11 Things I Didn't Know About Prison Before Working In One
I thought I knew a decent amount about prison life from movies and television. I was definitely misinformed.
11 Things I Didn't Know About Prison Before Working In One
Disclaimer: I work at a lower-level, all-male prison facility. My thoughts and views do not represent those of the department I work for.
1. Everything the inmates wear is in fact a bright, highlighter orange. Each inmate is given sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and shorts in the color.
2. The inmates aren't just working out all the time. Each inmate has their own daily routine. Some take care of plants around their house/dorm, some feed the local wildlife, and some just sit and talk with their friends. It's just like a small community.
3. Not everything revolves around drugs, theft, and violence. I'd be lying if I said drugs and contraband didn't make it onto the yard. However, it is far from the "norm" for it to become a problem. For the most part, the inmates just want to keep their heads down and do their time.
4. The officers aren't all raging jerks. Most of the officers are kind, but firm. They don't come down on the inmates unless there is a reason. Most of the time, they're just a presence on the yard that helps keep things running smoothly.
5. They have game days, fund raisers, movie nights, and more. Our yard totally has "carnivals" every so often in which games are set up by the administration for the inmates to enjoy. They get so excited about it! They also get to buy food and such from the outside as fundraisers, have movie nights with popcorn and snacks, bingo or other types of tournaments and more.
6. Every inmate isn't a hardened criminal. Some of the inmates I've gotten to know are in mistakes they made at a young age, something they did out of anger in a moment of weakness, or drug related issues. Many of them are kind, funny, optimistic, and hard-working. They work hard to use the resources provided to them to better themselves for when they are released.
7. Inmates perform serious risk jobs on the outside while incarcerated. The top job that comes to mind is fire crew. These inmates are trained to help put out extreme fires and train daily on the outside for this very purpose. In our area, wildfires are very common and these guys go out and help local authorities put out the flames. They never get any of the thanks once the fire is extinguished, but do just as much of the work.
8. As an employee, it is hard not to sympathize with the inmates at times. We are trained not to become emotionally invested in inmates. However, when a full-grown man breaks down sobbing because his kids were sent to CPS on the outside and he has no way to check on them, you can't help but share their heartache. They have friends and family they care about and often times those people move on without them. It can be a really difficult thing to witness while trying to distance yourself.
9. There are in fact "dirty" staff members. It isn't just a thing you see on tv. Staff members can give into temptation when it comes to prison life. Some become inmates themselves after helping to smuggle in contraband, accepting payments for services, or even becoming sexually involved with inmates.
10. There are special investigation units and tactical squads. One of my best students was busted for smuggling and distributing drugs on the yard. The special investigation units are no joke at the prison. The work they do blows my mind and impresses me every day. They work really hard to keep things safe here. In addition, tactical squads are fully trained and available if anything serious ever goes down.
11. Some inmates deserve better. Some of the inmates don't deserve to be here. I know it's a controversial statement, but it's true. Many of the men that are here would be better served at a mental facility or drug rehabilitation center. We do our best to help them here with what resources we have, but it kills me some days to know that there is nothing more I can do for someone.
Orange
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