10 Essential Rules for Surviving Prison: Insights from a Former Inmate

Introduction

Prison life is a harsh reality that many people never experience firsthand. For those who find themselves incarcerated, knowing how to navigate the complex social dynamics and unwritten rules can mean the difference between survival and constant danger. In this article, we'll explore 10 essential rules for surviving prison, based on the experiences of a former inmate who spent time in maximum and medium security facilities.

Rule #10: Do Your Own Time

One of the most important rules in prison is to focus on your own sentence and situation. Many inmates make the mistake of constantly complaining about their circumstances or getting overly involved in other prisoners' business. This behavior can quickly make you a target.

Key points:

• Avoid excessive complaining or whining about your situation
• Don't get involved in other inmates' legal cases or sentences
• Focus on productive ways to serve your time, like education or legal research
• Remember the saying "Don't let the time do you, you do the time"

Rule #9: Stick to Your Word

In prison, your reputation and word are everything. If you make a commitment or promise to another inmate, it's crucial that you follow through. Failing to keep your word can lead to serious consequences.

Examples of keeping your word:

• If you agree to meet someone on the yard, show up
• Follow through on promises to help with tasks like being a lookout
• Don't back out of agreements at the last minute

Rule #8: Say "Excuse Me"

While it may seem counterintuitive, using basic manners like saying "excuse me" can actually help de-escalate potentially dangerous situations in prison. Showing respect through simple courtesies can prevent unnecessary conflicts.

Benefits of using manners:

• Helps avoid escalating minor incidents into fights
• Shows respect to other inmates
• Demonstrates you're not trying to be confrontational

Rule #7: Listen Before You Talk

Developing strong listening skills is crucial in a prison environment. By listening more than you speak, you can:

• Gain valuable information about prison dynamics
• Avoid revealing too much about yourself
• Learn to discern truth from exaggeration in other inmates' stories
• Earn respect by being thoughtful rather than boastful

Rule #6: Mind Your Own Business

Prison life involves witnessing many illegal or questionable activities. The safest approach is to ignore what doesn't directly involve you.

Things to avoid:

• Staring at or commenting on drug deals or other illicit activities
• Asking questions about things you've witnessed
• Spreading gossip or information about other inmates' actions

Rule #5: Practice Good Hygiene

Maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene is not just about health - it's a matter of respect for yourself and your cellmates. Poor hygiene can lead to conflicts and make you a target.

Hygiene tips:

• Clean up after yourself in shared spaces like sinks and toilets
• Shower regularly, especially after physical activities
• Keep your living area tidy
• Respect others' space and cleanliness

Rule #4: Knock Before Entering

Respecting personal space is crucial in the cramped confines of a prison cell. Always knock or announce yourself before entering another inmate's cell, even if the door is open.

Why this matters:

• Cells are considered personal territory in prison
• Entering uninvited can be seen as a serious violation
• Knocking shows respect for privacy and personal boundaries

Rule #3: Respect Phone Time

Phone calls are a lifeline for many inmates to stay connected with family and loved ones. Respecting others' phone time is essential.

Phone etiquette:

• Don't interrupt or distract someone on a call
• Be mindful of noise levels near phone areas
• Respect privacy - don't eavesdrop on conversations
• Be aware that phone calls can involve sensitive personal matters

Rule #2: Pay Your Debts

Failing to repay debts in prison can have severe consequences. Whether it's for commissary items, gambling, or other transactions, always honor your financial obligations.

Importance of paying debts:

• Prevents conflicts and potential violence
• Maintains your reputation and credibility
• Allows you to continue participating in prison economy

Rule #1: No Snitching

The most important rule in prison culture is to never inform on other inmates to authorities. This applies even if you're not directly involved in illegal activities.

Why no snitching is crucial:

• Snitching can make you a target for violence
• It destroys your reputation and credibility among other inmates
• Even guards often look down on informants

Conclusion

Navigating life in prison requires a deep understanding of unwritten social rules and expectations. By following these 10 essential guidelines, inmates can significantly improve their chances of staying safe and avoiding unnecessary conflicts during their incarceration. While prison life is challenging, adhering to these principles can help make the experience more manageable and reduce potential dangers.

Additional Considerations

Mental Health in Prison

While following these rules is important for physical safety, it's also crucial to prioritize mental health while incarcerated. Some strategies for maintaining mental well-being include:

• Establishing a routine
• Engaging in available educational or vocational programs
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Staying physically active when possible
• Maintaining connections with family and friends through letters and calls

Rehabilitation and Personal Growth

Despite the challenges of prison life, many inmates use their time to focus on personal growth and rehabilitation. This can involve:

• Participating in substance abuse treatment programs
• Attending anger management or life skills classes
• Pursuing educational opportunities
• Developing new hobbies or skills
• Reflecting on past choices and planning for a better future

Preparing for Release

For those serving finite sentences, it's important to start preparing for release well before the end of incarceration. This may include:

• Connecting with reentry programs
• Developing a plan for housing and employment
• Rebuilding relationships with family and support networks
• Addressing any outstanding legal or financial issues

The Impact of Prison Culture

It's important to recognize that the rules and norms of prison life can have lasting effects on individuals, even after release. Some challenges former inmates may face include:

• Difficulty adjusting to life outside the strict structure of prison
• Trust issues stemming from the "no snitching" culture
• Hypervigilance or difficulty relaxing in social situations
• Struggles with intimacy and personal relationships

Advocacy and Reform

Many former inmates use their experiences to advocate for prison reform and improved conditions for those still incarcerated. This can involve:

• Sharing personal stories to raise awareness
• Supporting organizations focused on criminal justice reform
• Mentoring at-risk youth to help prevent incarceration
• Advocating for improved rehabilitation and reentry programs

Final Thoughts

While these 10 rules provide a framework for surviving prison, it's crucial to remember that incarceration is a complex and challenging experience. The goal should always be rehabilitation and preparing for a successful return to society. By understanding and respecting the unwritten rules of prison life, inmates can focus on personal growth and positive change, rather than constantly navigating potential conflicts and dangers.

For those on the outside, these insights into prison life highlight the need for continued reform in the criminal justice system. By promoting programs that focus on rehabilitation, education, and mental health support, we can work towards reducing recidivism and helping former inmates successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Ultimately, the best way to apply these rules is to avoid situations that could lead to incarceration in the first place. Making positive choices, seeking help when needed, and focusing on personal growth and education are all crucial steps in avoiding the harsh realities of prison life.

By sharing these experiences and insights, we can foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and work towards creating a more just and effective criminal justice system for all.

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