Day in Prison

HOPEFULLY, YOU’RE NOT a teenager about to be sent to an adult prison. Most kids who commit crimes are processed through the juvenile system, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. Most judges will seek alternative sentences to keep a teen out of jail whenever possible, such as ordering probation, parole, or diversionary programs instead of hard time, in the hopes that someone so young can be turned around and go on to lead a normal life.

But if you’ve done something violent or you’re a repeat offender, you very likely have been placed in the adult system, even if you’re a few years shy of eighteen.

You must prepare yourself. Your new nickname is “crash dummy” for a good reason.

I know a guy, Damien, who’s currently in a state penitentiary. He went in when he was seventeen. His advice for a teen behind bars: “Grow up. And it’s best if you do this on your own accord rather than having someone else force you into it, which will happen. When you’re living this close to so many people, immaturity isn’t accepted. If you try to act tough, someone will test you. Be humble and respectful but defend yourself physically and mentally if you need to.”

My friend LB was convicted of armed robbery and assault at seventeen. With a history of juvenile crime, he was dumped into the adult system and sent to a New Jersey prison, aptly nicknamed Gladiator School—even if you can’t fight when you go in, you come out a professional fighter.

He’d been schooled in Prison Culture 101 his whole life, hearing about it from his grandfather and father, and so went in cocky. It did him no favors. LB says:

“When I was young, I was defiant, had a problem with authority. A prime example: It was mealtime, dinner. They were serving inadequate portions. I stepped up and said to the guard, ‘You need to send this tray cart back; the food was cold and there wasn’t enough food on the trays.’ I told the other guys in line behind me not to take trays. The guard was ignoring me. I knocked the cart over, aiming to make them bring more food. They didn’t like that. I was jumped by five guards, pepper sprayed in the face at close range, and then sat in The Hole for six hours with nothing to wash my face. I kind of asked for that one. And that’s the kind of crap that kids do, they got to learn to control their temper.

If I could offer three main pieces of advice to juveniles going into the prison, it’s to mind your business, no gambling, and don’t mess with homos. Those three things will keep you intact. If you gamble and you don’t have any money to pay, what we call gambling on air, you’re going to get hurt. If you don’t mind your own business, if you’re gossipy, you in other people’s business, you gonna’ get hurt. If [you] mess with the homos, you’re drawing attention to yourself and a lot of the guys in the penitentiary that aren’t never going home; they’re out to kill the homos; they’ve got nothing to lose. If you don’t do those three things, more times than not, you won’t have any problems.”

As a younger, smaller person, you need to be savvy about this world you’re about to enter. Personally, I’d ask to be put into a segregated cell block, possibly even solitary, at least until you get the lay of the land. Some institutions are already doing that, keeping the youth in a separate wing or cell block. When you’re in with the general population, take the unspoken rules seriously. No ratting, keep your word, and be respectful. Don’t be chatty; don’t ask people about themselves. Talk about sports and the weather, that’s it, and don’t argue. If Big Joe says the sky is green, you say, “Yup.” Stay away from the crazies, keep your face neutral, and don’t cry. Definitely don’t cry. You are no longer a child, and crying only results in mocking. No one is to be trusted; no one cares about your feelings. Your cellie is not your friend. If someone buddies up to you and offers protection, he’s got an ulterior motive—from wanting some of your commissary money to sexual favors. Absolutely do not accept gifts from inmates looking to “comfort” you. You’ll make acquaintances, maybe even become part of a crew, which is better than being on your own, but always keep it in the back of your mind that they are always going to put their needs first. Most of the people in prison didn’t come in as violent criminals, and would choose not to be violent now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t protect themselves or even attack if provoked.

Your education is your responsibility now. Learn to protect yourself and how to work the system in your particular prison, and make sure you’re also staying in touch with the real world. Read. Read everything, especially history and self-help books. Hell, read The Hunger Games or Harry Potter, or Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul, anything that takes your mind to a different place. Sign up for a class. Stupid people don’t last long. Your health is also your responsibility now. Mamma is not here to tell you to eat your vegetables and do your homework. Create a schedule for yourself, and a list of weekly goals. Keep your mind occupied and your body healthy.

You, more than anyone, need to pay attention. You must learn to be strong and self-sufficient, wary, invisible. Do not turn to the guards or gangs for protection, not if you can help it. You are used to adult authority figures being there to swoop in and solve problems, but this is not life on the outside. In a prison, you must learn to be self-reliant. A guard will tell you to grow up if you complain to him. They have to respond if you are badly beaten or raped, so make sure you report it, but the daily shoving, racial slurs, mocking, stealing … you need to figure out how to deal with those on your own. Sit back and figure out when to pick your fights and when to hold your peace. Grow up. Quickly.

I agree with LB, the biggest differences between a teenager and an adult in prison have to do with impulses. A kid who’s used to being in trouble is most likely really bad at controlling his mouth or his fists. You have to chill in prison. That’s all there is to it. If you show up the first day throwing attitude around, you are going to be beat down. No question.

The over-glorified gangsta lifestyle has landed a lot of hot-headed teens in jail. It’s clear kids don’t realize a felony charge changes your life forever. You might only be doing a dime, but life will never be simple and free on the outside, not like before. You can’t vote, you must admit you are a felon on every job application or legal document, and finding employment is a challenge.

You gave up your childhood the minute you did an adult crime. Even if you’re innocent, accept the reality of your situation and make it work. You can do it.