Have you or has someone you know spent time in a correctional
facility? Inside Prison
openly welcomes personal experiences from former offenders, family and friends, correctional officers, or anyone professionally associated with a particular correctional environment.
To get started, select your jurisdiction and facility
from the list at right.
San Quentin State Prison
Tracey Lewis writes: 3/9/2007 3:47:23 PM
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MY uncle died in San Quentin California prison. My uncle was on a kidney machine to stay alive. the guards did not like my uncle, I guess because of the crime he committied. I was told my uncle had pick-pocketed a white man, and back in those days people were prejudiced. He was only 25 when he died. He had been in San. Quentin since he was 18 years old. The prison called the family and said my uncle died of a heart attack. We did not believe that but had no money to prove it.
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treschel writes: 3/26/2007 4:21:05 PM
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My husband was in the riot with the Mexicans and Blacks. He ended up in the hole for 4 months in San Quinten. That's wrong to have a person in lock-down.
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karlos writes: 4/12/2007 11:59:07 PM
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yeah im karlos from arizona i just got out from Bravo Federal prision here in florence AZ i did 18 months i got out a month ago and i never wanna go back a lot crazy shit goes on every single day
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loko writes: 1/29/2007 11:14:57 AM
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My uncle Torro was in San Quentin California prison, serving 10 years for murder, and was with the hate against Norputos. So I'm saying he was a Sureno. He got out about 2 years ago and is still running out Bloodz and Norputos out of Califas 13
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harvey writes: 5/25/2007 8:00:00 AM
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cousin in susanville prison got 59 years
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LIL TRIGGER writes: 6/14/2007 10:00:19 PM
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My Homeboy got life wit no parole for the murder of 2 vatos from 204th street. The homie walked right up and started blasin them fools. Blasted up the Varrio on 204th Street Them fools had it comin though for the murder of Cheryl Green.
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Hound dog writes: 7/13/2007 1:28:49 PM
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My Homie Got locked up for two Months For Beating a pig down with a tire iron that bithch had it coming he locked me up a day ago.
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J. Cool J writes: 7/20/2007 7:33:37 PM
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Decent food, most of the guards were cool, plenty of weed. Shit, I had HBO.
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susan writes: 8/28/2007 12:17:43 PM
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my husband stay in solano 4 1 year is no easy 4 me i have 3 kids a i have incident in my work i dontb have money y my husband call me i ask me 4 his pack food stamps make;s me crazy
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What a real Man's all about writes: 8/28/2007 2:42:01 PM
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As a juvenile delinquent from Chicago, I grew up tough, knew it all and had a chip on my shoulder that I dared anyone to knock off. I knew I was IT.
What's it? An immature teenager who is unstable, self-centered and the epitomy of stupidity. And it took me years behind bars to realize that the real joke was me.
I lived through one riot, spent 15 years of my young life learning the wrong things but was fortunate enough for some to have taken an interest in my potential.
How do I view prisons? They're the dumping off spot for an inadequate youth that's all bravado and incapable of doing the hard things of getting an education or earning a living. They're losers, the have nots and the cast offs of society, too damn lazy to work for what they want.
I know. I was one. But not today. I'm married, raised four kids, finished my education, saved money and now retired.
Rough at first, but never been arrested since. Life is too sweet that that BS
I listen to the swaggering BS spilling from the mouths of some of these kids and shake my head. They'll learn. I did. The hard way. One day they'll realize that it's all between their ears. Whatever they believe they're right. Think about it.
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Frank Tornabene writes: 9/4/2007 12:14:56 AM
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I'm with cool j I loved it in prison
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For Jesus Christ! writes: 9/18/2007 10:18:05 AM
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I help with WELS Prison Ministry. We send bibles and bible studies free to any prisoner or chaplain who asks for them.
We just sent 10,000 bible studies to the San Quentin chaplain a few months ago. Three things:
(1) if you know someone we should get free materials to, please email us with their name, facility, bunk#, etc. at WELSPM@NewUlmTel.net
(2) if you got our booklets, or material from another prison ministry, was it helpful? what did you like most?
(3) what else could we do to help those behind bars?
