
It is the only chance you have of making a prison profitable, and riot free. Research Prison Labour as soon as possible. Prisoners also do not attempt to tunnel out of holding cells, so use this to your advantage early until you are ready to tackle potential prisoner escapes.Holding cells can easily be torn down and the space converted into standard cells later (where you will already have beds for them).

As long as there are beds, TVs and phones, prisoners will happily remain in a holding cell for several days or weeks, allowing you to work on other things like laundry and workshops as an initial priority.

Without them, prisoners' sleep, family and recreation needs will spiral out of control before you know it, and riots will ensue. They are not requirements, but will keep your prisoners much more happy early on. Put beds, TVs and phones in the holding cell.Holding cells are much cheaper than individual cells, and can allow you to raise your prisoner numbers (and therefore daily income) quickly.
