7

20 1

23 22 129

1 1

126 31 123 131

125 1 127 127

124

131 130 122

Wilbert Rideau Wilbert Ill Mentally Inmates Transgender

Why Prisons Are Violent Are Prisons Why Violence of Amount The Assaults Sexual Rioting Coping Mature Story The of 7.3. Focus In and Physically the and Elderly The Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, and CHAPTER Gangs and the Prison Subculture Violence Populations Special Summary TermsKey Questions Discussion Useful Internet Sites 09 1

11

1

08

115 1

10 1 16

1 Introduction: The State of Prisons

119

18 1 v hasIt axiomatic become that say correctional to programs institutions and are overcrowded, underfunded, and unfocused these As days. the drug as and war on rages mandatory incarceration and has caseloads spiral rates sentencing parole and its past effect, probation corrections spending though on As control. a consequence, of has semblance any steadily, most states climbed for the last is impossible it nearly years, several over steeply, and programs, localitiesand the meet needs to for staff, institutions. and So As they not. do a the shortages. corrections by is offenders shaped consequence, experience for 109

109

115

by Sykes (1958) and Sykes and and Sykes and (1958) Sykes by Messinger (1960) Messinger United States’ First Supermax First States’ United Prisonization Importation, Programming Versus More Prisons More Versus Programming DebateSocial Regarding Support Pains of Imprisonment Pains Identified Roles Inmate 7.2. Focus In Total Institutions, Mortification, Institutions, Total Classification Comparative Perspective: Canada’s Levels and Types Prison the Alcatraz, 7.1. Focus In

Experience 108 The Prison Subculture Attributes of the Prison ThatShape the Introduction: The State of Prisons Organizations Prison Prisons

109 Prisons v

Chapter 7 Chapter

from March, 2011, the writer described the “Pathways “Pathways described the writer the 2011, March, from The Globe and Mail Mail and Globe The to Education” program for youth that is being funded by Canada’s national government. Instead of more incarceration for incarceration more of Instead government. national Canada’s by funded being is that youth for program Education” to the been by has adopted which and delinquency typical a more is response American juvenile which to youth, troubled provides city, inner Toronto’s in health center a community by developed program, some to extent, this government Canadian threshold. those for below whose a predetermined support tutoring mandatory these grades for fall and and youth mentoring they a $1000 get that a year also They need they them. should tickets bus access and have free lunches to also youth Troubled program the postsecondarycan use toward Group, assessment an Boston to the Consulting by done According education. 80% of level the to attendance college increased from drop-out the and cut 56% 700 of from youth 12% rate to troubled assessors was the a there and that enrolled were program the for determined 20%. those of percent eligible Ninety-three $600,000 in was available program the editorial this of benefit time the society to At lifetime theseeach of for enrollments. 20 in locations 2016. by running and be to up was slated and provinces, locations four in 11 In an editorial from the Canadian newspaper newspaper Canadian the from editorial an In Prison Organizations

But, as hasBut, been discussed already in this text, this true. been has somewhat If always been linked, corrections and that always dismiss is to say crowding course, not of have To discussIn we this the structure chapter, operation prisons. and of The inmate subculture Support Programming Versus More Prisons Comparative Perspective: Debate Regarding Canada’s Social v Classification As inmates the prison enter system from the courts, they are usually assessed a classification at facility reception or based their on crime, criminal risk, escape any), issues history, behavioral (if healthand programming and children and are classified needs. Women in separate facilities males. Thisfrom adult the materials of review assessment includes the to inmate, related personnel, tests and center observation reception and by the of inmate regarding his her or amenability and dangerousness treatment. to After being assessed a prison by personnel for period months, or inmates weeks of the are to prison sent that the is personnel the believe best finally and fit, based first available, the needs. inmate’s space security on by needs, followed it is theyit offered, in built, will or the parole, and case probation come—because, of as with Casesall in to. point, corrections almost they are forced immediately sentences, after the the Prison the Auburn (1819), first American Street Jail (1790), prisons built, the Walnut were full, the and were Eastern Pennsylvania PennsylvaniaWestern Prison Prison (1829) (1826), prisons withinand new construction. or under expanded they years, were were a few effects overfilling of the negative institutions argue to or that than might be it not worse jails Certainly, combined incarcerationthe States’ for rate prisons United and has now. ever climbed steadily remains and per 100,000 U.S. 748 the at highest in the Westernized world about are 4). As at jails p. indicated in 5, average on Chapter as 2010a, 2009 of residents (West, 90% full, whereas prisons running were 109% at capacity of in 2008 which for year latest (the data flexibilitythe time at have roomfor writing), of we much leaving not in classification 2009). & Cooper, West, (Sabol, thatflourishes in that gangs and prisons, bedevil the and them,violence will also be The naturereviewed. the of correctional individuals incarcerated experience for in prisons is different thosesomewhat from what in jails community or those and corrections encounter, here. differences are explored

Min 969 Supermax prisons Med 480 Max 372 Private 415 Public 1,406 were and are used for long-term and convicted offenders who are to be be are to who offenders convicted and long-term are and used for were Table 7.1 Table As indicated in Table 7.1, as 2005 of Census latest (the State of Federal Correctional and 7.1, As indicated in Table All 1,821 Source: Stephan (2008). State Correctional Federal Facilities and developed later, and arguably and the first with the Alcatraz these later, of the level was federal at Prison, developed SupermaxPrisons firstWhen states were building prisons, be to they a combination a maximum tended of and medium security type (think industrial prisons). house The exterior big and these of prisons was very internally secure, but inmates though restricted, about some, given move were freedom to dining, purposes. often work, related and were and expected so do for to Inmates generally have no control over which prison they are sent to. Once they have done done they have Once prison which they are to. sent over Inmates control no generally have time,some inmates a facility to that request may they that be their moved is to closer family and a priority are classification not for considerations an are option such and friends, more for but more juveniles and are much females adult transfer males, for for as theadult facilities available limited them. of because there are fewer Levels and Prison Types Prisons deterred, (rehabilitated) reformed and retribution), punishedsimultaneously (experience from thewhile community being (incapacitated) isolated most, reintegrated back and, for As intothat the prisons numbercommunity. of their States, hasthe across United expanded diversityhas increased. Ratherthan just an all-purpose maximum/medium securityprison, as was the prisons norm when first were built, there are prisons state federal and with myriad security maximum, super including levels, maximum, medium, minimum. and There are military children, for for and women, and men for personnel. women, for prisonsmen, for Prisons in regular come the of form confinement also prisonbut facilities, farms, prison hospitals, boot camps, reception centers, community corrections facilities (sometime known reporting day or others and 2008). release (Stephan, as facilities), work the at timeFacilities data state prisons federal writing), and of available in 1,821 there the were contract with private under a state either were 415 and public were which of States, 1,406 United 2008, (Stephan, the government or federal Most prisons contract 2). under operated or p. were Although one-fifth only about of (102). rather than the level federal at with the states (1,719) the prisons in the as States United are maximum designated because their of security, size a third about they the of hold inmates incarcerated inthis country 2008, (Stephan, 2, 4). In pp. contrast, medium security prisons constitute one-fourth two-fifths about prisons, of hold but of inmates—again, minimum to size compared large because their of perhaps security relatively prisons, a half are which about one-fifth only all of about prisons, hold but inmates of (Stephan, 2008, 4). These data p. indicate do that maximum depictions the of popular academic and security prisons as the norm in America are incorrect. Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: 110