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Free At Last writes: 9/13/2007 12:08:53 PM
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Its comical how many of you are writting about prison. Prison is not a place to be glamorized. I was an active member of La Nuestra Raza and La Nuestra Familia for several years. I have a given the penal system 12 good years of my life and am still on parole. All those who are incarcerated sit in their cells with deep regret regardless of how hard they may seem. Nobody likes to eat the same crap week after week, put up with lockdowns, and watch their lives go by as their kids grow, and their ol'ladies leave them.
I have done time in San Quentin,Susanville,New Folsom,Jamestown, Pelican Bay,and Coalinga.
As for Lil Trigger's comments you are extremely disillusioned about the North and South conflict. The leaders of the Eme and NF have been trying to negotiate cease fire for years, drinking pruno together while their mindless lackeys are killing each other on the streets. Not to mention the fact that the FBI is familiar with every leader there is in these gangs and are all up in their business.
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LA OSITA writes: 9/24/2007 9:04:52 AM
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I DONT REALLY GOT A STORY ITS MORE LIKE MY VATO'S STORY...WELL HE'S BEEN IN THERE FOR 2yRS AND HE TELL'S ME ALL THE TIME THAT IT'S FUCKED UP IN THERE AND THAT HE GOT MORE FUCKING TIME JUST BECAUSE HE HAD GOTTEN SOME PLACASOS (TATTOOS) I MEAN THAT'S FUCKED UP SERIO PEDO....AND HE GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH SOME CHANATES AND HE GOT SENT TO THE HOLE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEK'S AND THE FIGHT WASN'T EVEN HIS FAULT! WELL FROM WHAT I HEARD PRISON IS JUST FUCKED UP!!! BUT HOPEFULLY MY VATO WILL LEARN WHAT'S UP ALREADY!!
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Ed writes: 2/22/2008 1:23:48 PM
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I was trying to get into Attica prison to visit a friend and the guard at the front gate asked me, "What do you want to visit anybody here, for?" My immediate reaction was to respond: "What are you doing working here?" We all know that wouldn't have gotten me far and would have put off my visit for another time.
Where is the dignity in all of this.
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halie writes: 2/26/2008 2:27:30 PM
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well my mom went in for 2years and just got out. in all she spent three years in prison. most of my life she was in jail. imma 14 teen going on 15 teen...she was never there for me or any thang
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Los de Bay Area writes: 10/24/2007 8:41:36 PM
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Free At Last
You are right on the money. Nobody, especially OG's glamourize prison or even think it is cool to go to prison. I hope these youngsters of today learn to change and that La Raza does come together.
May God Bless you and I hope you stay free and get off parole and educate the next generation.
I grew up seeing really bad stuff and I also have friends and family in the California Prison system and I hope folks learn there is so much more to life.
1 Luv-
Los
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money writes: 11/10/2007 3:55:28 PM
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I was in San Quentin and Soladad prisons. It's no joke. the world passes you by. guy's have never seen cell phones. I seen people who where in for violent acts in the 70's with 5 to life that will never see day light except when they hit the yard because the state of California will not let violent inmates go even after serving 15 to 20 years with good time there's so many inmates jobs are hard to get so you have to do your full sentence or go to school for your second GED and there's always the violence just around the corner, the other side of the yard, two tables away in the dining hall. guards fucking with you. Trying to fuck your day up looking for you to make a mistake, even when your trying hard as you can not to do nothing wrong. Drama, Drama, Drama all day all night long day after day same shit different bowl.
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j-dub writes: 11/15/2007 9:08:30 AM
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wuz up homez.. i was locked up for 5 years on a distrubuton charge. it suckz foreal homez. i rep the cripz took a few azz wooping .. 1 gang i wouldnt mess with is the ms-13
one
j-dub
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fresno writes: 11/18/2007 9:56:01 AM
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SUR 13 and norte R both in prison are under the thumb of their shot caller, have to do what they say, have to pay rent, and ther shot caller aint nothing but an old drug addict. these people dont even listen to their parents but their gonna go and listen to some drug addict. there's only 1 CA prison gang that does not have shot callers and thats the Fresno Bulldogs. Their neither north nor south. i've been to Y.A and prison so i know whats up. sur and norte are not drinkin together. some prisons they're at war, some places they're not, and if they're on the same yard belive me they dont do no business with eachother.
