A Day in Prison: An Insider's Guide to Life Behind Bars
192
A Day in Prison: An Insider's Guide to Life Behind Bars
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Overview
A Day in Prison shows what life is like for prisoners from morning roll call to lights out. It tracks the many ins and outs of prison culture and provides a comprehensive look into the dynamics that define inmates’ daily interactions with each other, prison guards, and prison administrators. It gives a full sense of the challenges—small and large—presented to inmates as they try to survive each day.
The book is structured like an actual day in prison, hour by hour, tracking where in the prison a prisoner would most likely be and what they would most likely be doing. It brings a clear sense of the unique environment that is a prison and makes sense of it for the reader, step-by-step. Based in the author’s own experience, being incarcerated for eleven years, it is as realistic a guide to life in prison as any reader could have.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781510717824 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Skyhorse |
| Publication date: | 07/04/2017 |
| Sold by: | SIMON & SCHUSTER |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 192 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
About the Author
Holly Lorincz is the author or coauthor of several works of fiction and nonfiction as well as a teacher and editor. Her most recent book was Smart Mouth, which won the 2014 Bronze Independent Publisher's national book award. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
WAKING UP IN A CELL
5 A.M.
The criminal sleeping on the bunk below you in your six-by-nine-foot cell is still sleeping. You're going to want to sit up slowly and try not to creak the metal springs under the thin cotton mattress. You have no idea if the guy below you is a murderer. He may have stabbed his last cell mate. You don't want to start the day getting thrown against a cement wall.
I think this first morning is the toughest. In 1993, at the age of twenty-nine, I was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, leading to a ten-year sentence in federal prison. No amount of reading or talking to ex-cons can help you wrap your mind around waking up to discover you've got a hard pillow under your head, a thin wool blanket replacing your goose down comforter, and a gray ceiling a foot above your face. And it's not your favorite radio station that's awakened you — it's a goddamn loudspeaker. I almost had a stroke the first time I had a jailhouse alarm go off next to my head. I woke up thinking an air-raid siren was going off.
The first thing to do when you wake up behind bars is to accept responsibility. You are here because of choices you made. More importantly, accept reality. You are here. No one cares if you're innocent or not. Make the choice to do your time quietly and patiently, or suffer further consequences. Your choices now can't erase your sentence, but they can make it shorter and help you survive.
So, wake up and just breathe, in and out.
Inmates have a code, a set of unwritten rules everyone lives by — or they pay the price. Prison culture is institutionalized. You're not going to change tradition or practices, but you can get yourself beaten, raped, or killed if you don't fall in line — even if you accidentally disrespect someone or break a rule. There's not a lot of compassion or empathy on the inside; that, too, can get you killed. A guy sitting on the toilet can receive a swift kick to the chest because he's used the rest of the toilet paper. That's an impromptu lesson in prison behavior you don't want. Remember, what seems normal on the outside is not the norm for a group of men living in a cage together.
So listen up. The following is meant to give you a feeling for what it's really like inside — what the prisoners live with day after day. If you are on your way to prison for the first time, there are only three things that can ease your time behind bars: patience, being respectful of others, and learning the inmates' rules immediately. In the following chapters, you will find rules and tips and tricks to help you maneuver through an average day in the average penitentiary; the hourly schedule may differ slightly from prison to prison, but you will get the gist of how you will spend your day.
I wish I'd had this book before I went in. When I was first taken into custody, they stuck me in the county jail in Paris, Kentucky. Right from the get-go, I had a bad attitude, refusing to talk to anyone. My cell mate, or "cellie," would ignore me, though he'd often use my bed to leverage himself to hop onto the top bunk. I didn't say anything at first, even when he stepped on my leg several times without an apology. I finally asked him to stop but he continued to ignore me, clearly using this as an intimidation tactic. He mistook my quiet manner for weakness. But one day, I let my rage get the better of me. I snatched my cellie off the top bed, slammed him to the floor, and stomped on him.