111 Prisons

(Continued) v

Photo 7.1 Alcatraz Prison Chapter 7 Chapter when Alcatraz when was first opened a federal as In Focus 7.1 Alcatraz: The Gangster Years, Gangster The Alcatraz: Alcatraz: The United States’ First Supermax Alcatraz: The United States’ First Corrupt and poorly managed, they (federal prisons of the time) were widely perceived as coddling influential felons by by felons influential coddling perceived as widely were time) the of prisons (federal they poorly and Corrupt managed, bars, while behind from enterprises criminal in involvement continue to them allowing privilegespermitting and special security their flaws systems offered in opportunities them escape. for 2009, & Kassebaum, (Ward 2) p. prison in 1934, it was created in response to a perceived national crisis. This crisis involved gangsters and outlaws who were gangsters and involved crisis This crisis. 1934, responseprison it a perceived was in created to in national of a number were there Moreover, crime. organized robberies, and train and bank with kidnappings, communities terrorizing staff prison officials and federal state and with their effectively outlaws were these corrupting where and gangsters scandals intimidation. through and contacts, infamy, money, As Ward and Kassebaum (2009)and As Ward book their in note which was built in 1934 to hold the most notorious gangsters of its era (featured in In Focus 7.1). in its of gangsters the era most notorious In (featured Focus hold 7.1). to which was built in 1934 supermax all are prisons not operated exactly the state and at federal level the same, Today, certainthough characteristicsbe common:to appear do Inmates are confined their to windowless they are restrained) 3 times (where solo and a week showers for except a day, cells hours 24 times they in eat time their a week; exercise often and a couple cell, but is bland, it nutraloaf (a thatnutritious food requires utensils); no if limited any rehabilitation the is treatment provided, personnel the stand talk and cell outside the to inmate within; contact is prohibited physical unless inmates are in restraints (Pizarro 2008). & Narag,

Alcatraz closed in 1963, and other federal supermaxes otherAlcatraz and federal in in Marion, closed 1963, Illinois in 1963 (opened securityBecause the of heightened requirements, incarceration in a supermax is to take some of the Alcatraz inmates) and later Florence, Colorado, in 1994, took its place. its took place. in 1994, the Colorado, of Alcatraz some take to inmates) Florence, later and States began building supermaxes in earnest in in the 1990s, and 1980s the reaction to felt with them disruptive and (Mears, dangerous tough” more inmates control to need “get to and 2008; Richards, & Roberts, Olivero 2008). 1987; As 2004, of a total 44 of states some had a supermax of form 2008, (Mears, definitions though 43), a supermax what of p. is does vary 2008). As with Alcatraz, & Mellow, Freilich, these supermax theacross prisons states (Naday, violent the offenders, most dangerous hold to are supposed the state and at federal levels in members,gang well lower-security cannot those prisons, who behave pose those and who an risk. escape $50,000 about $20,000 at to as per year compared expensive $30,000 to incarcerate to Al Capone, one of the most notorious gangsters of this era, when incarcerated at the Eastern State Penitentiary in Eastern the in at Stateincarcerated when Penitentiary era, mostAl gangsters Capone, of the one of this notorious Capones the that of on incarceration influence undue the end to was created Bay, San Francisco the in island Alcatraz, on an though 30 ideal, the the to over years 1963), practice, its of closed (it existence in In completely up lived Alcatraz never Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: (Continued) Pennsylvania, was provided by the warden with a single cell, furnished like a home; a cushy library clerk job; unlimited visits by job; clerk library a home; unlimited a cushy like furnished cell, with a single warden the by was provided Pennsylvania, were gang his and he Though partners, crime politicians. and lawyer, contact to his telephone use friends;of the and and family graft sorts, prosecution and it most was for of all a evade to of those and murders of crimes, was able he a number in implicated prison. federal in him landed that tax conviction evasion regimen, iron an to enemies’ ‘public nation’s the hold to it was intended cold ocean by currents, “Surrounded world exerted. the & (Ward decades” for securely up locked them keep off and them cut world, outside the from numbers, mere to them reduce 2009,Kassebaum, Alcatraz staff staff interviewing 2). from News and p. reporters to not told prohibited or inmates, were were a through once per and month only then blood a few and to relatives, reporters Visits to limited betalk were fired. would or they was very those life visits. That during inside on the life their about talk to allowed not were Inmates telephone. guard-monitored not earned work (when a privilege), and as night, at silence to consisted of strict adherence and monotonous and controlled troublemakers be to mostsupposed the incorrigible were they as these No effort else. inmates, much rehabilitate to was made their of out were goods. Inmates in economy underground no was so there commissary, no was prisoners. There federal all of crafts, small were had they 4:30 all 6:30 from on, until then cells a job, had afternoon. if they the in From morning, the in reflection. for time letter and writing, reading, at except silence, of maintenance The inmates. of a number Kassebaum (2009) and rehabilitated Ward have it may claim protest to strikes attempted escape, held had inmates inmates Many been since abandoned. prescribed long had times, escapes fights staff and in a warden—or and (It inmates is assaulted—including by inmates were a few killed and conditions, harsh as never were controls internal The this.). about twopossible some is debate that succeed escaping, but there in did men incarceration early of the years characterized inmate one than more though or effective be, supposed to either, were they as 2009). & Kassebaum, (Ward alive buried reporters to being to talked and once released, tantamount also Ex-inmates as there reporters across the San Francisco on by speculated noticed were and events various the from sirens fires, and gunfire, the two- Alcatraz, about fill system to federal the in inmates incorrigible and notorious enough not were there as Moreover, bay. & Kassebaum, 2009, (Ward for been had planned than 459). p. influential Yet and less were of its dangerous inmates thirds most the for part, as, followed most state that the of supermaxes avoided Alcatraz and it had became federal other model for the most the for part, it had, prisons effectively and outlaws other gangsters in the and controlled violence apparent and corruption 2009). & Kassebaum, its (Ward of time 112

113 Prisons v

Chapter 7 Chapter maximum maximum . Inmates. in supermaxes, so in less and regular maximum security As supermax a the states that maximum have usually one, only have security prisons In the many states death where penalty their a maximum is is at legal, death located row For instance,For critics researchers some and claim that inmates’ mental health is Maximums,Mediums, and Minimums military and State federal and traditions, type each practices differ and laws, how on prisons generalizations how some with prisonof but different about operates, security are operate usually Thoseaccurate. levels prisons with the greatest internal external and securityare controls the maximums, super next and in security are the security prisons prisons, are often locked up all day, save for time for a shower or recreation outside of of recreation outside or time a shower for for save prisons, all up day, are often locked their they and are cell, ideally other in of sensory cells deprived single stimulation. Visits are with contact and very the restricted. outside The maximum supermax and exterior security razor of wire, walls, consists layers combination of lights, some of cameras, armed guards, patrol. attack and on dogs handle not the those could most and of serious who offenders, holding for are responsible freer environment the minimum of mediumand in themselves the relatively security prisons. The latter type inmate of qualify to might be able minimum a medium or for security level classification, instead but is in maximum security because the inmate his control to is unable behavior. her or securityprison. are usually Death separate areas the rows prison,of wholly sometimes in a different their often and building, separate a own staff have designated (For procedures. and 13.) discussion see Chapter the of death penalty, involved more an adult male inan adult lower-security prisons (Richards, 2008, because and the of 18), p. materials used in their construction, they 3 times least areto 2 to at expensive more build than a “regular” prison 2008). (Mears, The research indicates that wardens believe a supermaxthat of the presence increases in offenders, a prison system violent deters assaults staff on reduces and control, and order in the other prisons in that system, not just in the Colorado, supermax itself Texas, (Pizarro 2008). & Narag, Several states (e.g., California)and claimed decreased that in have violence their systems they opened once a supermax. Briggs and Castellano, Sundt, (2008) reported that inmate assaults on staff decreased in Illinois the supermax once in was opened that there though state, systematic more there is inmate room for effect for was no inmates. assaults on Clearly, examination the of data, as thesein of other to and issues as this they relate study, supermaxes. impaired after a stay in a supermax, because the of sensory there and deprivation, is support to this evidence some assertion. There is that also evidence supermaxes are sometimes mentally used incarcerate to are those ill merely who have who or committed minor more infractions 2008; (Mears, 2008). the O’Keefe, In effect of addition, incarcerating serious mentally less or impaired in offenders a supermax, as King, Steiner, (2008) can Breach and be a self-fulfilling note, exacerbating inmate of prophecy mental through problems behavioral and secure confinement. such severe and On the other that a stay a calming had evidence such found hand, there are have researchers who inmates, on effect reflect them they allowing to might change how their and on wrongs & Kassebaum, 2009). see Ward Pizarro Narag and (2008) note, their (e.g., behavior that is this both of on the weak evidence sides argument and that and more, however, the know true we research is supermaxes of effect merited before rigorous, on more inmates prison on or systems.

