Know What You’re Getting Into
This is for those who are sitting at home on pretrial or waiting to self report, thereby meaning you’ve received some sort of bond. Those who might be watching this from inside federal prison have probably already learned these facts via conversations with other inmates, or simply by observing daily life in the new environment.
Tip #1: At most lows and all federal prison camps, you don’t need to worry about joining a gang or a “car” like most prison social media creators will make you think.
You don’t really see prison culture work this way until you start looking at mediums, highs, and USPs.
Now, you do need to have good paperwork in lows, mediums, highs, and USPs. Good paperwork means you don’t have a sex offender charge, you didn’t hurt kids, grandparents, animals, and you absolutely did not snitch.
Tip #2: Don’t act like you know more about the world than your average inmate.
Once you’re in the system, you’re just a number. Anything you knew, any level of respect you earned on the outside world means nothing when you’re on prison grounds. You’re starting from scratch. Doctors, lawyers, PhD recipients – all of you are on the same level as drug dealers.
Accepting that fact and operating as such will keep you safe, and will earn you the respect of those around you much faster than operating on ego and living with a chip on your shoulder.
Tip #3: Staff is not your friend, no matter what you think.
There are exceptions, but the exception is not the rule. You will find one or two good staff members and every institution you go to, but in the vast majority of cases, they see you as an adversary at best, scum of the earth at worst, and will treat you as such.
Don’t waste your time befriending them. Not only will this alienate you from other inmates, but you will almost never get anything positive out of that kind of friendship. If push comes to shove, they will throw you to the wolves every single time.
Fellow inmates are your support system. You are at the same place in life, struggling together. Your solidarity needs to lie with them; find your common grounds with one another, and you will live much better throughout your stay.