Prison Inmate Talk

Being able to tithe is very important to some inmates who come from a church background. In continuing with the biblical principles of tithing, inmates have come up with a couple of great ideas with the little compensation they do receive from serving on a work detail.

One form of tithing is to purchase something in the commissary that the inmates home church may need on a regular basis. The most common is stamps because they can easily be mailed to the church and provide a great service to the church’s mailing needs.

The other way of tithing is done within the prison camp itself. This was organized by men having an internal church which was lead by the inmates. Yes, the prison administration did allow it and it was supported by the use of the chapel and musical instruments provided. The tithing and offering consisted of inmates buying items such as shower shoes, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, etc. and create a sort of toiletry care package to give new inmates who arrive at the camp.

The toiletry care package also sparked the generosity of others and it became a federal prison camp ministry. This ministry is greatly appreciated by all the inmates and welcomed because of the lack of funds when coming in.

Praise God! Tithing and giving is alive and well even in the prison system.

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One of the highlights and special treat to all inmates in the federal prison camp is movie night. Every Friday night at 7:00 pm practically all the inmates are huddled around a TV to watch the latest movie just released on DVD.

It’s one of the quieter times in the camp and the rooms are filled with the smell of fresh popped popcorn and everyone has their favorite snack and drink just like the movie theater. With no commercials to interrupt it becomes one of the most peaceful times for everyone.

It’s amazing to hear all the commentaries after the movie. Just about everyone voices an opinion of some degree, good and bad revues but within an hour or so things get back to a normal routine.

The movie will also play a few times more during Saturday and Sunday at various times. On holidays when there is a three day weekend there is usually two movies played.

Like mail call, movie night is one of the expected treats that all inmates look forward to and the complaints are minimal except for the talking and comments during viewing time.

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What is a call out sheet? A call out sheet is simply a print out by the BOP to alert inmates where they need to be the next day. The call out sheet is posted by the correctional officer’s office or a local bulletin board for all inmates to see, usually in the late afternoon.

A typical example of a call out sheet would be for a medical appointment, visit with the case manager or counselor, change in a work detail, etc. Call outs can also be in response to a cop out that was submitted for an appointment.

It’s the inmate’s responsibility to check the call out sheets when they are posted. Any scheduled call outs missed by the inmate will be subjected to questioning and possible disciplinary action. If you fail to show up at the appointed time or designated area they will come looking for you.

Now there are times when you will be late, a good example of this is on a work detail that requires your time to complete a task. The officer in charge will call or radio in ahead and explain the situation for a valid excuse. Then it’s just a matter of rescheduling for the next call out.

Courtesy of some inmates will alert you of your name being on the call out. Be sure to verify the statement yourself by checking the call out because sometimes it may be somebody else name. The call out sheet will be very clear with your name, registration number, time and location of where you need to be. Also make a point of thanking the inmate who alerted you.

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Every inmate has certain rights and they exercise those rights by an orderly format set-up by the Bureau of Prison. This format is a written request form submitted to the prison staff which is commonly known as a cop-out.

For example, if an inmates needs to see a doctor for headaches, he must fill out a cop-out form asking for medical services. The cop-out is then submitted by dropping it off at a designated location (like a mail slot). All cop-outs are then sorted, prioritized and directed to the correct prison staff or department (medical services in the example) and then you just wait for a reply. Replies to your request are then routed through the internal prison mail system and distributed during mail call.

Cop-outs are like the legal source of communication with prison administration. Whether it’s a complaint about living conditions or other inmates, your opinion about the food, a request to change bunks, need of medical attention, asking for a change in work details, making suggestions or just thanking the staff. Cop-outs keep things flowing and are designed to maintain a certain order with the camp administration and inmates.

Filling out a cop-out forms needs to be first clear and specific it has to be dated because sometimes it’s first come first serve and most importantly, retain a copy for your own records because they have been known to get lost.

Now a word of caution, cop-outs can be a good thing like requesting a bottom bunk which puts you on a waiting list to the next available one or asking to see a doctor. Here is the caution, if you complain about the facility or another inmate and it’s been repetitious don’t be surprised if the TV is suddenly taken away and inmates begin to avoid you and keeping a watchful eye over every move you make. In other words pick you battle carefully because there may be consequences.

If you do have to make a valid complaint, make it in the form of a suggestion and don’t press the issue. Also be careful of group complaints and suggestions, it may seem like a good idea to stand in numbers but in the prison system it may look like a group (gang) being organized. Remember, they are paranoid and suspicious.

Use the cop-out forms in moderation and good conduct because they are there to assist you. Valid and just request build a reputation of honest character among the staff and other inmates. Once your honor and character has been noted, it may be the very thing that gets your next request processed quicker.

