Prison life

[Wolfshead]

I second this! Honestly if it’s something you’re interested in all I can say is go for it you never know unless you try!

In my experience (I was a law clerk for many years) most lawyers are not that intelligent; just good at passing exams.

 

[Upintheair83]

Only just discovered this thread, but it's so interesting!
I'm in the UK, but the other day I was watching a you tube video and it was on about Hurricane Katrina. It was saying that when katrina hit, the staff at the main prison in New Orleans abandoned their posts and just left all the inmates to fend for themselves. So they had no access to food or water for days. There was water coming in and some inmates were in the sewage infested water that was up to their shoulders! It also said that according to reports some of the inmates made a ring of steel around some of the younger inmates that were being targeted for rape/ sexual assault. Some of the inmates hadn't even been processed yet, some had never gone to trial so could have been innocent of any wrong doing- not that it makes a difference. Humans are humans and how they were all treated was appalling. But I was so shocked, I'd never heard all this before. It took days for them to be rescued and sent off to another prison. Just awful.

 

[stunrw]

I lurk on Jack Monroe threads

And the prisoners food is still better than hers. With or without an inexplicable egg

 

[BigBrenda]

My ex got 33 years in prison he managed to make around 30K in jail before he was stopped due to bent screws he was in the papers and all sorts. He’s in an a cat and will be around 50ish when he’s due for release. He’s done around 11 already. Hes fully gone mad now and is unwell but still has 22 to go.

 

[SunshineRae]

@eggfriedrice Hope you are ok and haven’t been made too anxious about posting on here xx

 

[bamboo98]

If anyone has any questions about US prisons I can try and answer them, I have someone close to me incarcerated there.

 

[princessmaire80]

Just resurrecting this thread as I had some great advice and support. I am hoping that some of the posters who were so kind and helpful are still around.

My friend who I previously mentioned as being in prison is now unfortunately back in prison. She’s on remand at the moment but is pretty certain she’s facing at least 18 months (so essentially 9 months)
This time was a little different as last time she was taken from court and was prepared but this time she was arrested at home and had nothing. She was able to get some money to me and gave me a list of things she needs, which caused me some stress (I’m autistic, I always struggle buying stuff for others- I barely know what I want for myself half the time!) so I did my best for her.

I know about the virtual visits and stuff but I’ve promised her that this time I will for sure go and visit her in person.

So I have some more questions (sorry)
1) Can I send her a Christmas present? And is there anything I should particularly avoid sending or anything that might be particularly helpful? She said that should be fine but I like to be prepared.

2) I want to make sure she’s got money at least as her last UC payment won’t last all that time. I’ve sent her a tenner already but could I set up a standing order every month so she’s at least got something?

3) Also, what are in person visits like? Despite my autism I’m very independent, but I do struggle with stress and get upset easily. I work for a government department so I’m used to strict rules and things and have no issues following them, I’m just wondering if I would struggle with the environment.

I spoke at length to her on Friday and she’s told me she’s fine and not to worry. She sounds quite upbeat- she actually said she’s relieved she’s going to be in prison for Christmas as she lives on her own and has no family. I’m the only person who has stuck by her (she knows I don’t condone what she did, however I don’t judge her for it) and I’m at the other end of the country with a full time job and a full time caring responsibility for my husband so I can’t really do much practically but offer my support (and do her shopping!

I sort of knew she had gone back to prison, she was housebound due to her medical problems and when she didn’t answer when I rang her I knew straight away. I felt awful that I got really cross with her when she called and told me (as she got sent back to prison due to doing something stupid which several people, including me had warned her not to do) and I did apologise for losing my temper. But thankfully- she understood and told me that she didn’t blame me for getting cross with her. I was in a busy station when she last rang and then I had to get on a train so I was limited to what I could say but I think we both said everything that needed saying.

She’s told me not to worry and I think I’m better prepared than last time. I do miss her hugely- and we were due to have a big night out in November that I had booked flights etc for, which I am gutted about but it is what it is. I miss her loads and keeping my fingers firmly crossed for a good outcome when she’s in court next month.

 

[Ambrosie]

Do the prisoners separate into different groups of “friends”?
Is it obvious when someone’s never been inside before or when someone doesn’t really live a life of crime compared to those who do?
What do prisoners typically make of your more “middle class” prisoner who might be inside for a non-violent crime like tax evasion or fraud for example, rather than a violent crime?