, the exterior security can be the as as tight is it for have a much more relaxed exterior security; relaxed more much a not do some have medium security prisons Maximum security prisons the same exterior have may security as controls supermaxes, In Medium security prisons will a mix in hold terms people of crime of all categories, the Minimum security prisons Inmates confined minimum to security prisons people are or usually timers,” “short but inside, inmates are not locked down as much, though the treatment and work the though treatment as inmates work inside, and down much, but locked are not programmingconstricted more is much than in the medium securityprisons. Maximum securityin the the dependingon crowding inmates bedouble-bunked, not may or may institution, unless and the to (a special yard some under access classification, some they have Visiting with gathering contact inmates), and large the cafeteria, thethe and area chapel. for restricted are less than world outside in the supermax, inmates and are usually in not some kind restraint of occurs. it when supermax the and maximum security prisons, internally but the inmate has many more opportunities programming treatment, in church and school, attend any to work to and There is alsonumber capacities. of greater diversity in rooming options, from dormitories cells used ascarrota entice double to or single with cells, preferred single the to more restricted. are less Visiting contact with and Some world the outside better behavior. medium security the institution work-related leave to inmates for be allowed even may furloughs, on or this though deliveries common in more is minimum much security prisons. programs theto lowly who down but life, well, doing murderer from theconvicted way burglar drug or is transfer user awaiting who a lower-security to prison is engaged who or inprogrammingthe substance abuse that the prison affords.Medium security prisons campus type to with buildings several a college devoted interior, have to likely are more distinct purposes. There might be a separate cafeteria a separate programming building, and treatment a separate building, gym housing and separate and recreation building, and work buildings. Medium security prisons in industrial are engaged heavily as building such work furniture, making clothing, printing and In the cases state. some states, and for license plates the in goods the the produced prison on open market. are sold even have a wall or a fence. Inmates with programming, more far are provided a wall a fence. inside or either have even the institution options in are The often the housing as outside as community. or diverse in the medium security prisons, inmates and can usually roam the freely, facilitymore much programming, of availing themselves the and cafeteria the at yard, recreation, the chapel, prescribed times. With the recognition that inmates in a minimum security prison will often befree within visitingliberalized two, optionsare or more year a the transition make to from inmates and is promoted, prison are often the or to community encouraged, Work smoother. facilitiesin with release the a minimum case work of security classification, are expected, to in the community. work been have who be These people date. could a release to close are relatively who classified directly this to facility release a sentence prison because they work or received two or year a because and of they expected arenot be to an risk escape behavioral or might Whether also they in can be classification, work a consideration problem. as thisis often theseof centrala prisons. element Other inmates mighttime do who in minimuma security facility who release serious offenders are prison more work or close the are and other relatively classification levels through, “down,” or moved have Minimum theirto release. security prisons the most serious thus offenders, also hold with burglary of those convicted rapists, along child and murderers, including molesters, substance traffickingand and abuse offenses. The difference is that in minimum security Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: 114

115 Prisons v

Chapter 7 Chapter ) [known

mortified (known as importation of it. One central component of that of central One it. of component as “[a] place of residence and work where a where as “[a]work and residence of place operation or suffered from the loss of the many roles he or she occupied in the occupied she or he sufferedor the from of the many roles loss , ] Attributes of the Prison That the Experience Shape  As coined will also be discussed staff, to Erving in8 in Chapter reference Goffman (1961) defined totala institutionGoffman(1961) aptly Thismore though it definition prisons, is to today, directly even applicable these do aspectsHow total of institutions affect inmates? of the lives In the 1950s, In addition, though each person entering each though a prisonIn imports addition, mortification Total Institutions, Mortification, Importation, Prisonization classifiedOnce prison, a given to maximum whether otherwise, or the inmate experience the including factors, several is by shaped v isoperation the “totality” the of organization. the term “total institution” describe to the nature also mental prisons, of but hospitals, in served he as a staff year, one member director’s (athletic For the States in United the 1950s. ethnographic did and assistant) research in mental a federal health in hospital Washington, contact with sociable staff, While immersed he avoiding D.C. himself in the inmate or world, being admitted observed without he what and the allowed could as to hospital, he as much him learn to that a great deal kind about staff institution of for inmates. and roles about and like-situated number large of individuals, cut off from the an society wider appreciable for formally an enclosed, period administered lead time, of xiii). together life” of (p. round this of Another component total key institution is the defined social strata, particularly as that “inmates” there are formalincludes the and against “staff” Specifically, prohibitions 7). (p. minor even socialinteractions between these in two groups total a institution, all and the of staff) (the with group one resides formal inmates). power the (the other group over described both prisons jails and prison the of past. inmates, For the institution is where only not in are like themselves, who terms with often and people work, they of live, criminal in also largely terms but their of involvement, social class other and background characteristics. Though there is ability some visit with to others, the manner mode and of limited are quite this in world with contact prisons the outside are on and also dependent facilityrelease the maximum a security or isit work a whether status the of institution (e.g., security The prison). formal rules prisons of inmate control and also behavior closely As formal attribute another already key total mentioned, of institutionsmovement. governs interactions between staff inmates. and staff put, Simply restrict are to interactions such to As Goffman necessary. information out business only parcel only are and to as absolutely “Social it, put mobility between the two strata is grossly restricted;(1961) social distance is typically great often and formally 7). prescribed” (p. that total believed institutions the debilitating had of effect their inmates. Goffman (1961) entrance into the institution, upon it, Assaw he the inmate become may as prisons, matter all no offenders, their be such to a good risk are offense, believed for their in and imminent for preparation of need behavior release. wider world (see also Sykes, 1958). Instead, only the role of “inmate” is available, a role that Instead, is “inmate” a role of only the role 1958). is available, also (see Sykes, world wider dependent. and formally powerless aspects his extent of some inmates culture own to her or to from the are outside, likely

pains of pains of a severe paina severe that many inmates

deprivation An sexual relations. of inmate’s whereby they adopt the inmate they adopt subculture whereby the of institution . Such pains. Such “the liberty, of include deprivation the goods of deprivation prisonization, Asgoods to theservices, and pain to related inmates are required surrender to all regarding sexual have orientation human of we In the of light greater knowledge Autonomy for the inmate for restricted is also severely inAutonomy the rule-bound prison world. experience when, as anexperience artifact when, regular their of incarceration, have to they are unable environmentinteractions their child’s with over their control any children own have to or & Stohr, Mays, (Gray, 10) Chapter this about in gender, (more on the theon chapter outside 1993). 1995; Stohr & Mays, theirof property entrance into the upon prison system and, in most cases, they cannot The property until back possess legally it to they is leave. they very arehave allowed they cannot will choose who cut staff.limited by Relatedly, closely monitored and their hair they will where or their get can nails nor they choose their done, doctor or noted—and this truer is even (1958) perhaps in today As a visit. many schedule Sykes prisons because court of intervention—most inmates’ shelter, food, needs basic for is health and in it the care deprivation of perception this are yet met, space, material society that matters, too. “deprivation (1958) might Sykes’s amend we 50 years ago, as to opposed today, populations generalized a more to heterosexual of relations” imprisonment and services, the deprivation of heterosexual relationships, the deprivation of autonomy, security” of theand deprivation 63–83). (pp. Inmates in jail) prison free a are to not (or the institution about the without move permission to even or their of (staff).keepers leave, the of liberty the worst Sykes, for restrictionsBut the meant that inmates for cut off, were most part, from family friends. and They cannot they visit like with or call whomever As they they wish so. do when many want, inmates to whom are functionally illiterate, and difficulty they also have poor, writing letters affording and the This postage. of deprivation contact with family members, particularly their children, is significant to access is others limited in is the world wider visiting touching only to where theminimally a brief kiss at beginning is hug Though or much the of visit). sanctioned (e.g., prison visits inmates, for conjugal of made in reality prisons there are few that these, allow a minisculeand number inmates of in those even prisons visits. are such A granted to access prisonsvery visits few conjugal between allow do inmates partners. their and lesbian or gay Though, as with the be there to free 3% are population, likely 5% to prison of inmates who sexual in this to a brief later discussion this (see related lesbian or are topic gay chapter), intimacy between same-sex inmates is against the illegal and rules, does as occur, though it staff sex betweenwell same opposite and inmates. and are all play and determined work, eat, with and they the live, by whom where, When, how, rules the of institution. regarding their while Inmates lives imprisoned, choices can few make their by are alland shaped imprisonment. those of choices experience ofPains Imprisonment (1958)—basedPart this of his parcel on and Sykes are Gresham inmate what world research in maximum Jersey a New security prison—described as the (Carroll, 1974, 1982; Clemmer, 2001). Couple this Couple mortification, role 2001). subsequent and Clemmer, 1982; (Carroll, 1974, with the prisonization displacement, the inmate into thehave contingent subculture, you and theinmate potential new for experience to a life in turmoil adjusts, someand while she or he difficulty reentering the when community. Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: 116

