Frequently Asked Questions

Federal Prison (Answered by Prisoners)

FAQ: Do they have solitaire confinement?
Yes. It's in the hole. The hole is the "jail" in prison. When prisoners break the rules they are sometimes sent to the hole as punishment. It is officially known as Segregated Housing Unit or SHU. The officers pack up their property and store it while they serve time in the hole. For minor offenses staff may apply less severe sanctions i.e. no phone access or commissary for a month or two.

FAQ: Do they have gangs in prison?
Several. However, in the institutions I've experienced they are low-key or invisible to the general population. When there is a fight or other confrontation the gang members go to the hole and are disciplined or transferred to higher security levels. The prison will usually gather up other members the offender is affiliated with and detain them in the hole, as well, until the incident is resolved.

FAQ: What kind of food do they serve to the inmates?
There are several national menus that institutions use to feed inmates. This keeps the fare regular but rarely are the servings standard. That's left to the inmates working food service and/or the CO's (correctional officers) watching them. Most inmates supplement there diet with food from the prison commissary (store) where they can purchase anything from Q-Tips and ice cream to tennis shoes. Peanut butter and jelly or tuna is popular.

FAQ: Do inmates have to sit in their cell all day?
No. If fact, they may find themselves in trouble for staying in their cells without a note from medical. They are encouraged to work and go to school. Jobs can include areas such as electrical, heating & air, medical, education, recreation, food service, laundry, and landscaping. They may also have meaningless duties in those same areas. Prisons are like small cities and much of the labor is performed by inmates. Education is also an important part of rehabilitation. Inmates attend GED and vocational training classes to help them get a job when they leave.

FAQ: What kind of clothes do they wear?
Khaki uniforms (khaki shirt, khaki pants, and steel toed shoes) are the norm in federal prisons. These are worn during "business hours" at work or school. After 5 o'clock inmates wear t-shirts, sweats or shorts bought at the commissary. If an inmate is in the hole for any reason they wear a yellow jumpsuit and ugly house shoes.

FAQ: Are there a lot of homosexuals?
In a population of 1500 there might be 5 or 6. The population is a reflection of american society. How many homosexuals do you encounter outside prison? Being in prison does not turn people gay. Mass media will fill the public with ideas of prison that are far from true. In fact, people have been known to commit suicide because they think a prison stay will be the end of there heterosexual life. It's not. Most people stay clear of others that make them uncomfortable and it's no different in prison. They associate with persons of common interest with themselves.

FAQ: Do you have to beat up the baddest motherf*&@!r?
No, but if you pick a fight you fight it yourself. It's best to use common courtesy and get out of prison without doing extra time. However, there is a time for everything.

FAQ: What kind of medical care do prisoners get?
Socialized medicine is practiced there. Healthcare may vary from one institution to another. Actually, some institutions are solely dedicated healthcare. Then there are some that use the "cowboy up" method. It's good practice to eat right, exercise, and take good care of yourself. If you need care then don't be shy about it. If they won't treat it then raise holy hell until they do. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Have family call and complain or check into filing a lawsuit. Half measures are for free folk.

FAQ: Where do inmates sleep?
Bunk beds made of steel are usually used. The mattresses are BSI (body substance isolation sealed) covered, and generally uncomfortable. They are well used by previous inmates and many times are in disrepair. If you have special needs then lower bunk passes are available. There are many different housing unit configurations as well. Inmates may be assigned to a dormitory or a room with one other inmate. Staff can be understanding when issuing you a roommate. It is in everyone's best interest to keep a prisoner amongst similar type people.

FAQ: Are you going to get raped by a large inmate?
Not unless you want to. Again, that is a mass media controlled rumor. I understand that victims of crimes feel better at night if they think perpetrators are in a hell on earth, but its not pragmatic. Cruel and unusual punishment is against the Constitution of the United States of America. I think rape falls under this article. So, if your thinkin', "Boy, he/she's gettin' torn up in the joint!" then your mistaken. Maybe your thinking of your last family reunion.

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