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In the recent aftermath of Hurricane Gustav and now Hurricane Ike hitting the Texas coast I felt the need to post this article about the hurricane worries that inmates deal with in prison.

I was still an inmate in Pollock federal prison camp when Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita hit the coast line in 2005. Therefore having an accurate account of what each inmate saw, heard and talked about each day. Pollock being close to Alexandria, LA meant a lot of inmates from the surrounding coastline and a number of them from New Orleans.

The main worry for each inmate was not for themselves but for their families. This was a time where each inmate truly felt the burden of incarceration and having their hands tied by not being able to do anything. This was especially hard for me because my family living on the coastal edge of Terrebonne parish. So as you can imagine I was a bit concern.

Inmates would be glued to the TV every minute they could, watching closely where the storm would hit. Anxiety of watching and the equal gain of frustration of not being able to help were in every inmate’s thoughts. Even though we had limited phone use some inmates did get word that their loved ones have left or were in the process of leaving. The problem of talking or reaching them after they sought refuge was limited because of our list of approved phone numbers. So it became a waiting game and test of each inmate’s patients as to when they would hear from their families again.

Prayers and hopes were now the comfort most inmates took as they watch the storms hit their hometown. Trusting God to protect and look after their loved ones. I for one can remember praying that God would watch over and protect my family. My testimony in saying that is I felt the peace of God telling me that He was protecting them and not to be worried or concern. Praise God!

After the hurricanes past was another matter. Inmates watching TV were now becoming restless and wanted to help even more with the clean up but again the burden of incarceration became even harder for them. I recall the anger some inmates felt as they watched the state and federal government being caught unprepared as relief slowly poured into the devastated areas. Inmates did manage to release some of that tension of anger by yelling at the TV and drawing comfort from other inmates who would listen as they shared. I for one decided not to watch because I knew it would just frustrate me, so I just provided a listening ear to help the others.

Inmates did take great comfort as they watched and received news reports of local people helping their neighbors and finally being able to reach their family members back on the phone. I for one was extremely grateful to God for protecting my family and providing many cousins and family members to help. A few months later I was able to thank them personally and continue with the cleanup and getting back to life.

It was wonderful to see the many people flock to the coastline and help anyone in need. I want to now extend my deep gratitude and thanks to everyone who volunteers and takes time out of their busy schedule to help a neighbor and citizen of this great country. God’s love truly shines when we help each other, God bless you.

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You might be saying at this point. “Yea, right, fun in a prison camp, I don’t think so.” Well I am here to tell you that inmates are very resourceful and they do find ways and make time for fun.

A going away party is one of the most frequently celebrated events of fun. Each time an inmate is scheduled to leave the camp and go home his friends and buddies planned a party. This plan starts by everyone pitching in to buy certain items from the commissary such as drinks and chips. Now on some occasions where all the inmates are honoring an individual that everybody likes, the food service inmates would get involved and with the use of the kitchen cook chili and even fried chicken. While everybody was eating some inmates would take turns and share something about the inmate leaving. I’ll have to admit that I’ve heard some very heart warming stories.

Another fun time was sports tournaments. Very well organized by inmates and supported by the BOP recreational staff with equipment and awards. Baseball was the one everybody favored and got involved with either playing it or as a spectator. Volleyball and basketball games were also times when inmates enjoyed the fun of rooting for their favorite team and gave way to a lot of after game conversation.

The Super Bowl is another event that inmates have a lot of fun. Men will not be stopped from there favorite past time whether in prison or out. This is an event that is well planned and just about everyone gets involved. Commissary purchases are coordinated, food service workers are ready and even the correctional officers are flexible with excitement. With all the food, laughter and men yelling at the TV and you would think that it was Sunday in your own living room with friends and family back home.

One of the most unique events that I still remember clearly is the fun that occurred on Christmas Eve. Each inmate is handed a large bag of various eating treats by the BOP staff. The fun is watching every inmate run all around bartering and negotiating for selective goods they like most. It’s actually very hilarious and serious at the same time and goes on throughout the day and evening. Very entertaining!

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Inmates in the federal prison camps are surrounded by many emotions and the majority of them are of a negative nature. One of those uncomfortable feelings that I quickly notice was suspicion.

Being new in the camp I knew the other inmates would be curious but after a week or so I realized that their curiosity was actually being suspicious of who I was. Inmates want to know if you are a man of your word, someone they can trust and will you follow the prison motto of “see nothing and hear nothing”. Be cautious of the time spent in the company of a correctional officer, innocent as it may be, there is still a group of inmates closely watching you.

So where does this suspicion come from? It comes from the ones who are doing something illegal in the camp and they are constantly looking over their shoulder for inmates that might expose them to the officers. The others are the one who have already been victims of conspiracy, someone who already had another person tell such as an informant or rat and was prosecuted for it. Once I understood where it was coming from it was easier to avoid being a suspect and becoming the latest topic of rumors and gossip.