117 Prisons v

Photo 7.2 Visiting hours at Visiting hours the Youngstown Prison, Ohio. An access to inmate’s significant others is limited to visiting where touching is only minimally sanctioned (e.g., a brief kiss or hug at the beginning of the visit). Chapter 7 Chapter Due to their to Due imprisonment, inmates are thrown with whom of others, some together argued that these brutalizing, pains, the physically not though have (1958) Sykes that all believe not did finalOne regarding the pains note imprisonment: of (1958) Sykes are aggressive and violent or become so in become or a prison violent and environment,are aggressive particularly perhaps in the maximum security was studying. Because environment the of circumstances that Sykes surrounding incarceration in a supermax, also degree in a lesser to but medium and minimum prisons, inmates level their of human are as deprived a basic need defined security, that repeated “the worst Quoting (1958) an inmate Sykes in his study, (1943/2001). Maslow by meaning with if 77), that live other to even one prisoners”thing (p. prison have is about you 77]), [p. inmate manipulation not and or an (termed “outlaw” Sykes by violence to is prone all inmates is with it unnerving are, live inmate others to are an outlaw who even have to for anxiety to can lead alsoinclined.so the partSykes, on to This of according security, of lack are not, or outlaws among an outlaw whether inmatespoint they, that some the and belief at others. of the submit to abuse to or themselves defend to fight to be to forced likely this the of inmate. destroying destruction, effect of cumulative the psyche avoid In to order inmates in prisons in deviance while engage be to may motivated incarcerated as a means of alleviating their pain. in items So buying through bullying gangs, other inmates, involvement homosexual and acts might all thein be needby motivated fact theundergroundeconomy, goods liberty, security, services, and sexual and gratification (Johnson, autonomy, some for 2002). Extrapolating from this point, inmates the extent female which to pseudo-familial form be may a meansrelationships alleviating of the pain the to separation experienced from due children family other and close members 1998). (Owen, that theinmates acknowledged He these pains experienced perceived or in the same way. in experiences these one which way pains does vary individual background, by some by and argued he that, least among at the asas prison by well is incarcerated one in. However, the inmates studied, he there was a consensus that “life in a maximum security prison is depriving frustrating or in the extreme” 63). (p.

argot, , or a subset of culture of a subset , or with traditions, its beliefs, norms, own and values, The Prison Subculture

Thus, inmate research on subcultures prison has focus on to tended inmates and subculture, a such of as prescribedIndicators identified prison by include researchers, Prison subculture solidify tends to language, even are from the isolated larger culture people when when and regularmembers intense and an have extended period with contact other for time. each of that appear the “totalIn would it other institution” words, nature prisons of the provides the a which degree to perfect an inmate environment for subculture Accordingly, form. to correctional environment fits the definition a “total of institution” will determine the extent to subculture a client which exists. is that also It the possible shared experiences deprivation, of can further solidify (1958), a subcultureas inmates. detailed Sykes by for specifically maximum medium or on security prison course, of inmates. This say, is to not that those in a jail a minimum or security distinguishable prison have not do “norms, values, language” and that beliefs, sets less is them it much apart but from the community, wider By inmates definition, the longer are inan institution,likely. associating with others like them, “total” the and more the institution is in its restrictions liberty on contact and with subjected the inmates more the are to pains imprisonment, of “outsiders,” likely the and more they “prisonized” become are to in that the inmate they adopt subculture. instance, For Clemmer 2001; 1998). Owen, inmates for defined and (Clemmer, roles values defined broadly criminal in (reprinted 2001) in 1940 subcultural “the as including values thatnotion wily criminals be reliable, should betray other the not to police, each should Also are ultra these values 7). among emphasized (p. trustworthy, etc.” but coolheaded, masculinity solidarity and toughness, of displays and inmates among against and staff (Lutze the types that (inmate typology) Sykes roles of Accordingly, 1958). 1999; Sykes, & Murphy, male prison described adult inmates for Sykes and in their own (1960) Messinger and v or language, are detailed in In Focus 7.2. Though these researchers are identified detailed for language, or these in roles In Focus 7.2. inmates current in 50 years ago, prisons researchers still over Of see them in prisons today. of inmate given any from timecourse, might be time roles expected to change to during his or in simultaneously. than more role incarceration, engage to her one or

Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: Photo 7.3 Inmates in the yard at Mule Creek State Penitentiary in California. 118

119 Prisons v

” is derogatory, fag Chapter 7 Chapter In Focus 7.2 In Focus Sykes and Messinger (1960) Sykes and Messinger the inmate who engages in the underground black market to supply illicit goods and goods and illicit supply to market black underground the who engages in inmate the Inmate Roles Identified by Sykes (1958) and Inmate Roles Identified the inmate who “snitches” on others to staff. Usually such inmates are despised by other inmates inmates despised other by are inmates such on others staff. to Usually who “snitches” inmate the the inmate who agrees with the prison rules and procedures either because procedures either who trying agrees is he curry prison and to with rules the inmate the the inmate who does but identifies staff of with become not free the world values inmate the prisonized, the and the inmate who continually struggles staff, futility system the the and it, of often despite against the to who continually inmate the the inmate who is vulnerable to exploitation by others and cannot stand up to them. Someone who them. to stand up cannot exploitation others to by and vulnerable who is inmate the the inmate who repeatedly claims his innocence of the crime he is incarcerated for. incarcerated is he crime the of innocence his claims who repeatedly inmate the the inmate who aspires to be a tough, but who is really all talk and little action. He chooses his victims little He chooses victims and action. talk his all really but who is be to a tough, who aspires inmate the the inmate who may be aggressive who as may but uses aggression, gain it, of to that tough, threat the the as inmate or just the the inmate who is aggressive, has anger issues, and is touchy, and so is willing to fight at will. fight at to so willing is and touchy, is aggressive, who issues, is and anger has inmate the the inmate who plays the passive, though not unwilling, role in the sexual relationship with another inmate. inmate. with another relationship sexual the in role unwilling, not though passive, the who plays inmate the the unwilling inmate who is coerced or bribed into the passive sexual role vis-à-vis other inmates. This This inmates. vis-à-vis role other passive coerced who the is sexual or bribed into inmate unwilling the the inmate who aggressively and sexually pursues other inmates. He is believed to play a “masculine” a “masculine” play to believed He is inmates. pursues other who aggressively sexually and inmate the the inmate who has just arrived and is not yet adjusted to the ways of the prison. the ways of the to adjusted yet not is and arrived just who has inmate the The squareThe john: outside community. The innocent:The Theball buster: point of foolishness. inmate does not adopt the “feminine” role. “feminine” does the adopt not inmate The punk:The and the assumption that male and female roles are tied to aggression and passivity is dated and limiting, but this term but this tied aggression to roles are passivity female and and limiting, male and that dated is assumption the and Messinger[1960], and ones Sykes the used[1958] Sykes and by are repeating who were these and assumptions was often be to argot meant derogatory and 1950s. inmate late the of As used explains, inmates Sykes by argot the labeled roles the and of others.) itinflammatory as marked He is believed to play a “feminine” role. (Note: The authors of this text acknowledge that the term “ term (Note: the role. text that acknowledge this of authors The a “feminine” play to believed He is The “fag”: The wolf: role. There is no emotion or connection in the sexual act for the wolf; rather, he pursues men in the prison and prison the and in pursues men he wolf; the for rather, act sexual the or in connection emotion no is There role. rapes them. The fish: The weakling: submits to the coercion, or threatened coercion, of the gorilla. the of coercion, or threatened coercion, the to submits The merchant or peddler: advantage. services material for inmates other to The gorilla: inmates. from other something The hipster: selectively to be sure he can in fact conquer them, whereas the tough will fight both the weak and the strong. the fightboth weak the and will tough whereas the them, conquer fact can he in beselectively to sure The tough:The The center man: staff from favor behave. or correct because to the is way that believes he The rat or squealer: rats are so disliked, are Because they sort this behavior. of code regarding inmate the in prohibition the violate they as attacks to inmates. other by vulnerable The right code. guy: supports inmate the embraces who fully and inmate the • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • These roles are played out in out the prisonThese are in played roles a criminal subculture, which becomes a “convict subculture” for Clemmer (2001) when such inmates seek power and information and inmates such when power seek Clemmer subculture” (2001) for “convict so that they the might goods get services and they desire alleviate to those pains of

or groups of people with similar people of groups or interests socialize may who who and together Gangs the Prison and Subculture