Some officers saw me. They sounded the alarm and stormed into our dorm. I was smart enough to immediately turn around and put my hands behind my back. Two of the four officers grabbed me and led me away, asking why I assaulted the guy. I responded, "I will not tolerate being disrespected by anyone in your county jail." Their response was, "We will not tolerate assaults between inmates." And they placed me in The Hole. This means I was in an isolation cell, officially known as Administrative Segregation, for twenty-three hours a day for nearly three weeks. That's a lot of time alone. People can go crazy.
But even this wake-up call did nothing to alter my actions. I refused to adjust to the prison culture, even getting kicked out of various prisons for violent confrontations. As I said, I had to learn the hard way.
Okay, so now your poor, sorry self has woken up in General Population, unless they've stuck you in in a private cell until they can place you. Don't get comfortable — you will have a cell mate, if not six or seven. In the mornings, your "cellie" may be reading, writing, or sleeping. Leave him alone.
Let's start with getting out of bed. Your cellie will not like being kicked in the head. If you're on the top bunk (and as New Guy, you probably are), shimmy over the side, careful to control the swing of your legs, and do it quietly. Your cellie knows he's got to be up soon if he wants to get something from the cafeteria, but you'll probably have the first shift at the sink and toilet; he'll most likely want to sleep a little longer — but if he gets up, you sit your ass back down. It's only polite. So brush your teeth and wash your face, careful to run the water only when absolutely necessary — even though it's noisy as hell all around you, with the sound of flushing, spitting, random yelling, etc., coming from your cell block. You'll get used to that, it'll become white noise, unless you've got a screamer or a sobber close to you.
One of the biggest tests of respect is based on the use of the toilet. That may sound crazy now, but we're all used to privacy. If Cellie thinks for one instant you are disrespecting him, you're done. And "done" means you can kiss your ass good-bye. If you are in a facility where inmates are locked down and you must use the cell toilet, let your cell mate know before you go. At the very least, tuck your sheet under the edge of the top mattress and let it hang to create a privacy barrier — though, again, you're going to want to ask permission first, unless he's asleep. Your cellie doesn't have to watch you squat on the toilet. You had better flush the toilet immediately and often to avoid smelling up the joint. Using the toilet is something that cannot be avoided, but it can be done with respect, and respect is everything in prison. The inmates are not your buddies from high school; if they feel disrespected, they may try to kill you while you are on the toilet with your pants down. Believe me, it's happened.
And speaking of pants, put your clothes on immediately. It's disrespectful to walk around in your tighty — whities, and you will be mocked. Wear boxers over them. You'll most likely be given orange scrubs when you're first transferred to your facility, so put those on. You will receive beige clothes (or whatever drab color the prison uses) when you are transferred from holding to your permanent housing unit. Regardless of the color of your clothes, make sure you put on your shoes or shower flip-flops before walking around. The fungus you can pick up from the floor (especially the shower floor) is no joke. I saw it; it's gross.
Do not use your cell mate's soap, razor, toothbrush, deodorant, or towel. Not only will this most likely result in violence, you can get MRSA (staff infections), which runs rampant through jails. It's hard to get rid of, it's painful, and it can kill you. Further, according to the Center for Disease Control, one in seven inmates is living with HIV.
I was incarcerated with Ray, a guy in his sixties who had injected drugs intravenously in the seventies and eighties, and was then diagnosed with HIV while in prison. He told me when he found out he was HIV positive he tried to bite correctional officers, to pass on the virus. He was one of the first inmates in the country to be charged with attempted murder by deliberating trying to infect a correctional officer. He'd been on an experimental HIV drug for at least eight years by the time I met him, and he actually looked pretty phenomenal for a sick guy, playing handball every day. He had very long gray and black dreadlocks and kept his color by letting the sun beat down on him regardless of the temperature. But I was always careful around him. I definitely wouldn't have shared a water bottle or a towel.
Besides HIV, prisons see a much higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. I can't tell you how many dudes I know who came out of prison with at least one disease that no simple dose of antibiotics was gonna' cure. Don't share your water bottles or razors.
