In his first interview since he was charged with the April 4 slayings of three Pittsburgh police officers, Richard Poplawski today complained about his accommodations at the Allegheny County Jail, described himself as mentally ill, and refused to talk about the crimes for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

"We're not going to delve into the events of April 4 or anything like that," Mr. Poplawski said during a 15-minute phone call from the Allegheny County Jail, where he is being isolated from other inmates.

He said that discussing the fatal shootings of Officers Paul J. Sciullo II, Stephen J. Mayhle and Eric G. Kelly would go against the advice of his court-appointed lawyer, Lisa Middleman.

"First and foremost, the reason I wanted to reach out here is because I want the community to know what an individual may be faced with if they find themselves faced with some serious charges," he said. "I want to improve my condition down here."

Since his incarceration, he said, "I have been denied a viable psychiatric treatment plan, I have been denied access to legal counsel, I have been denied access to religious services, I have been denied access to social services, I have been denied access to privileges such as commissary and visitors, I have been denied access to gym equipment, the library ... this is all with my behavior being very good."

In a calm and collected voice, Mr. Poplawski described a May 8 incident in which he became disturbed and started pounding on a window in his 8-foot by 10-foot cell. He claimed guards sedated him and strapped him to a table.

Jail Warden Ramon Rustin would not comment on Mr. Poplawski's statements, citing a gag order issued in April that blocks police investigators, attorneys, court and jail personnel from discussing the case. He also cited the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects the confidentiality of health information, saying Mr. Poplawski is under "medical supervision." That means "his stay is being overseen by two entities, medical and operations," Mr. Rustin said, but he declined to comment further.

"I want to remind the Allegheny County Jail staff that I am unconvicted," Mr. Poplawski said, "and I am to be presumed innocent until proven guilty."