Consequences of Breaking a Rule in Prison: Hard Lessons Learned

Entering prison can be one of the most challenging experiences of a person's life. Rules and regulations are strictly enforced to ensure safety and order. Breaking these rules can have severe consequences, both for the individual and their fellow inmates. In this article, we delve into the various punishments faced by prisoners who violate rules and offer insights into the harsh realities within prison walls.

Understanding Disciplinary Reports and Sanctions

A disciplinary report in prison is akin to a criminal charge, but it is handled internally. If a prisoner breaks a rule, they can face a variety of sanctions, ranging from extra duties to a complete lockdown. The severity of the sanction often depends on the severity of the violation. Officers may send the prisoner to solitary confinement, known informally as 'the hole,' or 'administrative segregation,' where they are confined to cells for up to a few days.

Sanctions can include:

TV Privileges Suspension: If a dorm violates the rules, everyone in the dorm may lose TV privileges for a period ranging from 1 hour to 72 hours. Searches: Inmates may be stripped down and searched, and their dormitories may also be searched for any infractions. Administrative Segregation: This can involve being placed in the most crowded conditions, with limited opportunities for social interaction and personal freedom.

The Severity of Breaking Prison Rules

Inmates often face far harsher penalties for breaking the rules between prisoners than those imposed by officers. Key rules to adhere to include:

Snitching: Never betray a fellow inmate to the authorities. Stealing: Do not steal from other inmates. Rape: This is strictly forbidden and can result in severe punishment. Association: Keep conversations and associations short. Personal Conduct: Mind your own business and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

If a prisoner follows these basic principles, they are likely to avoid significant problems. However, breaking these unwritten rules can lead to severe consequences, such as:

SHU Gamemanship: Staff may use trumped-up charges or false investigations to send inmates to solitary confinement. Interference with Constitutional Rights: Staff may interfere with legal actions inmates file to challenge their mistreatment. Unlawful Security Transfers: Sentences may be lengthened by being transferred to higher security levels, exposing inmates to more dangerous conditions. Manipulation by Inmates: Staff may orchestrate conflicts between inmates, making them physically assault each other. Dirty Work: Staff may pay off other inmates to do their dirty work, including physical assault. Denial of Medical Attention: Life-saving medical care may be denied to punish inmates. Physical Abuses: Shackle and cuff, then beat; extreme cases may even result in murder and be labeled as a suicide.

In Conclusion

Prison life is filled with numerous challenges and the potential for serious consequences. Adhering to the unwritten rules and maintaining composure in the face of staff misconduct is crucial. However, it is important to recognize that the staff themselves often do not follow their own rules, leading to an environment where injustices can fester.

It is imperative for the public and policymakers to address the issues within our prisons. The need for outside monitoring with no advanced warning is more important than ever. Prisons must be held accountable to the same standards of justice and fairness that society expects from its citizens.