Respect your cell mate's property. This was his home prior to your arrival, so do not comment or ask questions about his personal belongings or his habits. Do not take it upon yourself to read his personal mail, magazines, or newspapers. Don't even think about eating his food, or ask to do so. Your cell mate may not have much, so do not bother with what little he does have. Do not be shocked if your cellie's underwear and socks are hanging on a makeshift clothesline (a portion of torn bedsheet, usually half an inch thick) next to your head. Don't say a word. You'll be doing the same thing soon enough, since you are provided with a limited amount of clothes (and you must wear the socks, underwear, pants, and shirts they give you or what you can buy at the commissary), and you usually only get to wash your clothes and bedding once a week. You can be penalized if your clothes are not clean or if you've written on them and, if you stink, the other inmates will have no problem sharing their displeasure.
As I said, you'll probably be stuck on the top bunk, since the bottom bunk is generally preferable and has most likely been taken by your cell mate. Do not ask to switch, do not complain. He's been there longer than you. Respect that. It will be a hassle to get in and out of bed if you're heavyset or not feeling well, but you're going to have to deal with that. There's no one there to take care of you, either, so you will need to make up your bed, neatly, before you leave your cell. You'll want to keep blankets, sheets, pillows, and mattress on the bunk at all times. Tidiness is monitored by the guards, but no cell mate wants to deal with your mess, either. If you were a pig before you went to jail, that ends now. No one else is going to put your socks in the laundry bag or pick up your empty potato chip bag.
If morning exercise is your thing, it's considerate to tell your cellie before you start the push-ups, the sit-ups, and the grunting. Otherwise, you'll want to wait for your cell doors to be unlocked and the announcement for the Ten-Minute Move to blare from the loudspeaker, at which time you can go to the weight room or the exercise yard (depending on the facility). Exercise is important in the joint, for your mental health as much as your physical health, but we'll get more into that later.
You're going to want to ask him why he's there. Don't. Refrain from inquiring why he is in prison, when he is getting out, or where he is from. He may provide that information when he feels comfortable with you. At some point, you and your cellie will likely fall into friendly conversation. But always remember: no one in prison is your friend. Do not trust that anyone has your back, no matter how close you think you are to a cell mate, or anyone else. It's survival of the fittest. An inmate might be manipulating you to get you to buy things for him, or even to conduct "business" for him.
I recall Eddie Antar, the former owner of Crazy Eddie's Electronics stores. He was wealthy and everyone on the inside knew it. When he was first placed in Fairton, New Jersey, he was too nice and quickly became the target for extortion. He eventually grew tired of that and began fighting back. He stopped buying anyone anything from commissary or letting himself get bullied into giving up his phone privileges. By standing up for himself, he eventually earned the respect of a lot of inmates.
By all means, be friendly, but remain logical and controlled when it comes to sharing personal details or favors. And be aware that while snitches are universally despised, they exist. Prison is a jungle full of predators. This means the first person who tries to help you will likely have an ulterior motive. You will be in a vulnerable state emotionally. After all, you've left your family, friends, and trusted associates behind. You are the equivalent of a newborn, because you have no experience in your new environment, and there's absolutely no one you can turn to. Seasoned inmates recognize this, and they will be quick to exploit your weaknesses.
If not your cell mate, someone else at some point in the day will probably ask you questions such as "Where are you from?" "How much time do you have?" or "What are you in for?" Then you are likely to hear the infamous follow-up questions: "Do you want some snacks, deodorant, shampoo, sneakers, or stamps?" Your answer to each of these questions should be a firm "No." You absolutely do not want to owe anybody anything, ever.
Women tend to want to bond more than men. Do not give into this impulse, not at first. Be pleasant, network, but don't trust anyone with secrets, weaknesses, or information regarding how much money you have in your prison account. Do not talk about where you live, or the daily schedules of your family.
If you've been placed in a low security facility, you might think you have it easier, that you might be safer. Think again. Though you'll be in a bigger space, it's a shared space and now you have more personalities to contend with. You might be in a cell with six guys, or even an open-dorm room. Pay attention to the people around you. Be quiet when you get up, and, again, if there's an open toilet, use it quickly and as quietly as possible, flushing often. When you are done dressing and taking care of your morning needs, make sure your personal items, including soap and toothpaste, are locked in your locker. Theft is prevalent in low security joints. If you are not assigned a lock, you can usually buy one in the commissary. Get one immediately.