Suspicion is so high in a prison camp that any misinterpreted information can be damaging to your character. So what do you do in a case like that? The answer is simple you confront the issue by talking with the inmate spreading the rumor and correct the facts by telling them the truth. Answer all their questions when they ask about your conduct because it’s your word of honor that inmates come to respect.

Even after you set yourself as a man of integrity and honor there are still some that will be suspicious but amongst the group of respected inmates your character is one of trust and those are the ones you want on your side, the side of truth.

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Upon immediate self-surrender to a federal prison camp, the new inmate is given a registration number from the BOP (bureau of prisons). This registration number consist of 8 digits (xxxxx-xxx), the first 5 are the next set of numbers available but the last 3 are regional identification which indicate the city and state you are from.

This new number begins the administrative file, medical and dental records, and commissary funds account. It also becomes the inmate’s property ID number because the staff stamps it on your clothes and etched on personal items like padlocks and radios.

Inmates are responsible in remembering this number because during 4:00 pm count time they are asked to say their number while officers verify their picture in a log book with the ID number.

Each inmate is also given an identification card with their number and picture printed on it. It’s also the card they use to get commissary items. Basically it’s like a debit card. All inmates must carry this card while on a their work detail because correctional officers and other prison camp staff will ask for your ID when they choose to question you for any reason.

This number is also vital with the mail. All mailings going in and out of the prison camp must have the inmate’s registration number on it. Failing to write the number will deny letters coming in and they will also be rejected in mailing them out. A bit of advice, it’s best to print the inmate’s number on every page of your letters and inside every book cover to ensure proper delivery to your loved one.

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Watching TV is one of the inmates’ most dominate pastime. I have seen inmates sit in front of the TV for 5 hours straight, from the time they get off their work detail to the time they go to bed.

TV viewing is a little different in a prison camp than the way it’s done at home, the difference is that you need a radio. All TV programs are shown with no sound. Inmates have to get a radio in order to hear the TV shows and each TV location in the prison has a different frequency for the various shows. Pretty good idea, each inmate can listen to his radio as loud as he wants.

With all that TV watching, radios have become an important item and the most sought after for trade and for thieves. These radios are small and compact like the size of a cell phone and they are all purchased through the commissary. They come in all sorts of price ranges and models from a $15.00 RCA to a $60.00 Sony. The other important commodity is the batteries, inmates are constantly buying batteries.

What about the remote? Who decides what the inmates will watch with all those channels? In the main TV area it’s resolved by a democratic vote and the majority rules. Now, it’s a rule amongst the inmates that whoever is first to the TV controls the remote but this rule applies more to the smaller TV rooms. Anyone who challenges those rules can possibly get hurt depending on who is watching and how important the TV is to him. Yes, there have been fights over this but the respect over this rule is understood by all inmates because the consequence is no TV.

TV watching is also a way of punishment that the BOP administration and officers use to discipline inmates. You would be amazed at how quick inmates come to order when they are threatened with no TV. The BOP knows this fact and uses the TV’s to control the inmates behavior. Very affective!
 

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Once the inmate has been cleared and the guest visitor is approved they can now visit in the area designated. This area is a large open room with plenty of seating, vending machines, and no privacy from others, it was like being in a hospital waiting room with all the noise of talking around you. Fortunately the camp I was in had an outdoor area attached with park like tables, benches, and umbrellas which made it very nice during spring and fall.

The officer checking people in would also be the one monitoring everyone’s conduct in the area. If the officer considers conduct to be inappropriate such as loud profanity, things of a sexual nature or signs of passing contraband then the officer would act with words of warning or terminating the visit.

Married and dating couples are allowed to hold hangs, hug one other, and kiss but they are closely watched because of sexual urges that sometimes get out of hand. Again, a firm warning from the officer would be given for minor incidents to canceling the visit. There was an actual case while I was there where an inmate’s sexual misconduct was so severe that he lost his camp status, very embarrassing for the couple. Rest rooms for men, women, and inmates were also designed to further avoid sexual and contraband misconduct.

The visitation is also a great time and place to meet the other inmate’s family members. This is very rewarding to the inmates because it brings closeness in two different ways. First, the inmates now share in something new to talk about with new respect and trust for each other, it’s a male bonding time. Second is the visitors, they get to talk with someone who is supportive and understands exactly what they are dealing with emotionally.

Time visiting is usually spent talking, playing games or catching up with news about family, business, and hearing about community events.

Visitation also brings out the gentleman in an inmate because they are very considerate of the others personal time with family. I even saw and witness family closeness at its’ finest as peace fills the area with family love. Inmates may be incarcerated but there is one thing that the BOP can not take from him and that’s his love for family. Very motivating, it brings great strength to each inmate and the endurance to go on. Praise God for love.

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