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TRE-APE writes: 11/24/2007 2:17:06 PM
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well i became a ci inside so i get mcdonalds everyday! hbo and cigs
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still on parole writes: 11/25/2007 4:41:04 AM
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most of the comments im reading have to be from the fake ones that have never sat in a cell an counted the cracks in the ceiling. I did a couple of years in quentin and was in west block, alpine, the gym, and north block. life in san quentin is for the fucking birds, of course i made the best of my time there and laughed every chance i got, but that cannot compare to the times that were anything but funny. i got a question for j-duck, when and where in san quentin did you see ms 13, must have been in protective custody with them too huh, you and fresno celled up together in p.c
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Michael writes: 12/5/2007 2:11:49 PM
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1 year in a youth correctional facility...
It sucked..
I'll agree with a lot of people...
There were moments where it was somewhat enjoyable...
But most of the time I was depressed and thought I would never see civilization again.
I got out on Parole 2 years ago..
Now here I am almost off :)
Over all it changed my life...
A good moment there would be probably all of the people that you meet and all the long talks you get to have with people that are in similar situations as your own.
Im getting ready to Graduate High School now and Im workin on a family of my own.
Tough stuff, but I know I can handle it...
Thank you for this website, totally cool!!!
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Jason A? writes: 12/29/2007 10:41:01 PM
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Hi my name is jason and I was in jail for robbing a house and i was only 17 and when i turned 18 i was sent to prison where hell began. Since i was new and young and i was very good looking i didnt know what was to come, one day i was in my cell reading a magazine when four men walked in smiling, one of them started to take off his pants, i coudnt do anything it was this or death. They all had a turn with me and since that day on ive been raped.
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leah (lil' city) writes: 12/18/2007 8:16:42 AM
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i'm a 32 yr. old female from the nasty nati thats cincinnatti, oh. i loved the fast life. drugss,money,pimpin' the hoes all that nonsense until i went to marysvile prison for women for selling crack cocaine...life is short and i learned alot in prison. ive been to te bottom and no other choice but to look up
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big red writes: 1/6/2008 12:39:37 AM
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some of these fake azz storries, i spent 30 years in folsom and half thr stuff u are talkin bout dont go on, let me tell u who ruz these prision,,, us the northside also non ass the Big Bad ass Nortenos..
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sara writes: 1/12/2008 11:07:57 AM
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leah, i here you my kids were taking away
for making cash to surive but now im paying i miss my kids sellin didnt get me know were?im 27 sellin drugs cuz i dont want to work?
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daddy writes: 1/15/2008 6:09:25 PM
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My husband is currently in san quentin west block. From what he has wrote to me it's awfull there... there's no phone calls and he dosen't receive any letters. He'll be out by august hopefully from then on its off to Mexico. I've read some of these comments and some people here seem really stuped to me... My husband has gone through so much in prison and in county jail(8 months) it's been not only hard on him but on me and his family... I hope they past the new prison law soon!!!
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Inmate's mom writes: 1/18/2008 8:06:19 PM
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I don't have a prison story personally but my son is serving time in Pelican Bay Prison and I have a question for those who are familiar with they way things work in prison. My son has been very regular in either writing or phoning me at least once a week until 3 weeks ago and I have not heard a word from him and I am worried and don't know if there is any way I can find out any information about him. Is there anyone to call to find out if he allright? If he was put in solitary is he allowed to still write me? I have searched different web sites trying to find some answers to these questions and I am not finding anything helpful. so if any one who reads this would be able to help me find the answers I would appreciate it. Thank you, God Bless You
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Connally(Keith) writes: 1/22/2008 9:56:50 AM
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2 corinthians 13;11
''i am a child , i learn like a child, i listen like child , i play like a child , but when i became a man i put childish things away.
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CVCG13 writes: 1/24/2008 11:26:13 PM
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WHATS UP RAZA IM FROM COMPTON VARRIO CHICANO GANGA 13, I SPEND 5 YEARS IN LA PINTA AND LET ME TELL U VATOS SOMETING IS HART IN THER BUT U GET US TO IT I WHENT TO CHINO STATE PRISON , CHACAGUALA TO ALL MY HOMIES STAY UP AND VIVA LA RAZA SURENOS .
