What Aaron Hernandez Can Expect at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center

Aaron Hernandez, ex-Patriot and now convicted murderer, will eventually be sent to Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, MA, about 40 miles from Boston.

Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, is a super-max high-tech prison that utilizes 366 cameras, microwave detection on the grounds for movement outside and has taut wire at the perimeter.

Souza as it is known for short, opened in 1988 and houses Massachusetts' worst offenders and since its opening, no one has escaped.

Leslie Walker, executive director of Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts says the place is very clean, looks sterile, but also very violent.

Walker goes on to say, Souza has an opiate problem and some of the prisoners are addicted, which adds to the danger.

As for what Aaron Hernandez is likely to expect? Time will tell as he is right now in Walpole just a few miles from Gillette Stadium, where he made $8 million a year playing tight-end for the New England Patriots.

Souza has slightly bigger cells than most other correctional facilities. The “rooms” are walled using painted cinder-block with metal fixtures. The cell has a bunk mounted to the wall, a toilet, sink, a small shelf for writing attached to the wall, and stool bolted to the floor.

There are two windows in each cell, one looking out of the building, which is about 4 by 20 inches and the other only big enough to put arms through to be cuffed looking inward at the hallway.

Hernandez will be able to have a TV to pass the time as he thinks about what he did for the rest of his life without a chance of parole.

Walker says as well, some guards might treat him like an NFL star asking for an autograph and give him a smile or two while other guards may treat him like a number and like other inmates.

Officials at Souza will have to figure out where to put Hernandez for his own safety. Whether he goes into solitary or a general cell, the warden will make that call. Even if he gets into a regular cell, he will be sitting there for 19 of the 24 hours each day.

Prison officials will look into gang affiliation, along with a number of other factors when it comes to placing Hernandez.