It’s one of the most shocking sights inside prison walls — rows of outdoor toilets with no stalls, no dividers, and no privacy whatsoever. Inmates using them are completely exposed to everyone around, a daily humiliation that few people outside ever see.
The image of open toilets lined against a wall has sparked outrage online, with many asking, “How is this even allowed?” The truth, according to former inmates and correctional officers, is that this setup is far more common than people realize, especially in overcrowded facilities.
“Inmates don’t get privacy,” said one ex-convict who served time in a California state prison. “You eat together, you sleep next to strangers, and when you go to the bathroom — everyone’s watching. There’s no dignity.”
The outdoor toilet area is typically used during yard time or work details, when hundreds of inmates are out in the open. With no walls or partitions, using the restroom becomes a public act. “It’s meant to break you down,” said another former prisoner. “They want you to know you’ve lost control over even the smallest part of your life.”
Prison reform advocates argue that this lack of privacy isn’t just degrading — it’s psychologically damaging. Constant surveillance and exposure can strip inmates of basic human dignity, leading to anxiety, shame, and long-term trauma.
“Even in confinement, people deserve a minimal level of privacy,” said one human rights attorney. “We’re talking about basic sanitation and respect for human decency. When you remove that, you’re not just punishing behavior — you’re eroding humanity.”
Correctional officials, however, defend the setup as a security measure. Open visibility reduces opportunities for violence, contraband exchanges, or illicit activity behind closed doors. “It’s about safety,” one officer explained. “Inmates are unpredictable. We need to see everything to prevent incidents.”
Still, the sight of these exposed toilets continues to fuel debate over whether prisons are truly about rehabilitation — or simply control. Former inmates often describe this environment as one that “crushes your spirit” rather than reforms it.
“I remember the first time I had to use one,” a man recalled. “It felt like the lowest point in my life. You realize how powerless you are. You stop being a person and become just another body.”
Social media reactions have been intense, with viewers expressing shock and disbelief. Some argue that prisoners forfeited their right to privacy, while others insist that basic human dignity shouldn’t disappear behind bars.
Regardless of where people stand, one thing is clear — these images offer a rare, unfiltered look into the grim reality of prison life that most will never experience firsthand.
As one viewer commented, “This isn’t rehabilitation — it’s dehumanization.”
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