Prison vary gangs in both organization from highly composition, and structured as the such Aryangangs Brotherhood Nuestra and Familia with gangs to a less formalizedstructure as the such Mexican Mafia Prison generally Eme). gangs (La members than fewer street are and structuredhave gangs racial ethnic or along lines. prisonpose threat a gangs in because their of theNationally, role transportation distributionand narcotics. of Prison are also gangs an important link between drug- trafficking gangs], [outlaw motorcycle street OMGs and organizations gangs, (DTOs), theoften transfer brokering drugs of in from DTOs gangs Prison to many regions. typically gangs powerful aremore withinstate correctional facilitiesrather than within the penal 1) federal system. (p. Correctional in corrections are so ubiquitous gangs scholars practitionersand believe Moreover and relatedly, more recent research confirms recent more that inmates relatedly, and as are not solidly Moreover 2001; Johnson, 2002; see Conover, Other researchers writers and recent prisons on (e.g., because they meet the needs of inmates for security, goods and services, power, and and becausethethey meet needs inmates goods of security, services, and for power, They the painslessen companionship. in imprisonmentprotection of numbers providing by threats any to theand with potential an respond inmate force They to are conduits might face. v Gangs, in deviant criminal or engage in jails activities, are a common prisons. phenomenon and ingangs prisons jails and website, are by Department the U.S. to (2010) Justice of According definition in criminal engaged activities are and connected through members criminal and with communities. hierarchical a Prison have organizational gangs involvement structure members. often and a set, and As strict, for reported the States conduct United of code by Department Justice, of imprisonment. Owen (1998) noted that some women engage in a version of this of in a version subculture engage that women noted some imprisonment. (1998) Owen might they the the and it be had although relationships by goods tempered theseand roles, inmates in the women different Chapter adopt services about and roles they (more needed that a significant found portion inmates of both Clemmer however, Owen, and Notably, 10). in the prisons male female and all in at they not studied the interested in were being involved subcultureconvict the or in “mix” prisons. thattrouble inmates, to can behavior of Such lead johns.” “square were (1960), Messinger and Sykes and (1958) in the identified argot Sykes by These inmates connect not the to either chose to inmate more to on subculture, they or held traditional from the culture. larger legitimate and values aligned against staff indicate (Hemmens & Marquart, would as the works early 2000; B. J. Johnson, 2002; 1977; Jurik Jurik, & Halemba,Jacobs, 1984; 1985a; Owen, Lombardo, 1982; Many inmates1998). than more or identify as “inmate much values, with values” free world inmateand subculture. find that staff 2010) Rideau, inmates and in personal more engage informal and relationships as well. noted with other than each is a reality formally (1958) acknowledged, that Sykes dynamic hasThe the old staffdiversification changed of gender and ethnicity, race, by between staff inmates, and making staff dissimilar less inmates to the and inmate less world discussion these of matters,“masculinized” see involved a more was (for than previously it formal the of more barriers some break down to continuing perhaps 11), and 10 Chapters between staff inmates and in a total institution. Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: 120

121 Prisons v

Photo 7.4 A California prison inmate displays his tattoos. Chapter 7 Chapter N Aryan Brotherhood (white)

eta (Puerto Rican-American/Hispanic) 2. The history of gangs in prisons is a long one. Sykes (1958) noted that noted the first investigation The history (1958) Sykes in gangs of prisons one. is a long The prison correctional today are of almost gangs for too numerous to authorities 1. for the supply of illicit goods like tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and sex in sex and prisons drugs, illicit of jails. and alcohol, goods the They supply like tobacco, for the diminished substitution for some thatalso provide inmates with relationships those have family friends and the on outside. of the New Jersey State Prison, in 1830, found what they what called a “Stauch-Gang” State the Jersey found of Prison, New firmly in 1830, in terrorizing there engaged and entrenched both inmates staff, and while also planning Kassebaum and (2009) also the Ward importation point out 92). (p. escapes exportation and criminal gang-related of activitybetween state prisons federal and theand streets in the in hishistory the of Stateville (1977), Prison in Jacobs B. Illinois, J. 1920s. observed that prison existed have in asgangs imports decades, that state for from the streets though he Chicago, of theirthought ferocity strength and increased in 1970s. early and 1960s the late in common a criminal have to tend do but the track to Florida of, keep According focus. Department most prison these recruit gangs days Corrections of their (FDOC) (2010), membership based ethnicity on Both the and race. FDOC or the government federal report in stronger male prisons,that are will much gangs gangs and conspire with others, even protection increaseand rivalso asprovide their theto Aryan gangs, criminal (e.g., reach withmightBrotherhood sometimes Guerrilla membersthe work of Black Family—despite the racial hatred other—if their of each members will for it increase their drug The sales). identifiesFDOC the six prison website major in gangs America as follows:

- (2008), in 2006 50% about the of state prison B Mexican Mafia (Mexican-American/Hispanic) La Nuestra Familia (Mexican-American/Hispanic) SyndicateTexas (Mexican-American/Hispanic) ets,internal and discipline. past facility rules regulations. and jails, as well as 13 homicides injails, homicides the as community. 13 as well involved in 26 homicides, 3 of which involved staff in victims. involved which 3 of 26 homicides, involved Violence Prison introduction activities include contraband, of distribution drugs, of getting and Themain activities the of ABdrug on are centered trafficking,extortion, pressurerack Traditionally, targets have been non-gang inmates targets been non-gang have internal and discipline. Traditionally, members committed 40 in 1985, to homicides California prisons 1975 From local and From 1978 to 1992, AB members, 1992, to suspects, associates and in system the 1978 were federal From

Guerrillalack Family (black)

• • • • •

Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics Criminal Sourcebook of 3. 4. 5. 6. Because of their underground engagement in prisonBecause their of crime engagement underground the and rivalries that • • • • • Because the of threat the security prison for present gangs the of institution the and population were incarcerated for violent offenses. As was mentioned earlier, prisons As offenses. as earlier, a was mentioned violent incarcerated for were population are runningwhole Maximum 109% at medium and security capacity. of prisons hold to tend the rules with problems following in have offenses inmates who or more violent of convicted this to Add outbursts. mixprisons, experience violent to as and likely theya result are more v Why Prisons Are Violent is prisons. endemic to in ThereViolence prisons is violence because are incarcerated people things do there to unwillingly; they with may they people do, normally forced not would like;not most and important all, of to them of some are inclined According be to violent. the develop between gangs, even those with members of the same ethnic backgrounds (e.g., those with membersbetweeneven the of same ethnicgangs, (e.g., backgrounds develop the Mexican Mafia both the Mexican La and Nuestra Familia) are sworn enemies. Moreover, Mafia La and Nuestra Because these Familia of rivalries, Syndicate. are rivals the of Texas jails membership prisons and in gang classification consider constantly to decisions. have turf, isWhether of it members, fights of other protection the some issue, presence or over in activities disruption gang and murder to prisons. leads gangs instance, even and For the Aryan the to FDOCaccording Brotherhood (2010) (AB) disruptions prisons of include the following: safety staff of in inmates, and their managers involvement try gang suppress or control to facilities. The first in step this is process the identification members gang of their and leaders. identified,Once correctional staff will try separate to other. members from each leaders and most prisons of the crowding given prison and systems, is it almost to impossible However, what Therefore, the separationtactic as suppression. and means a control employ of always they are often left with is the punishing activity monitoring gang of as possible, and, as much neutralizingor members their gang reducing and impact in system. a given Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: 122

