The city's
Department of Corrections has purchased some 750 t-shirts in a distinctive,
easy-to-track shade of bright green, and size XXL, large enough to be shapeless
on all but the heaviest frames. "We are trying to keep this a G-rated
experience," Sharman Stein, a spokeswoman for the department, said.
"If a visitor is dressed provocatively it could potentially spark a chain
of events among inmates."
Prison officials hope to reduce the possibility
of inmates making comments about other inmates' visitors' appearance - be they
derogatory or a little too appreciative - that could lead to flared tempers and
even violence. The rules also deal with the opposite concern: Too much
clothing, which might be used to conceal contraband. The visitor dress code
forbids clothes that expose the chest, stomach or back.
Hemlines must be no
more than three inches above the knee. Spandex leggings are frowned upon, as
are swimsuits. A visitor's clothes should not be transparent. Hat or head
coverings may be worn only if a visitor's religion demands it.