Yeah, everyone had their friend group. I was in prison for fraud, in a mixed enhanced wing with fraud, murderers, people who’d been cultivating drugs and the like. The people I was friends with were similar to me - in for a few months, non-violent crime, a one off that will never ever happen again. A few of the murderers were perfectly nice though and we’d chat. I’ve seen documentaries about them since and don’t recognise them as the people I knew. I think I stuck out like a sore thumb, apparently I talk posh (I do not!) and am “too” polite.

 

[Peakyblinders]

@eggfriedrice you should be really careful about what you’re divulging on here you know. Basic prison questions yeah not really an issue answering. But when you’re talking about specific prisoners and their troubles you should really be more careful. I work in a prison and have done for 12 years but I know better than to talk about it on tattle. It isn’t hard to work out from what you’ve said, what prison you work at: I would be careful about what you write as your digital footprint is watched and governors will not take kindly to this

 

[Ambrosie]

In theory, could you rock up to court with two massive suitcases as if you were going into Big Brother?

You’d only be allowed a certain amount of things to keep.what they didn’t give you would be held for you until you are released.
I can’t remember the amounts now, but when you first arrive on “basic” you’re allowed about five tops, five bottoms. If you behave and become “enhanced” -takes eight weeks - then you can have eight of each. I might have those numbers a bit wrong. One pair of slippers, one coat etc.
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Hi,

thanks for sharing you went to prison, can I ask what type of fraud it was? What happened? Will it impact your chances of jobs etc?

Did you know you would be getting a custodial sentence?x

Someone with me had a bank account, then I impersonated someone else with a fake card (but genuine person with a real account, same details as the card). Person with me linked their card to the person I played and then just spent the money, using the genuine card. Far more was taken than I was told. I know I’m a twat for it.

My incompetent solicitor assured me I wouldn’t be sentenced as first offence, but I knew he was crap so I had it in my head I’d be sentenced so was prepared. Yes it’s impacted jobs massively. I’ve only had one crap fixed term job in a call centre since I left Sept 2021. No one wants a fraudster, they assume you’ll steal from them.

 

[Eureka]

I would have had a "fuck them" attitude to people in prison once upon a time but I read a book last year called Breakfast at Bronzefield written by a former inmate and it was an eye opener about how the system sets people up to fail so they end up inside even if they don't really deserve it.

Obviously anyone violent or a risk to the public should be put away but I would like to see more community based programmes for people who have committed crimes with prison as a last resort. I work in a social care sector where a good few of my clients have been in prison themselves and I think if there had been some other option they would be in a better place now.

Much love to all those with loved ones serving sentences, it can't be easy and hope you are all managing as well as can be expected.

 

[stunrw]

I've recently found this thread and have been unsure on whether to post or not!
My partner has recently been sent to prison.
How do people deal with being judged on supporting a partner in prison? How do people deal with the lack of contact etc!

You won't be judged here by any of us

 

[ggukxo]

Let’s not oversee the fact that people go to prison for breaking the law. It’s not meant to be an easy ride in there

Of course, but I think you’d be surprised that not everyone in there is guilty of what they’ve been accused of. The police get away with a lot in terms of planting evidence, generally making up info that suits their case and choosing judges at court

 

[stunrw]

Do women's prisons onnly have female officers? and vice verse? And in your respective work places, eggfriedrice (you're making me hungry) and stunrw, do you have any trans prisoners and how is that managed?

(I'm not trans btw I'm just interested because it's quite current).

The Uk womens prison i was in I was escorted by someone called Darren

As @eggfriedrice has shared its only fair I do. I am a federal officer in a European country. I am Team Leader on a unit that deals with cross border stuff hence Im all over the place.

I know how we deal with trans in the custody environment in the office but in our prison system I have no idea. I shall ask and report back

 

[Terflife]

Ah @Terflife I'm glad you got the help and support you needed. You doing good now?