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ANNA writes: 2/29/2008 1:25:57 PM
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TO: FREE AT LAST
LISTEN I'M SORRY ENYONE HAS TO GO THROUGH SOMETHING LIKE YEAR IN PRISON. I'M CURRENTLY READING MEXICAN MAFIA BY TONY RAFAEL AND I LOVE IT. NO DISRESPECT BUT ITS VERY INTERESTING AND SAD AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CURIOUS AS TO WHAT GOES INSIDE A PERSON'S HEAD WHEN THEY ARE IN AND COME OUT OF JAIL. DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU DONT BELONG. I BET YOU LOOK AT THE REST OF US IN THE WORLD AND LAUGH AT OUR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE BECAUSE I DO KNOW THIS PAIN AND SUFFERING GIVE YOU LIFE EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOPED UNDERSTANDING FOR ALL THINGS AND PEOPLE I TRULY BELIEVE YOU KNOW MORE THAN THERAPIST AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM BECAUSE YOU HAVE LIVED THROUGH ALL THE INJUSTICE.
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Denise writes: 3/9/2008 7:45:08 PM
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This is for "inmates mom".
You have the right to know of your son's safety and well being. Call and ask to speak to the warden and they will most likely ask why, tell them your situation and they will put you in touch with the right person or even maybe tell you his situation after looking up his case file. I know i been in your situation myself with my son. Do it now. You have that right as his parent. If that dont work then you need to follow up with the proper channels till you get answers. Your in my prayers so let me know how it turns out okay?
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use your f'n brains writes: 4/5/2008 12:05:45 PM
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prison aint nothing to be glamorizing. Im a Cuban male from northern california (african-descent, and most of my family is either doing time in a texas or california prison.
None of my family were raised racsist, but at the same time on the streets most of us hang around black/americans and even claim black sets. One of my uncles that's serving a very long time has nothing but mexican/white/black-cuban kids and he told me of incidents where he'll have to bust another man's head over some dum rascist **** but "thats prison life for you," he said. My little cousin is serving life and just got sent to Pelican Bay were he told me since his arrival there's been a stabbing every other day. I'm going to wrap this up with a stay strong and postive to all the real yg's og's behind them walls and on them streets, no matter your set or color 100.
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awaiting approval writes: 5/3/2008 1:05:04 PM
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eric writes: 5/5/2008 8:40:30 AM
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Well, for me, it all started when I got into trouble for murdering some Hispanic for messing with my family and friends. When I got into prison it was tough. I had to choose what group I thought I would be in. Prison sucks. It's not cool and I never want to go back.
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The men in BLACK!!!! writes: 5/10/2008 12:47:22 PM
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Well, I actually work the Prison. I`m a Tactical Officer with the prison SWAT Team and let me tell you it is funny when we go in and kick some asses! They start to run when they see the Men in Black!
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ANGEL BABY writes: 5/13/2008 3:14:28 PM
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Well, I dont have a story, I have never been busted or done time. But I have hommies that have. I have a friend who got locked up when he was 14 years old. He is in the YA. It's like a juvenile prison. He got 60 to life for attempted murder and it's a waste of life. It sad that he's only 17 now and he won't ever be able to have kids or to live his life now. It's all gang-banging in there and it's no joke, it's a waste of life. I'm still hoping he will get out some day, because he has really changed.
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awaiting approval writes: 5/18/2008 7:40:51 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 5/18/2008 10:12:52 AM
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awaiting approval writes: 5/21/2008 4:10:32 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 5/9/2008 10:15:24 AM
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awaiting approval writes: 5/28/2008 10:32:01 AM
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GP writes: 6/8/2008 8:52:32 PM
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I've never been to jail and have a 100% clean record. I find prison to be very interesting.
I'm most curious about prison life.
I was wondering if someone who served at least five years or more could give a detailed experience of what it's like.
For example, were you a rapee/rapist? Did you shank anyone? Have you ever been shanked? Any fight descriptions, any prison riots? What's the drug economy like?
A ex-friend of mine did eight years. I know he's holding back info but he told me they file down plastic spoons until they're nearly flat, put a small amount of coke on it ( maybe a small bump ) and the cost is 50$. Is that true?