123 Prisons v

Figure 7.1 Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics (2010). Chapter 7 Chapter 1985 1990 1995 2000 Prisons Jails 1980 0 50 Homicide Rate, 1980–2003 Homicides Per 100,000 Inmates 100 Prisons Jails 1985 1990 1995 2000 It might well be that might well thisIt myth has than more a grain truth of in in it, that prison rapes 1980 0 50 Suicide Rate, 1980–2003 Suicides Per 100,000 Inmates 100 Sexual Assaults Aswasin discussed sexual prisonsof the amount jails,violence 5, and in Chapter based on inmate surveys official and statistics, is The becoming data increasingly indicate that clear. prison4.4% of inmates was which perpetrated experienced sexual in year, assault a given such Whether the of other either amount inmatesby staff or 1). p. & Harrison, (Beck 2010, in facilities some over might it be prevalent more assaults is why and down trending or up othersare be matters to determined yet longitudinal more Certainly, by research. though horrific the in inmate mind for underestimation keeping and experiencing the it, likely of victimization,4.4% a sexual victimization fit doesthe not sexual“myth” of victimization regarding prisons,that believe a myth many people that predicts particularly that everyone, prison goes to males, & Krienert, will who young be (Fleisher raped 2009). are underreported that or common. The in those more of percentage the past was much it The Amount of Violence is it difficult deaths violence, of to with determine to due the exception the exact However, in prisons. violence of Correctionalamount institutions underreport to tend and its incidence, 2008). (Byrne Hummer, & constitutes what thereviolence is variation facilities about across inmates they report witness to experience are or staff. reluctant to the violence Relatedly, With regarding official these caveats statistics in mind, Stephan Karberg and found, (2003) datausing from correctional collected institutions the States, that around United the number assaults staffof on inmates and increased in 2000 state prisons to federal and from 1995 and thatthat the the size of increase institutions. private was greatest for however, They note, do staff on theassault of rate the number assaults of per staff (or decreased person) slightly that during based data this the in on BJS presented 7.1, Figure time also know, period. We both in rates homicide and jails the suicide prisons and 2003. decreased to from 1980 have the presence of gangs and their and their gangs of willingnessthe criminal achieve presence to use to force ends, and the possibility inprisons violence of rises.

(New Of course, Attica instrumental violence,instrumental instrumental and expressive expressive violence. expressive both New Mexico Prison Mexico At Attica,New Riot 1980. of the riot began of 1971 and the and Prison Riot 1971 of Being that the prison staff a riot, to the respond inmates to unprepared were easily took Inthethe end, inmates inmates administrators and (the an agreement to come not could The two instances most notorious inmate of rioting date occurred to in the York) inmate one by againstwith a spontaneous violence act of an the officer officer when tried other inmates when the next day spread became The a fight. involved violence break up to the punishment the of two fighting inmates avenge to Broadcasting Service (Public [PBS], 2000). Theriot because inmates also spread frustrated were angry and the overcrowded about programming of lack conditions and inmates, with other for problems the among conditions charges racism of There rationed. were were paper toilet and confinement;of showering even the mostlyby African American inmates regarding their treatment the mostly by white staff at Attica & Kimball,this to (Useem Add as well the student protests 1989). against the Vietnam the and that civil roiled the had country rights theWar of Attica movement outside prison walls within there was tension was why clear it and them. 1970s, in 1960s/early the late the Atticaover prison, burning buildings some eventually and in yard congregating one with their 2000). 40 hostages (PBS, In the between negotiations the inmate the and leaders administration, better the inmates health food, care, the and for ability asked practice to observers, A number of their politicians of composed religion. media and members, tried to intervene Some inmates avail. in no to the but negotiations, killed three other inmates and Rockefeller, Governor also which impaired hostage, one Moreover, the ability negotiate. to was soft considering a run the thewho appear White time, to at on want House not did for crime being too soft by the on rioting inmates. the orders, prison Rockefeller’s Governor on amnestywanted eventually, the and rioters) for reasons. An inmate who wants to protest the overcrowding of her institutionreasons. her of An riot let inmate may to the wants overcrowding protest to who might she the confinement of conditions but about (instrumental know the world violence), also be and angry the and hasability housing thecrowding on effect such sleep, about to inmates as When enough a means in it. expressing this of violent become engage violence is it called a riot. together, but when it isit just an when angrybut is thenit outburst, known as for be involved a riot or could inmates in violence engaged raped or sexuallyraped or declined, the prison of rate have may the way assaulted assaults appears the years as corrections over has “total” less become the number) not (though done have to in as its and operation, and the isolation courts recognized inmates’ have some rights and training staff of has increased. (2008) there are many As note, Stowell and Byrne, Hummer, established in isyet not staffing violence effect on crowding) and whose levels (e.g., factors the research. Rioting Rioting presents direct a violence. is group It threatRioting the to is violence. another of form security the of institution the and inmates in the is and by it often with met reciprocal force staff administration and the of prison. Prison been as existed riots there have as have long Connecticut of prisons, prisons. there were “prison” Recall in (see before the fact Newgate their of inmates incarceration.where confined minemuch were 2), copper a to for Chapter Inmates repeatedly rioted throughout the history Newgate at its of In operation. virtually fact, every maximum medium and security has experienced some prison, with longevity, any in rioting of inmates inmates.form in by by is general, engaged Rioting, to violence and inmates or or anger might of riot out power, or like better end some housing or food achieve is it knownend, some as frustration. is used achieve to violence When Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: 124

125 Prisons v

Chapter 7 Chapter . As identified defined and Johnson, by Mature and means, like in dealing a responsive coping problems essence, with life’s the rightsviolating without of seeks autonomy who humanone being, responsible others, security others to relatedness and resorting without violence, or deception to 83) (p. as the finest fullest and human of identity. expression Asthis indicated by definition, with be needsto anlearn adult the to offender how The state indicted 60 inmates a number crimes of murder and for sodomy including Prison the Mexico New the confinement,In of conditions in also 1980, a riot exploded over some autonomy in an environment formally where the autonomy some individual has little (although power the informal reality his and be may different) status her or is almost wider by subhuman Prison violence, whether by individuals or groups of rioters, individuals occurs of by groups whether or in partPrison violence, because some interact, to interacting,inmates of with know how not do others or without capable are not In his corrections, research on violence. the mortification, that Johnson noticed (2002) despite prisonization, pains and experienced different to incarcerated degrees by individuals, some in a prison setting. Though the exception grow, to even prosocially, adjust to able were rather than the that rule, another noted inmates means This some he adjusting. of developed alternative means handling of incarceration, supervision or in and the case probationers of is matureparolees, coping Mature Coping was stormed by the state police and by correctional staff. Tear gas correctional was was dropped stormed from police the by and state by police staff. Tear yard, the and inmates into the occupied indiscriminatelyhelicopters their and were hostages 29 and fired hostages withshotguns upon thestaff 10 by As consequence, a police. and theinmates dying prison or when dead was secured, were another and 80 inmates had & Kimball, was the riotgunshot bloodiest in It (Useem American wounds 1989). history. stand in to naked the then humiliated and beaten Inmates, were injured ones, (forced even denied. or medical and care was delayed hours), for yard Years (Gonnerman, 1). inmates arising only the of riot, eight p. convicted but out were 2001, wrangling the legal to of the eventually to $8 led million the York state New by of award inmates tortured beaten or were who after 2000). the riot (PBS, In 2005, the state out paid millionanother $12 the to survivors killed families and in the employees aftermath of the of riot (Kirshon, 2010). repeated Despite levels. epidemic which was at crowding, and deplorable, which were warnings theadministration occur, that to riot a was going staff and adequately to failed a staff When prepare. in up a securitymember slipped measure locking a down when dormitory the with was grabbed, night, he inmates and his for along keys, quickly advanced through the prison, taking the including pharmacy cellblocks, several of control shops. and as a result, brutal and readily available Drugs were inmate-on-inmate weapons and violence ensued. thisof Some was particularly violence focused inmate on child and snitches in Rioting housed a separate were cellblock. who inmates into thismolesters broke cellblock gruesomeand assaults these of murders and vicious inmates and committed. were The state the Attica.eventually prison at the that retook resulting without However, bloodshed happened inmates the 33 course killed 3 days, of were over other by inmates. other inmates, Numerous with staffalong raped, millions and or beaten were hostages, dollars of in damage was done Useem & Kimball, 1985; In(Useem, the aftermath 1989). this of riot, was Mexico sued New times.several The state a number medium build minimum of and did security prisons following the main at the riot, facility. eased which the overcrowding

