Understanding Single Cells in Prison: Realities and Strategies

When one enters the prison system, the initial expectation of living conditions can vary drastically from what is actually experienced. This article delves into the intricate world of single cells in prison, exploring factors, strategies, and the realities of such accommodations.

The Initial Check-In Process

The journey into prison doesn't start with immediate access to a preferred living situation. Upon incarceration, an individual undergoes various checks and assessments. These typically include a credit check, and the payment of several months' rent and a deposit, which raise significant financial burdens for many.

Why Prisons Assign Cells

Prisons are not hotels, and the way cells are assigned can severely impact an inmate's daily life. The primary factor in cell assignment is the security and safety concerns of the corrections department. Inmates are placed in cells as a means to control the environment, manage population density, and maintain order.

Life in Crowded Environments

With an aging prison population and increasing crowding, cells often hold more inmates than their capacity. In the case of the author, a 67-year-old inmate with cancer, living space is severely limited. Despite medical needs, the requirements for assignment to a specific type of cell can be quite strict.

Medical Considerations and Cell Assignments

Inmates with medical conditions, like cancer, may face challenges in obtaining specific accommodations. For instance, the author had to request a bottom bunk, an unconventional choice, as his condition would otherwise disqualify him from a work center or release center placement. This highlights the intricate balance struck between medical needs and operational requirements within the prison system.

Influencing Cell Assignments

While cell assignments are primarily determined by corrections staff, there are instances where inmates can and do get single cells. Ethical and practical strategies include:

Manipulating Staff: Building a rapport with staff and guards can sometimes lead to favorable assignments. This may involve demonstrating cooperative behavior and addressing issues constructively. Requests for Segregation: In situations where safety is a concern, inmates can request severance from the general population and placement in a segregation unit, thereby obtaining a single cell. Inmate Influence: Popularity and influence among peers can sometimes result in preferential treatment, including being assigned a single cell. Self-Harm Situations: Inmates who intentionally harm themselves, such as by cutting with a razor blade, are often placed in single cells as a form of protection against self-inflicted harm.

Strategic Approaches

While getting a single cell can be beneficial for certain individuals, it is important to recognize that the process is not without its challenges. The author suggests that becoming a troublemaker or frequently having conflicts can result in temporary single cell assignments, usually not lasting longer than a certain period.

Conclusion

Single cells in prison are both a necessity for inmate management and a significant challenge for those who find themselves there. Understanding the factors that influence cell assignment and having the strategic insight to navigate these systems can make a substantial difference in an inmate's experience. However, it is crucial to remember that the availability and duration of single cells are governed by the complex interplay of security, safety, and operational considerations within the prison environment.