back to jail. Please help me.

Thank you

Guys i need your help. I was arrested on highway 400 near barrie for a accident. i spent 1 year in CNCC Penatang. And got out on 2 years house arrest. the crown has re appealed my case. I reside in toronto and now if i get jail time which jail would i be sent to. I may go to jail for 19 more months so would it be CNCC pentang, Maple hurt, East or west.

Also i would like to know the conditons of the jail. I am a first time offender. 20 years old and i am scared of going back to jail. Please help me.

Thank you

#1....Do you have a lawyer?????????, if so, talk to him/her, get him/her to appeal the crowns appeal!
#2....if you dont, GET ONE
#3...... depends on where your court case is held, and that will have an affect to where you will be incarcerated.

Talk to a professional now.......

If you need a good one, pm me! Cant say if he will take you, but I will give you his name.