Consequences for Troublemaking and Rule-Disobedience Among Inmates in Prisons

Prison environments aim to maintain order and safety through a hierarchy of consequences for those who break the rules. This article delves into the various outcomes and measures taken against inmates who cause trouble or disobey prison regulations. Understanding these consequences can provide insights into the system's enforcement and deterrence mechanisms.

Enforced Correctional Discipline in Prisons

When an inmate causes trouble or disobeys prison rules, the initial step in the enforcement of correctional discipline is a verbal warning from a prison guard. If the inmate continues to act out, a more formal process is initiated. This can involve a guard issuing an official code offense and scheduling an inmate court date.

For more severe incidents, such as physical altercations, the situation is escalated immediately. Guards may use non-lethal force, such as pepper spray or Mace, to disarm combatants. If two inmates remain a ongoing threat, both may be placed in segregated housing for 14 days and issued summons for inmate court. If the inmate court does not convene within 14 days, the inmates may be moved to different ranges to maintain institutional safety and security.

Severe Consequences and Punitive Measures

If an inmate is deemed a serious threat to the institution's order, they may face more severe penalties. After a hearing, the inmate may be found to be the aggressor and thus unsuitable for minimum security. In such cases, the inmate is often returned to segregation and staff are directed to prepare for a transfer to medium security. The other inmate, who was away during the hearing, may lose employment opportunities and face scrutiny from the next work board.

Another form of punishment involves solitary confinement, known as 'the hole.' This is a highly punitive measure where an inmate is kept in complete isolation for 23 hours a day. If solitary confinement does not prompt a behavioral change, the inmate's security level may be increased, and additional time may be added to their sentence.

Disciplinary Reports and Sanctions

Inmates are not just held accountable to the rules by guards; they are also subject to formal disciplinary procedures. Prison officers write disciplinary reports that are akin to criminal charges but handled internally within the prison. These reports can lead to various sanctions, such as extra duty, loss of privileges, or being upgraded to a higher-level security housing area. Inmates jokingly referred to this practice as being sent to "23 hour lock up," a colloquial term for solitary confinement.

Reluctance to Report and Institutional Culture

While formal reporting and disciplinary measures are in place, there is a cultural reluctance among inmates to report on each other. Guards typically do not know who is causing trouble, as inmates generally avoid becoming informants to avoid retaliation. This informal agreement among inmates underscores the importance of adhering to unwritten codes of conduct to avoid more severe penalties.

Breaking Down the Inmate Code of Conduct

Inmate culture within prisons often adheres to an unwritten code aimed at minimizing conflict and avoiding severe punishments. Key principles include:

Never snitch on another inmate to guards. Avoid stealing. Do not engage in or associate with rape. Limit interactions and keep conversations short with others to avoid suspicion. Keep your personal business to yourself to avoid unnecessary trouble.

By following these basic principles, inmates can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering more severe disciplinary actions.

Understanding the consequences of rule-disobedience and the mechanisms of correctional discipline can help future inmates navigate the prison environment more effectively, ensuring both compliance with rules and personal safety.