Thank you very much.
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bluberry writes: 6/20/2008 1:41:29 PM
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My dad did 12 years in the pin. But now he's out. It hurts to see my dad up in there. He did what he had to do, but for every father I'm pretty sure it hurts to see their family them while locked up. As much as it can hurt prisoners to see their family, it hurts the family more than any prisoner can feel.
It felt like I was grieving even though my dad was still alive. Every night I ask my dad if the pin really changed him. He always said 'yes it did,' but I continously ask if it really did. Every prioner can say they changed, but in my eyes I say they're just their old selves still - like Mr badass - it's just hiding and waiting for another opportunity to come out.
I'm 16 about to turn 17. My dad always said he wants to give me back my childhood years, but how can he? He did stupid shit when I wuz 4 and 12 years later he wants to make everything ok, as if I'm still an infant.
For my personal experience I spent my 3 years of being a teenager in and out of juvenile facilities, every time my dad gets mad at me for doing what I did, I alwayz tell him I learned my criminal acts from the same person who stands before me. Teens don't learn everything on our own, they learn many things from their father and other relatives. If your child does tha same criminal acts as you once did, is it just a repeat of what you did or are you looking at yourself in the mirror?
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awaiting approval writes: 6/28/2008 1:19:24 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 7/15/2008 10:34:34 AM
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nuga writes: 7/16/2008 11:03:16 PM
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My Uncle was at San Quentin for 20 years, in the early 1900's where he broke a world olympic track record while running in the SQ olympics. He was not given official credit because a) He was convicted of murder and b) he was a California Indian and Indians were not US citizens until 1924 so he could not be listed as breaking a record in CA.
There is one picture in existence. I would very much like to find this picture or any archive documents RE: him. He is not listed on any Archive inmate lists provided, in fact, no Indians are from back then. I have three more names from southern CA, reservations who went to San Quentin during this time that we can't find documentation for. Is there a resource to find this information? What was the policy for indian prisoners in the early 1900's?
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CHICANO writes: 7/20/2008 2:11:14 PM
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I WAS LOCKED UP IN FOLSOM STATE PRISON.I WAS IN FOR TWO DRIVE BY SHOOTINGS, AND WHEN I WAS GETTING TRANSFERRED, I WAS THINKING I'M NOT MESSING AROUND WITH ANYBODY. I'M JUST GOING TO QUIT AND BE COOL WITH EVERYONE.
BUT AS SOON AS YOU GO IN THERE EVERYBODY STARTS TALKING SHIT TO YOU. YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO JOIN A GANG. THAT WAY THEY WILL HAVE YOUR BACK. I JOINED THE MEXICAN MAFIA. MAN, IT WAS SO TOUGH IN THERE. YOU GOT TO KNOW HOW TO KICK ASS. MAN, IT'S REALLY CRAZY IN THERE. REALLY.
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awaiting approval writes: 9/1/2008 11:28:14 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 9/9/2008 1:30:14 AM
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changed man writes: 9/15/2008 8:15:11 AM
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Some people glorify priosn as if it were the best thing happening. Let me inform all of you non believers, prison is the worse thing ever.
I just got released a month ago after serving 20 years. My original sentence was 2 to 4 years. I know you are wondering, how did I end up with so much time? It's called survival. Stabbings which turned into attempted murder, dropping dirty, and not following prison politics. For anyone facing time, be your own man, stick to your beliefs, and remember you came in by yourself hopefully you will leave by yourself. Keep your head, stay focused, excercise and pray. You will make it out if the system allows you to be free. They can lock your body away but your mind will always stay free.
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God's Child writes: 9/30/2008 3:03:34 AM
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I read just about all the comments on here, and let me start off by saying "It's best to be quiet and be thought of as a fool than to speak and be known as a fool."
I read about all the folks on here bragging about what they or their friends did, as if it's something to be proud of. Offenders' attitudes determine just about everything that happens in their lives. They might call themselves drug dealers, but their family continues to live in poverty. And many may be out on parole but still haven't found a job because they can't stay clean. What is really going on?
