Prison Inmate Talk

By definition a spectator is a person or in this case an inmate who looks on or watches but I want to expand on that definition by telling you about three different spectators in a federal prison camp.

First is the sport’s spectator, this inmate enjoys watching a game on TV or in real life like the tournament games played by the inmates. Weather it’s a fun game of basketball, teams playing baseball or just the skilled game of dominos, this spectator just watches for the enjoyment. Like any spectators, he yells and roots for the team he wants to win and congratulates those who make good plays.

Second is the informant spectator, this inmate looks on and watches every activity inmates do in order to tell or rat on fellow inmates to better his gain. As you can probably conclude for yourself that this inmate is not very well liked and rightly so. What’s unique about this spectator is that he comes in two forms, either he is very good and conceals it well or extremely bad by the way he boasts about his gains. Now once this inmate or informant is found out, every inmate knows due to the great gossip network and they begin to watch and keep a close eye on this individual which in turn makes him ineffective.

Third is the wise spectator, this inmate observes everything that goes on around him. He is quick to listen and at times will walk away from things he does not want to hear. He also looks on but will turn away or close his eyes to the things he wants no involvement with. He studies the behaviors of inmates, correctional officers and camp administrators alike and makes a mental note for future reference to which is trustworthy and those he will stay far away from. He is usually the one who keeps to himself and stays busy with something. He is also the one who all the other inmates show respect to because of his wisdom of saying nothing about any inmates.

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Besides watching TV, playing dominos and a card game known as spades is the next favorite among the inmates to pass the time away. These 2 games are played every night and finding partners and other inmates to play is no problem.

When it comes to which game is most favored and popular by the inmates, well there is no debate and dominos is always the winner. I have seen people play dominos from the time they wake up between breakfast and work details, playing during their lunch break and every other opportunity that comes available. Yes, it’s that addicting.

As a kid I always thought of dominos as a wooden toy block you just stood next to each other and watch them fall down. What an education I received in the prison camp. The energy and enthusiasm that surrounds this simple game is one of the most challenging as inmates show their skills as well as pride of winning. The competition is that fierce, even to the point of some inmates leaving the table filled with anger but not at the other inmate’s but of themselves for making a bad play.

Now spades is more on the relaxed side of playing and usually only played in the evening before bedtime. It’s a time inmate’s play to get to know each other, similar to people going to friends houses to fellowship. For a brief couple of hours or so inmates escape the prison life, with snacks and laughter surrounding the table they would enjoy each others company without a thought of their circumstances. Praise God, for a time of peace.

Another exciting thing about these two popular games was during the holidays. It was a time when the inmates with the support of the BOP recreation department would organize tournaments. This friendly competition brought every inmate out of their shell, players and spectators. Inmates would pair up for the first time making new friendship and the trust of others for a chance to win the prize provided by the BOP recreation department which was usually items from the commissary. So with the sound of shuffling cards, the rattle and drop of dominos the games were played to all hours of the day and evening then ultimately the winners prevailed.

Playing these two easy games was like a ray of hope and by waiting for the next opportunity also brought them closer to their release dates, which was the ultimate prize where every body was a winner.

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I was impressed with a number of inmates who did not let the bonds of prison stop them from pursuing their innocents and wrongful injustice with appeals and other legal work. It was actually encouraging to me for my own case, especially to here of some inmates going home earlier with sentence reduction and others having their restitutions reduced.

The law library was satisfactory equipped for research and studying of law cases. It also provided the basic needs to make copies, typing letters and mailing documents, sort of like a temporary field office that would get the job done.

There was always conversation regarding the latest court cases handed down by the Supreme, Circuit and District Courts. All inmates were interested to hear breaking news but the problem with all those conversations was that it would begin to get distorted and before you know it rumors developed. The caution was being sure to see it in writing, hear it from a reliable source or have it confirmed by a loved one back home with a little research.

Most inmates who did not appeal their case still have a chance to do so while incarcerated. However this ray of hope needs to take place within the first year of prison time. It’s called a 2255, a form that inmates fill out stating any wrongs that may have taken place in their trial. The response to this document varies with the different court in the United States, some get answered quickly and some are never heard of or seen again.

Legal work of all sorts, whether it be an appeal or law suit the process is alive in the prison system. Again, it was encouraging to witnesses it first hand and sometimes justice prevailed for the innocent.

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The holiday season is one of the roughest and most difficult times for inmates because they are away from their families. This is the time of year where inmates truly feel their confinement and long for the days of release. Some inmates do get the rare opportunity and blessing of going home for the holidays, it’s a time that all inmates enjoy seeing because it brings hope to all.

Holidays are a time when the visitation room is full and to some inmates it’s a beautiful gift to see loved ones over the holidays. I say a gift because it may be the only visit they get from loved ones because of the long distance of traveling, so they plan their visits on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Seeing a family united for a few hours is a wonderful site and again it brings a ray of hope to all inmates.

One of the gifts each inmate receives from the BOP during the holidays is an extra 100 minutes of phone time, something the inmates look forward to every November and December. Another gift inmates receive is at Christmas time, each inmate is given a gift pack filled with all kinds of snacks and non perishable food, a welcomed treat every inmate looks forward to.

Now the food, there is plenty of it from baked turkey with all trimmings to eggnog, cookies and pies. With the bountiful portions of food, inmates are well pleased and like any other great meal there is a time of napping or watching football on TV, similar to being home especially when they get a visit.