And let me tell you, if you're a klepto, you better reboot your addiction before you hit your cell. Thieves are dealt with swiftly and harshly. And "harsh" in prison generally involves a lot of pain and possibly objects where you don't want them.
If you are cell-bound for most of the day, and you do have a roommate, it is essential you follow the tips listed above. And pay attention to what may or may not be a pet peeve of your cellie. If he can't stand you chewing with your mouth open, there is no need to antagonize him. Shut your mouth. On the other hand, if his mouth breathing is bothering you ... you still keep your mouth shut. Focus on something else.
I know what I'm talking about. When I was moved from FCI Fort Dix to FCI Fairton, I was placed in a ten-man room — which was really loud. My cell mates were all individuals who just happened to be into making prison wine, or wheeling and dealing in some sort of contraband. With that kind of industry comes a stream of customers. I was accustomed to going to bed early, but the constant traffic made that tough, as did a cellie named Michael, who was crazy loud — he had a voice that would carry in the jungle on a rainy night, and he was unfortunately in the bunk right below mine. He loved the attention, always reminiscing about his life as a gambler in Northern Philadelphia with his friends from the street, who were constantly coming by. They'd run their mouths like a gang of old women on weekly bingo night. The traffic routine in the room had long been established. I had to keep my mouth shut or suffer the consequences. I remained in that room for a few months before being placed in a two-man room, which felt like prison heaven if there were such a thing.
Patience will help you survive. Learn it. I wish I had.
CHAPTER 2THE CAFETERIA
6 A.M.
The door to your cell has been opened and the morning head count is complete. Your cell mate is probably sitting on his bed, slurping on generic instant oatmeal from the commissary, having cooked it in the decrepit microwave in the common room. You, on the other hand, do not have access to the commissary until your assigned day of the week comes around (and you'll be lucky if your funds are available), so if you want breakfast, you're going to have to make your bed, slip on your knock-off Crocs, and go to the cafeteria.
On that first morning back in 1993, when I left the relative security of my cell and entered into the large, open cafeteria jammed with hundreds of guys in beige, a handful in orange and only two men in blue ... well, I knew I was in trouble. My orange jump suit flagged me as fresh meat. The guys I passed stared me down or jeered, and I felt rage tingling in my head, making my hands curl into fists. No one in there had my back, since I didn't know anyone yet, but I refused to bow my head or lower my gaze, not wanting to look weak. However, that only served to get the attention of the bullies, who I ended up fighting later. You're going to need to learn how to carry yourself, coming off as nonconfrontational without looking like a pansy, especially when you're in a big open area like the cafeteria.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "A Day in Prison"
by .
Copyright © 2017 John Fuller.
Excerpted by permission of Skyhorse Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Introduction,
Processing A New Convict,
Entry Checklist,
A Typical Daily Schedule,
The Ten Prison Commandments,
PART I YOUR DAY BEHIND BARS,
CH 1 5 A.M. WAKING UP IN A CELL,
CH 2 6 A.M. THE CAFETERIA,
CH 3 7 A.M. THE SHOWER AND LAUNDRY,
CH 4 8 A.M. WORK,
CH 5 2 P.M. EXERCISE,
CH 6 3 P.M. VISITATION / PHONE CALLS,
CH 7 4 P.M. CLASSES / SELF-HELP GROUPS / BIBLE STUDIES/COUNSELING,
CH 8 6 P.M. THE COMMISSARY,
CH 9 7 P.M. SOCIALIZING,
CH 10 8 P.M. SLEEPING IN A CELL,
PART II MORE STORIES AND ADVICE,
CH 11 JUVENILE INMATES,
CH 12 THE FAMILIES,
CH 13 GOOD BEHAVIOR VS. BAD BEHAVIOR,
Glossary,
Resources For Inmates,
Resources For Female Inmates,
Resources For Families Of Inmates,