corrections

Prisoner reception procedures are structured similarly in correctional facilities and describing the process can be pretty dull reading. Much more interesting is viewing the process through the eyes of the inmate, and their reactions to events of the first 24 hours behind bars. The way a convict thinks and feels influences their behavior, so it stands to reason corrections officers and cops can benefit from the con’s perspective. Let’s take a hypothetical look at it from an inmate’s perspective.

Guilty

“The jury finds the defendant guilty as charged.” I sit up straight in my bed and realize I’m not really dreaming. I was sentenced to a 5- to 10-year bit in state prison and just served my first day inside. I’m in the diagnostic center for something the staff calls “classification.” The intake process really stressed me out. They brought me in to some kind of hallway with locked doors on both sides. Someone we couldn’t see let me and the cops in and the hacks came by a little later. The cop handed them my boxed-up property. They frisked me pretty well and then took me inside where they took my clothes and eyeballed me naked. They even looked inside my keister! They made me do a piss test, shower and use some kind of powder. Said it kept me from bringing bugs into the joint. I guess nobody ever gave these guys advice on manners.

Then they got out the camera and took my photo, both front and side. I was in front of one of those height charts just like on TV. I have quite a few tattoos and scars, and those apparently were photo worthy as well. These guys took more pictures of me this morning than my momma did my entire life. Some lady in a uniform with a pen interviewed me. She kept writing in my jacket as I answered her questions. They asked me all kinds of questions, including ones about my momma. They seemed particularly interested in my previous stints inside and any other contact with the law. I got the feeling they already knew the answers and were just testing me. They also asked me how I was feeling. Really? I’m feeling like shit after all they put me through.

They were particularly interested in my stint in the mental hospital. I wonder if my answer is why this guy keeps coming past my cell every 15 minutes. He writes something on his clipboard every time he passes. That never happened in the county jail. I’m just laying here. Maybe I should give him something to write. Maybe next time I will gargle, or pray, or throw something at him. Probably not a good idea or they’ll put me back on the brake fluid, making me zone out. Bad enough being a fish in this tank, I don’t want to be labeled a ding too.

The medical staff here is nicer and I probably needed a good check-up. Don’t have insurance on the street. They wanted to know about my feelings too. What is all this about feelings in here? They said I would be talking to a shrink in a couple of days. I wonder what they know about me.

I’m not too impressed with the iron pile in the rec yard I passed. Everything is machines now … no free weights. My mood didn’t improve when they took me to a housing unit. I saw a couple of dudes really happy to see me … if you know what I mean. Don’t plan on getting turned out in this hole. One dude is happy to see me for another reason. He was in the car on my last gig and while I got away, he was sent away. I think he might be a problem. Maybe they should have asked me about who I should be kept separated from until I saw everyone who was here. I’ll probably have to stay in my cell for a while. Wonder if I can get a tray instead? They gave me a bag for dinner tonight.

I just got done watching a video explaining the deal in here. The people on the video talked about mail, visits, medical care, sex assault, activities I can sign up for and activities I’ll be assigned to perform. They say I can get a job but I will only make about thirty cents an hour. That won’t get me much when I have a chance to go to the store. I already owe the guy on the block who brought me some snacks tonight. I hope my county money is transferred soon so I can go to the store and pay him back. I owe two for one.

I did get to go to rec today. I walked around a yard like it was a dog run. They said I’d stay alone until I’m cleared for general population. The fresh air helped me fall asleep. Just as I fell asleep, I heard some hack bellow “STAND FOR COUNT!” After count, it was lights out, but it’s noisier than during the day. Now the nightmare wakes me … this pisses me off.

Lessons?

Keep in mind it’s easy to think of them as numbers, but their anger, frustration and personal agendas can all end up directed at you. You don’t have to feel sorry for them — they did it to themselves. But you do need to be aware of what they’re thinking about.
By D.M. Chamberlain

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AC June 2013

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