Surviving Jail: The Unwritten Rules Every Inmate Should Know

Feeling lost about jail life is common. One fact from a TV show, “60 Days In,” shows us jail’s harsh reality. This article will guide you through the unwritten rules to help you survive.

Keep reading to learn more.

Understanding the Unwritten Rules of Jail

In jail, there are rules not written down anywhere. These include who you can talk to and where you sit.

Segregation by race

In jail, people often group by their race. This means whites with whites, blacks with blacks, and so on. Even in places like Riverside County Jails or Pinal County prisons, this rule holds true.

It’s a big deal because racial ties are stronger than gang ties.

“Eating together shows which racial group you belong to.”

This can lead to problems if people from different racial groups mix during meals. It might seem small, but in jail, it’s a sign of trouble ahead.

Avoiding conflicts with other inmates

Moving from the topic of segregation by race, it’s crucial to talk about how to steer clear of fights with other inmates. Walking between tables that belong to the same racial group can stir trouble.

So, always take care not to do this. Jail has very little in terms of things people own. That’s why there are strict rules against taking what isn’t yours.

To keep peace, everyone must follow these rules closely. If someone breaks them, it often leads to violence as a way to solve the issue. Disputes need handling through proper ways set by those inside if they involve different races getting along badly.

This system helps stop bigger problems before they start and keeps a sort of order among inmates.

Key Rules to Follow

In jail, some rules are clear and others you need to figure out. It’s like learning the hard way that tables at meal times have an order, and crossing racial lines can cause trouble.

Do not ‘split’ tables during meal times

Eating together shows who sticks with whom. It’s like checking a receipt to see who bought what. If you sit where you shouldn’t, it’s like walking into trouble as if you were splitting groups on purpose.

You wouldn’t walk between tables that belong to the same group. That’s asking for problems.

Groups stick together, just like pages in a prime video script—each one knows its place. Moving through these boundaries is riskier than stealing from amazon.com without using a thief-proof credit card.

So, everyone stays put during meals to keep peace and show respect.

Respect racial and group boundaries

Just as you wouldn’t move tables during meal times, it’s key to know who you can share a space with. In jail, bunk beds are picked based on race. White inmates often do not share with black ones.

This is part of the racial code that everyone follows to avoid trouble.

“Inmates stick to their own race to avoid repercussions.”

This rule helps keep peace but also shows how divided things are inside. Everyone knows where they fit and staying within these lines keeps things smooth for all.

Never steal from another inmate

Stealing from another inmate is a big no-no. Items like coffee and soda are rare and everyone wants them. If you take these things without asking, it can start fights. Fights lead to more trouble for everyone involved.

Keep in mind, prison fellowship is about sticking together, not turning against each other.

Now, disputes happen—maybe over an email someone didn’t get or a price they thought was unfair at the commissary. The next step involves knowing how to handle these conflicts right.

Handling Conflicts and Disputes

In jail, solving fights needs careful steps. First, your own group decides if you did wrong. If the problem is with someone from another race, leaders talk to sort it out. Never walk away from a fight that’s already started.

Internal racial group ‘trials’

In jail, each racial group has its own way to solve problems. Leaders of these groups hold “trials” to hear disputes between members. They listen and then decide the punishment. This method keeps order and stops bigger issues from happening.

“Leaders decide punishment to maintain order within the group.”

Following this code is key for inmates. It helps them avoid trouble with their own group and others too. Knowing about these trials before you check out the kindle app on your amazon prime account can give you a glimpse into how things work behind bars without getting caught up in it yourself.

Proper channels for inter-racial conflicts

For inter-racial issues, inmates follow set paths. They can’t just act on their own if the problem involves people from different races. It’s a serious thing. They must talk to their group’s leaders first.

These leaders then meet with other groups’ heads to talk things out. This way, they try to solve problems without fights when possible. But if talks fail, they might use force as a last step.

This process helps keep some order and stops small problems from turning into big fights. Next up, we’ll look at why you should never back down in a fight that has already started.

Never back down or stop a fight in progress

In prison, demonstrating vulnerability isn’t a viable choice. If a disagreement arises, it’s crucial not to retreat or halt until it has concluded. This guideline may appear harsh, yet within the confined environment of a prison, it’s essential to your survival.

Individuals will challenge you. They’re interested to see if they can manipulate you.

If a person instigates an altercation with you, hold your stance. Concluding disputes convinces others to refrain from causing trouble with you. But bear in mind – steer clear from initiating disagreements on your own as much as possible.

This strategy aids in maintaining tranquility and simplifies your incarceration experience. It’s all about equilibrium – protect yourself without becoming the instigator.

The Role of Communication

Talking right plays a big part in jail. Saying too much can get you in trouble. Watch what you say and how you act without talking. Keeping safe means knowing when to stay quiet. Want to learn more? Keep reading.

Risks associated with snitching

Snitching in jail is very risky. It can lead to beatings or something even worse. Inmates use “kites,” which are small notes, to tell others about someone’s snitch status. If you get marked as a snitch, your life inside becomes much harder.

You might have to “roll out” or ask for a move to another place for safety. This shows everyone that you were in danger because of snitching. It’s not easy starting over in a new spot where people might already know your status from the notes or kites passed around.

Importance of non-verbal cues

After learning about the dangers of snitching, it’s clear that how you communicate without speaking can be just as important. In jail, your body language speaks volumes. A simple look or gesture can mean a lot more than words ever could.

For example, if you make eye contact for too long with someone from another racial group, it might cause trouble. This is because inmates follow a strict racial code to avoid problems.

You also need to pay attention to where you walk. Walking between tables used by the same racial group during meal times is off-limits. This non-verbal rule helps keep peace among different groups in jail.

By understanding these unspoken cues, inmates can avoid unnecessary conflicts and stay safe inside the walls. So, watching and learning from others’ body language becomes key to surviving in such an environment without making any verbal mistakes.

Conclusion

Surviving jail needs knowing the rules that aren’t written down. These tips about segregation, not stealing, and handling fights can help. Watching how you talk and act is key. Following these unwritten rules makes time in jail a bit easier to get through.

Keep to them for your own safety and peace.

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