It seems pink is the new black, at least among inmates in the Galveston County Jail. They have swapped out their traditional green uniforms for what the sheriff's office calls safety pink.
The office said this will make them easier to spot by correctional officers and "create a calming atmosphere, as the color pink is believed to help alleviate feelings of anger. Additionally, the initiative seeks to foster a positive environment within the correctional facility."
This has been done in Texas before. In 2006, Clint Low, the newly elected sheriff of Mason County, northwest of Austin, had inmates wear pink jumpsuits, plus pink slippers and use pink sheets. The cell walls and bars were painted the Barbie color.
Low claimed the color scheme change led to a 70% drop in recidivism and the colors led to fewer fights. But three inmates told the Associated Press they refused to venture out on work details for fear of being seen. One said "I'm not going outside in these things. It's a good deterrent because I don't want to wear them anymore."
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