Yes, I'm a lot better now. Completely different life now. .
I do have my 'bad day's ' (m.h & temptation) but the feeling passes, plus the temptation is happening less & less now)
I'm on medication for it, plus medication for my m.h.
So, life is good, .
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@merlot @stunrw
Yes, it really does happen. Not nice, at all. I've fortunately never witnessed sugar & water thrown at someone, but I have seen hot drink chucked at a woman, & I've seen hot water from the kettle thrown & it burnt the woman's arm & chest. .
they aren't your big kitchen kettles, lol. They are the 'travel' size ones.
some prisons give you flasks , which you'd get about 2 drinks out of, so once you were behind your door for the night you were screwed for a hot drink once flask was empty & had to wait until unlock at 8am.

 

[stunrw]

I can’t comment on every prison just mine however it doesn’t happen very often, that gets reported anyway.
I’ve caught two guys giving each other head in the showers but it was consensual. Also caught two guys in a double pad having sex but again consensual. There has been allegations of sexual assault but it’s usually by the LGBTQ+ prisoners and when investigated they turn out to be untrue/over exaggerated as to what has actually happened.
I’m not saying it doesn’t happen though because it does.. I’ve just not came across that in my career..

I wouldn’t say pull out of the assessment - but I would say declare absolutely everything when they ask.
I have a half brother (met him a handful of times) who is constantly in and out of prison which I declared when I started as it would be a conflict of interest if I ever went to a prison he was in. I don’t have anythjng
Thank you so much
Honestly I’m not going to lie, when I first started I was shit scared! I still going into situations now & my belly goes all funny with the anticipation of what’s going to happen because things can kick off in an instant, but you’ve just gotta fake it until you make it! They pick up on EVERYTHING.. they know if you’re scared & will play on that. My first shift as an officer I was in kit doing a planned removal (so moving a prisoner from his cell to the seg) and I was so nervous I was with officers that had loads of experience and here’s little old me (well I was 22 at the time) kitted up in riot gear, facing a prisoner who had 2 weapons who was ready to fight anyone, and just had to get on with it!
In terms of confrontation - yes. I get it absolutely every day. It wouldn’t be a day in the prison without an argument with one of them. But as weird as it sounds, I work with these prisoners day in, day out.. I can have a major argument with one of them and then 9 times out of 10 go in the next day and it all be fine or a lot of the times they do apologise to me.
We had a lad the other day who missed his video call for his parole, never been an issue on the wing, good as gold enhanced prisoner - he came down to get his lunch meal & just started swearing in my face telling me to fuck off and we’re all useless blah blah, got him back to his cell and then when he came down to his evening meal he apologised and just said he shouldn’t have taken his frustrations out on me but tbh it is what it is.. I get moody sometimes if I’m in a bad mood and the smallest things piss me off and they’re all like “ah you’re in a mood today”
But yeah, you’ll always get confrontation. (Unless you’re a yes man who lets them get away with anything, unfortunately that isn’t me & whilst I have banter with them, they know not to cross the line with me)
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Hahahah, imagine!!

I remember going to a UK one in the midlands (there were 3 on the same site ) and the officer with me was no more than 5 feet. Female. But by Christ when she barked they all behaved.

 

[QueenKoala]

I know everyone is always really curious about what it’s like in a prison but it’s really dangerous and unprofessional for prison staff to talk on a public forum about what goes on behind bars. Governors would not take kindly to it and security definitely would not.I can’t explain how stupid it is. Prisoners families or even worse…. Prisoners could read this and I don’t think people realise how catastrophic and dangerous that could be

I mean.. I wasn’t questioning this at all, I’ve worked in my fair share of jobs which have strict safeguarding and info sharing regulations! I was just sad the thread had gone quiet!

 

[SunshineRae]

So on the SB thread there has been lots of comments in the lead up to his incarceration about the hopes of what would happen to him in prison etc. I can’t wish those sorts of things on anyone because sexual assault is sexual assault at the end of the day. But…..how true to life is it that this goes on in prison?

 

[pigeonpie]

Can you buy toiletries like Clinique in prison?

 

[Terflife]

Can you say I'm not coming out? Hahhaa

Yes, but swearing seems to help! .
Makes it more meaningful. .
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For any of you interested..... This is a week menu sheet that we fill in, it is different each week, then changes again 4 weekly.
got an old DHL canteen sheet somewhere , too.
years ago the prison had a canteen/shop, then it changed to Aramark for a few years. (Terrible company!!)