to be involved beto involved

by Johnson, and by Furman v. Georgia v. Furman niches (defined below) niche Such a facility Such necessarily does more not have decent prison. In Focus 7.3 The Story of Wilbert Rideau Being secure from violence, like autonomy, is basic to human development. In fact, In fact, human to development. is basic like autonomy, Being secure violence, from Johnson (2002) notes that mature coping is relatively rare the that inmateJohnson among notes (2002) mature is relatively population coping Johnson argues inmates (2002) that if is for it maturely helpful to they cope, areSecondly, in. In order for inmates to find this niche, however, decent prisons need to include some some prisons decent include to need inmatesin. In for find order to this however, niche, opportunities inmates for to act autonomously. if the security is (1998), need fulfilled, not Maslow to according will it offenders preoccupy that bullying activity) they gang normally or in (e.g., behaviors them engage to motivate and continually if threatened feeling not they (Johnson, were might avoid 2002). Then, assuming be there to prosocial need safe, activities, that is he relatively thatperceives the offender treatment, art or athletic, church, school, programs, sort some work, thatincluding of provide are termed places Such reinforcement. self-value positive meansfor theopportunities the mortification redress for they provide painsand afford that offenders, particularly are those incarcerated, who experience. programming, staffing, amenities or than the norm, thinks he though if might it be helpful would and institutions such did; freeit violence of rather, be programs or relatively would opportunities some include so that inmates might find a community standards. Moreover, offenders must accomplish this feat without doing violence violence this doing without accomplish feat must offenders community standards. Moreover, others—thoughto in be may necessary— self-defense that Johnson allows violence (2002) others of in consideration their exercise theyand to need environment. a numberreasons. of argues He thatfor inmatesare typicallyimmature in their social begin to the of relations is reasons with, one course, of they which, are in prison in the parenting, mental illness,first Because impoverishment, of abusive or poor absent or place. thatschools failthem that or the they enter criminal fail, offenders justice system with a They deficits. economic and areoften used voluntarily not to number social, of psychological, taking responsibility expect their “mature” of actions individuals, for would as are one nor they typically expected “[e]mpathize to with assist especially and others in in a prison need,” jailor 93). environment (p. incarcerated in terms he what a Lake Charles of the 1950s was segregated and restricted the opportunities of African Americans to advance in any 1950s any the of in Charles Lake was segregated restricted advance opportunities to the and Americans African of years on death at row 10 spent He then received a death sentence. and was convicted Rideau 19, of age the at 1961, In Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: Wilbert Rideau, an African American, grew up poor to laborer parents in Lawtell, Louisiana, in the 1940s the in 1950s. and Lawtell, The in Louisiana, poor parents up laborer to grew American, African an Wilbert Rideau, Charles, Lake settling in eventually work, for town looking small town to segregated the state small from around moved family Wilbert when family the abandoned he children; the later and mother his abused and womanized, drank, father His Louisiana. welfare. on went family his and was a teenager, bettertown for leaving of means a as and shop, sewing a at job low-paying his at After advancement profession. was denied he bank three He kidnapped robbery wrong. The horribly bank. went a nearby opportunities, rob to attempted Wilbert Rideau after robbery immediately botched bank the almost Once in attempt. caught, another, shooting and one killing employees, confession presentedwas was his coerced, evidence the tried, being of was instead nearly he lynched crimes, the committing had and woman, another shot had committed had he murder, the admitted that he But counsel. inadequate had he and false, people. three kidnapped the prison when the of population released general the to He was eventually Louisiana. in Prison Angola the 126

127 Prisons v

Photo 7.5 . The number of ill people incarcerated in prisons America’s and jails has grown in tandem with the number of elderly inmates. Chapter 7 Chapter an inmate newspaper inmate an (2010), Rideau discusses how as an inmate inmate discusses an how as Rideau (2010), and doing work that was He won worthwhile. work that doing and Angolite, Angolite Special Populations Special Rideau was released from prison in 2005 after a court found that his original trial had been mishandled. He had spent a total spent He had was released 2005 prison from in beenRideau had mishandled. trial after original his a court that found In the Place of Justice: A Story of Punishment and Deliverance and Punishment of A Story Justice: of Place book the his In In

he grew—you might say he maturely coped—by finding a niche at the the at coped—by a niche grew—youhe maturely say he might finding forward-thinking one world present by the to to wasallowed he that prison life about writing uncensored the for acclaim critical to reluctant were wardens subsequent other beenpattern prison paper had uncensored Once established, this an of warden. by allowed waseven Rideau and becameoutsideworld, writing the Because known in tried. his they though down, him shut access him wardens to power of allowed a form had that he groups, community to talk prison to the leave to wardens several and inmates, avert to violence against access used some he inmates, this help to Rideau, to of prisons. According directors and reflect to and crimes his regret to plenty had time of He also programming. and treatment of direction the in steer wardens to stereotypes. own racial his but also He observed inmate the of life, workings the his in confronted had he racism the only on not rules. the within staying it and between line a fine upholding learned walk to prisoncode and in whom wife with his He lives less was 10. crime than his for norm the when conviction, his since prisons and 44of jails years in free him. to working years life her of many spent had She gigs outside prison. of 20 speaking met he years his of on one before (1972) Supreme Court case invalidated death sentences around the country. He served the rest of his sentence, another 33 He servedanother sentence, country. the rest the his of death sentences Court around Supreme case invalidated (1972) most the of it editor of was the during and prison, Angola infamous years, the at v Mentally and Ill the and Physically The Elderly in jails theAs number the of in elderly 5, prisons and mentioned Chapter is increasing at As an exponential rate. America mandatory and laws other and ages such sentences

in asthe States a came United about deinstitutionalization the mentally of ill E E E prisons, are less likely to have a supportive family a supportive themprisons, friends the or have on to waiting for likely are less more even plan reintegration or parole a of the development makes which outside, them. challenging for The incarceration cost of increases accommodate the to extra medical care to needed maintain people; older draineconomic the on system; them; on prey the prison, making in,them for, or inmates afurther work to lderly able are less inmates inmates may that lderly require who may is separate younger housing from inmates, all inlderly or particularly lives their of much spent adult have those who

1. As elderly inmates Asnecessarily elderly drain a such present correctional state federal and on The number ill of incarcerated prisons in people America’s jails and has grown in tandem inmates such The extent for depends medical of the care on jurisdiction, provided with some their to Most larger jails a section inmates devoted have with medical complaints. Larger The mentally number of ill inmates has also grown prisons, in to not America’s though The 2. 3. 4. lengthen sentences, correctionallengthen sentences, are populations graying. There are a number collateral of that from thisconsequences derive them most of unintended: fact, budgets, it might make sense for states to rethink states to sensemight make it for correctional and budgets, laws the sentencing this thepractices that to graying led about prison of nationally rethinking populations (more so is do support exponential not to the growth continued To in the the of last book). chapter in correctional the expense at budgets priorities. all of other budget inmates.with the number At elderly this of juncture, than more 33% inmates of in jail, 44% instate prison, 39% and in prison federal report an illness serious the thanmore or cold a flu (Maruschak, 2008, see 1; also 2006). p. a 2004 to According survey state of federal and prison inmates Statistics, Justice of the Bureau by medical the two problems most prevalent prison inmatesfor arthritis were hypertension and (Maruschak, 2008). elderly and Women inmates in prisons, as in jails, report than medical more problems other do inmates. better providing Prisons of thelevel, and states, Bureau the federal some at and counties larger care than other jurisdictions. 70% that to about 2004 the of state 76% According and of study, the prison federal inmates with the at reported medical problems seeing a medical professional theirprison illness, about than more and 80% reported medical a exam receiving their since in those even jurisdictionsadmission (Maruschak, that and can to, afford However, 2008, 1). p. is medical it often care, minimal. decent provide do, Dentistry typically consists pulling of teeth and medicalrathercare than is provided, filling crowning preventive even or much them. Not the common medication. of response complaints to is the provision prisonsinstitutions prison inmatesor to systemswhole buildings or often devoted with have medical maladies. The staffing sections, such of institutions buildings, or again varies by jurisdiction the and ability willingness and qualified the high pay cost for to staff (Vaughn in a jail prison or Working medical & Smith,& Carroll, facility 1999). 1998; has not Vaughn usually been the medical first of is surprising personnel, so it and not choice that might be it hard recruit to the best personnel. keep and the same extent as has it As in the jails 5). jails the Chapter grounds became (see for dumping mentally ill these of after some inmates mental health with in hospitals closed chronic the 1970s, in themselves mental a prison & Johnson, illnesses 2008). environment found (Slate have effort increase the of result the and to civil related the rights rights movement powerless of Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: 128