Another great thing about the holidays is the attitudes of the inmates. They are more understanding and supportive towards each other and those with families. Those who visit together in the visiting area build a new bond and bring new context to their conversations in camp. In all truth I have seen God’s kindness and goodness rest on inmates just as I have seen on people in the public, there is no boundary for kindness and goodness when it comes to the holidays.

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There is one inmate that stands out the most in the prison camp and that’s the family man. So what makes him stand out among the other inmates? To simply put it in one word, it’s his wisdom.

His wisdom shows by the calmness in the way he conducts himself. He accepts the responsibility of his actions and calmly moves on because he knows the consequences are temporary and brighter days are ahead. He humbles himself and shows great patients before others without complaining. If he chooses to complain it’s done in the proper order of BOP paperwork and diplomatic talks with the administration.

He follows the rules set before him and understands the value of them because he expects the same from his wife and children, therefore setting a good example when family visits him. He also recognizes the need for order and timely schedules to run an efficient household so he adapts quickly to the plan already set in motion.

The family man is also husbands who write plenty of letters to his wife and keeps a dialog current so as to stay intimate with her. As a father, he takes time to draw pictures and even decorates the mailing envelope with cartoon characters to show his love and that he is thinking about his child. He also makes a point of calling his wife and children every night to keep the flame of hope alive as he tells them good night and I love you.

When it comes down to trusting an inmate the one most honored and respected by all the inmates will be the family man. He is the one who keeps quiet, true to his word and willing to help a stranger in need, he is the Good Samaritan of the prison camp.

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An inmate’s attitude in the cafeteria really comes down to exercising good manners and a little common sense like in the days in grade school. There are a lot of behaviors in the cafeteria that is not tolerated and some that you have to watch very carefully.

Cutting in line was not looked at very well in school and it’s definitely not allowed in prison. The only time inmates are allowed to go before others is if they are escorted by a prison official for work detail reasons are something similar. Even holding a place in line is prohibited.

Never ask or hint for food off someone else’s plate, wait for them to offer it to you. Also, as you are going through the lunch line, you may see they are serving something that you don’t like to eat, like liver. Get it anyway and put it on your tray. Then offer it to someone who does like it. That’s always a good way to earn the respect of inmates.

Be polite in receiving the food servers place on your tray because that simple kind word may get you a better piece or larger serving next time. Complain and you may just get the crumbs or smaller portions next time, funny but it does happen.

When sitting down to eat, always go to an empty table first and if you do have to sit with someone, ask permission. After a while, finding a place to sit with others will become easier and you will be welcomed in table conversation. Again, it is a matter of trust and getting to know inmates.

Caution! Do not, I mean never agree to get something for someone else. It may seem innocent and the nice thing to do but the reasons behind the request is unknown and may have serious consequences.

Taking food out of the cafeteria is usually not allowed according to BOP policy but I have seen this rule bend a little with light snacks like fruits and baked goods.

Another show of good character is when you are done eating and returning your tray to the dishwasher area. Saying “thank you” to the inmate working in that area of food service goes a long way to building trust and respect, not only with him but also to the inmates he associates with in food service and the camp.

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Do you ever wonder what inmates do to relax? Well there comes a time in the late afternoon of each day when inmates do relax. It usually takes place after the work details, 4 o’clock count time, dinner and when the sun is setting for the evening.

Some may consider it a boring time but most inmates do apply themselves to something, whether it’s a hobby or just a daily routine of watching TV. A majority of inmates would go outside to exercise and play casual sports while others take time with their hobbies of drawing and leather craft. The musician would play guitar and provide music for the others. Then the rest would just take time to write to loved ones and read the daily newspaper in the library. Inmates also relax and pass time by playing card games and dominos in the evening.

Week ends are the most relaxing or boring to some because of no work detail to occupy most of the day but it’s equally exciting for the inmates who receive visitors. Getting a visitor does relax an inmate and makes for a fulfilling day and brings great comfort for the week to come, very relaxing and stress free.

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Telephone calls are one way, which means that only inmates can call out of the federal prison camp to family members and others. The numbers and persons an inmate calls all have to be approved by the BOP and there is a limited number that can be on the list.

Phone calls are also considered a privilege and there are times when those privileges are taken away as a form of disciplinary actions toward one inmate or the entire prison camp population.

Inmates are given 300 minutes each a month and 400 minutes during the holidays (November and December) to call with so inmates have to budget their calls to last all month. Each call that is made is timed and limited to 15 minutes for the basic reason that other inmates want to make calls also and there are only a few phones to use. When the 15 minutes are up there is a waiting period of 15 minutes to an hour before making the next call.

These phone calls are not free but at the inmate’s expense. Every inmate is given a pin number which is also linked to their commissary account where they can transfer funds from commissary to their phone account. In 2004 calls were around .32 cents a minute but they were constantly increasing. If an inmate did not have sufficient funds, the prison camp staff would allow phone calls to be made on a BOP office phone in their presents but this was for emergency reasons only and on rare occasions.

All phone calls are monitored and there are signs posted next to each phone explaining that very fact. There have been inmates who were handcuffed and taken out of the camp within minutes of saying the wrong thing, therefore be very discrete with the choice of words and instruct the person you are speaking to also be discrete.

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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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