Every new inmate fears two things.
Will I be sexually assaulted and/or will I be a punching bag for those evil criminals?
These world-wide images are reinforced daily in television and radio broadcasts, media reports and in jokes which continually make their way into our lives. Fear of abuse, both sexually and physically, are reinforced by the common joke that if you break the law you’ll be spending your nights calling Bubba, Momma.
First Things First
For most, the first experience in prison will be the day/night of the arrest. Though this might be the scariest day of your life, the lessons learned are necessary to keep you safe throughout your stay. Holding cells, drunk-tanks and central booking facilities provide an insight into the lowest rung of prison society. Arrestees enter after a physically or emotionally violent episode and are often unkempt, drunk, angry and confused; a clear recipe for volatility.
This is the location that an entering arrestee must get his/her bearings. Violence is abundant, but not directed at you. As we said, arrestees are drunk, angry and confused but as long as you don’t get in their way, you most likely won’t be affected. Stay out of their space. Don’t challenge anyone for a phone, bathroom or chair. Find a chair or place on a filthy floor away from others. Most of these people are there because they didn’t play well with others and you don’t want to engage; for almost any reason.
At this time, you’ll be wallowing in self-pity, a normal emotion. However, now is the time to turn your alert meter to high and pay attention. Adhere to the first rule of inmates, “Keep Your Eyes Open and Your Mouth Shut”.
Higher Security Prisons --- Prison Riots
Prison riots are scary and violent. They are not frequent and 99% of an inmate’s prison days are boring and uneventful. But like airplane flights, we like uneventful. It only takes a riot to cause loss of life and/or limb. And everyone in the prison is involved in a riot. Even those not physically caught up lose a great deal in a riot…
The signs of a budding riot are clear to the informed, unclear to the uninitiated…
Prison Fights
Fights are common place and the goal is not to get involved. Most fights take place between friends over stupid things. When you put 6-1200 people in an enclosed space with few amenities and many different tempers and attitudes, fights will occur. Group fights between racial or ethnic factions are also commonplace and the issue is usually turf; very similar to the turf wars on the street. Even groups within groups have brawls. We’ve seen different sects of Mexican battle each other on the west coast and the Dominicans and Puerto Ricans fight continually on the east…
The best way to stay out of fights is to learn the ropes of prison etiquette and to make alliances.
To make alliances, learn to perform tasks that the many can’t perform for themselves. You can write; many can’t.
Write letters home, to their clergy, attorneys and even judges. If you have the bent to educate, help them with their case.
Law Librarians are gold in prison as they help many and often become untouchable. Make alliances to each group without becoming beholden to them...
You want them beholden to you...
Snitches
Snitches are universally disliked in prison despite the fact that huge numbers of inmates are snitches.
Previously, inmates were allowed to have their PSI, the Presentence Investigation Report, in their lockers and it was routine for thug groups to demand a reading. They wanted to
verify the inmate wasn’t a snitch. This is very humorous because many who ask, in fact are.
A snitch in prison is in danger and must keep that information very private. Conventional advice is not to discuss your case.
However, if you angrily refuse to answer any questions about your case you could be labeled a snitch even if you’re not.
And since PSIs are no longer allowed in prison you have no way to prove it either way...
What Guards Look for After Fights
When a fight occurs often many more than those in the ring will be taken to the Hole.
Often a cellmate, because the guards believe he must know something; anyone within visible distance,
because they must have seen something; and of course, anyone with any kind of marks, bruises or scratches on their bodies.
The guard’s position is to get everyone off the yard who might be at risk, shut down the anger and the danger.
Remember a guard’s duty is to keep you safe. This is the one time they do their job...
Guard Brutality
It exists! And you need to deal with it.
Guards have one duty and one duty only. Their charge is to keep you safe.
Though there are many decent guards the majority are low-educated former military grunts who don’t have skills
or abilities to do anything other than be a prison guard. Most prison guard beatings emanate from frustration in their
own lives and the jealousies involved in what they believe are baby-sitting jobs to heinous felons.
They are often the person in high school who was picked on and now they are the big shot.
Psychologists clearly see classic power issues, but prison psychologists do little to correct the situation.
The bottom line is that they “Do” have power over you and once again, you need to be alert to avoid circumstances that will cause you harm...
And remember, whether you’re beaten by an inmate or guard the pain will be the same and so will the recourse…none...
The stories are endless, but the purpose is to
alert inmates and future inmates to the dangers all must endure while in prison.
Knowing the real truth behind prison violence can protect you from it! It's worth it for everyone but you have to
understand all the unwritten signs, and all the visible signs of impending danger.
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