129 Prisons v

Photo 7.6 Transgender jail Transgender inmates, exercising the from separately main jail inmate population. Chapter 7 Chapter Unfortunately, and as with those who have major medical problems, most prisons medical major problems, as and with have those who Unfortunately, the providing of cost say, Needless to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and and Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, InmatesTransgender bisexual, lesbian, The true number gay, of transgenderand inmates (LGBT) in corrections to is known. not According Gary Gates (personal communication, with a demographer 2011), March 14, the Williams Institute theat University Californiaof Law, of Los School Angeles estimates, based surveys on that query that suggest identity, gender about people 3%about 5% to the of free community bisexual. or lesbian, notes He are gay, that the number transgender of people people (Slate & Johnson, 2008). Too many people were civilly were & Johnson, committedmany people 2008). (Slate people mental to health Too Ininstitutions was thought. protection, it recourse addition, or legal any years without for the GlaxoSmithKline) pharmaceutical Smith, Kline,company (now pushed & French its drug, Thorazine, mental illness as a potential for “cure” were with who state legislators mental health institutionsclosing by Johnson, & 2008). money (Slate save to As eager legal restrictions civil on commitment the of mentally as and state ill the across country, spread turned the claims be the believed to unfounded) of pharmaceutical legislators out (which their states closed counties and mental their health reduced hospitalsor capacities company, Congress passed the Communitysignificantly. ended which Mental Health Act in 1963, mental Instead, health hospitals. support fund the of for was Congress to federal less much restrictive institutional as alternatives halfway facilities such were outpatient and houses, community underfundedeither by facilities such shunted want or members not did who in their Johnson, & 2008). neighborhoods (Slate Thus, an unintended of consequence this services in deinstitutionalization public available wasthat few there were movement communities assist to the mentally ill their and families. Jails, then and prisons, became the ground. mental dumping health facto de patient jails and are ill-equipped -staffed and handle to mentally ill inmates. There are difficulties in a prison, behave to understandin not do diagnosis, who how management people of in and devising a reentry prison employment, appropriate programming developing and & Johnson, 2008).plan (Slate Any treatment programming waiting lists. has long available Sometimes staff be that to concerned need the mentally ill inmates require from protection protect other to and inmatespredation, outbursts the they on violent will an eye keep to need mentallyof ill patients as they might injure others. medical mental and health care an to aging ill and correctional population as these However, is cost-prohibitive. inmatessuch access to are unable servicesin their communities, to due incarceration, costs such be must borne.

Mature coping is one way that correctional clients Mature coping is one way that correctional clients reformcan fruitfully “adjust” and perhaps that in environment. Special population inmates present unique challenges for administrators interested in meeting their needs and keeping them safe in the correctional environment. “Total institutions” exist to different degrees, depending“Total on the security level and operation of prisons. Gangs and violence are one way that inmates “adjust” to their environment and have their needs met and their pain alleviated. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ - As the in lesbians, exact and with transgender number of communities people gays is Protecting sexual identity minorities gender orientation and in prisons presents a prisons, as with racial ethnic and In women’s minorities, be there to more appears in the community is also Based unknown, these less. 1% on or is estimates, likely but we expectmight reasonably that in are similar represented prisons. group each In for percentages as heterosexualaddition, are formally relations restricted in prisons, there of is percentage some in inmatesmale female homosexual and while engage relations who incarcerated,though they that the found his Lieb and free. (2011) they colleagues were so when done have never may with sex had in men ever the free community have who number men of 6.4%. around ranges in sexual that engage might the with expect, who number men of relations other therefore, We whilemen in prison 6% around is likely higher. or unknown, being this that on their they often feelings keep matter knowing hidden they might be 2005). marginalized In prisons, & Potter, the number transgender of (Tewksbury inmates male large prisons although is also difficult will often many know, (Sexton, to house 2010) as in cited Sexton al., et (2007, colleagues Jenness her and 2010). Jenness, Sumner, in theirfound study transgender of inmates female in California prisons that they are much than likely more other inmates (59% non-transgender inmates) 4.4% for to as to compared report being sexually while assaulted in prison. administrators, for challenge particularly in male prisons. posturing and Male bravado strength off ward and show to attacks is common in male prisons, males makes which If is predation. unwilling fronts or or one such are targets abuse on unable who put for to a transgender inmate but male, in a male biologically prison, was once a person or who through dress, hormonalmount. the challenges treatment, surgery and/or female, a isnow only administrators must Not the safety the of inmate, about they be must concerned but medical treatment, housing. and privacy, needs accommodate her to also for figure a way out prisonsIn few response, some are considering recognizing the likelihood in assault of classification transgender inmates decisions for accommodating and their requests for that 2010). fitshousing their (Sexton al., et gender both of transgender and acceptance lesbian inmates; part this of have may greater acceptance with do to the sense inmates that direct women have experience with marginalization and understanding are more therefore those vary of who from the norm in sexual orientation or in with do prisons to women the of need lesser might Or it have defend to identity. gender other of from predation inmates; physically sexualthemselves and the violent attacks of amount prisons, as as far thisin facilities. can women’s than be determined, is it in lower men’s is much Corrections: The Essentials The Corrections: Prisons come in various shapes and security Prisons come in various shapes and security levels. varying degrees, inmates experience mortifica To certain in engage and roles certain adopt Inmates behaviors because they are prisonized and adopt the subculture, or because they import aspects of the culture from the outside community into the prison. tion and pain related to their status, and as humans they will behave in either pro- or antisocial ways to ameliorate that pain. ■ ■ ■ 130 ■ ■ ■ Summary Chapter 7 v Prisons 131

Key Terms

Attica Prison Riot Maximum security prisons Prison subculture Deinstitutionalization Medium security prisons Prisonization of the mentally ill Minimum security prisons Prisons Gangs Mortification Supermax prisons Importation New Mexico Prison Riot Total institution Mature coping Pains of imprisonment

Discussion Questions

1. Which prison, from our history of prison chapters, of imprisonment. Discuss how and why this might most reminds you of super maximum security pris- be so. ons? What were the problems with this historical prison? Based on what we know of that prison from 4. What are the attributes of gangs that make them our history, what problems do you foresee arising appealing to inmates in prisons? How might that with the supermax prisons of today? appeal be reduced by prison managers? 2. Define what a total institution is and how it might vary 5. How might correctional clients configure their envi- by type of correctional arrangement (e.g., probation, ronment to ensure their own reform? How might we, parole, jail, prison) and inmate status. as citizens, assist them in that endeavor? 3. Inmate subcultures are thought to be related to the 6. What might be the most effective strategies for manag- concepts of prisonization, importation, and the pains ing special populations in prisons?

Useful Internet Sites

American Correctional Association: www.aca.org Federal Bureau of Prisons: www.bop.gov American Friends Service Committee (a Quaker The Sentencing Project: www.sentencingproject.org organization interested in correctional reform): www .afsc.org The Williams Institute—UCLA School of Law: www .law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute Bureau of Justice Statistics (information available on all manner of criminal justice topics): http://bjs.ojp Vera Institute (information available on a number of .usdoj.gov/ corrections-related topics): www.vera.org