As far as the gang activity goes, a true friend, someone that has the best interests in mind, will not promote wrongdoing. That shit is for the birds. It doesn't matter what prison an offender was in or how much time he or she served. That does not define who you are, it is you who define who you are. An offender must challenge himself to achieve positive change even if it means a different change of scene, like finding a job to take care of family, and giving his children something to be proud of as well as something to look forward to. First-class is only a little bit more.
And once you witness a different side of life, I promise you wont want to return to your old ways. Prison is no place for a real man or woman. Trouble is easy to find and hard to shake. May Peace be with you all.
By the way, I'm a Prison Guard who does care!
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awaiting approval writes: 10/5/2008 9:30:43 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 10/8/2008 11:35:59 AM
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awaiting approval writes: 10/9/2008 10:44:57 AM
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awaiting approval writes: 10/11/2008 9:40:07 AM
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awaiting approval writes: 10/16/2008 8:13:35 AM
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muneca writes: 10/20/2008 12:05:21 PM
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I was 25 hanging around the Big boys from the streets..yeah no one would mess with me because they knew who I rolled with. I had mad attention, whatever I wanted. Whenever I went out to the clubs I would have mad respect only because of who I rolled with. Untill December 27 2001- I owned my own house that my dad bought me- had a brand new honda accord, rims, system had it all. My house had every room furnished with nothing but the best- all from my dad.
Well since I liked to hang with the big boys I went down with the big boys- at 7am Dec.27 2001- Swat was kicking down my door- mind you at that time I had 3 little girls(my kids) sleeping. My house got raided. They found 113 bundles of PCP street vaule of 15,000 in mt freezer in my basement, I had no idea it was even there. I got booked and everyone else got let go. I ended up getting 2-5 state time. I was scared, I'm a pretty girl, prison was not me. I went to Muncy state in PA for 3 months then I took what I thought was the easy way out I did bootcamp. Shit being 1 of 10 females out of 340 men was crazy. Boot camp was no joke but I did what I had to do. I came out in 9 months on a 2-5 year and did the rest on parole. I went to college, graduated and now work in the medical field. Where are my "boys" that let me take the fall for their shit...one is doing 10-20 for homicide, the other locked-up for having a gun, 2 kilos crossing state line while on parole and the other someone shot him and sethim on fire, he lived but he is nolonger a pretty boy..Prison is no joke.
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ANONYMOUS writes: 10/21/2008 9:47:09 AM
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WATCH OUT FOR PRISONERS EXTORTING MONEY FROM FAMILIES. THEY DID THIS TO MY FAMILY. MY SON IS IN PRISON , THEY WOULD CHARGE HIM 20.00 FOR A VISIT WITH HIS SON OR AN ASS WIPPING. THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO EXCEPT TRANSFER OUT TO ANOTHER PRISON IF YOU SAY ANYTHING IT JUST MAKES MATTERS WORSE SO THE PRISONER IS NOT ONLY A VICTIM BUT THE FAMILY IS ALSO, PACIFIC ORISON REALLY NEEDS HELP FOR EXTORTION AGAINST FAMILIES.
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Big J writes: 10/22/2008 2:41:24 PM
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Please post your prison story here. You all got good stories. I am a gang counselor in Tulare County Califas. I done time and I am not proud of it we all know as gangsters it's not the place to be. it's hard to beleive that i am no longer involved with the maddness I was in I owe my life to Jesus. Jesus can keep you out of prison he did it for me he could do it for you. My criminal life finished in 2000 it's been 8 years since I stepped into the system.
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awaiting approval writes: 10/27/2008 8:00:44 AM
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lil_smash writes: 10/28/2008 6:55:27 AM
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I did 3 days up in the jdc and it was wack as hell. I know prison is a lot worse. i got three homeboys in and one cousin that just got out, but yeah, JDC is like a daycare, telling you when to wake up, when to eat and even book time.
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awaiting approval writes: 11/5/2008 11:33:04 AM
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skinhead jake writes: 11/7/2008 6:08:21 PM
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i am a white guy who did time for seriously
beating two gang members with a lead pipe and
man it felt so good. But once i went to prison
it was hell. after a few days of blacks and
hispanics kicking my ass, the brotherhood took
me under their wing, for services.
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SANxJONERO writes: 11/17/2008 7:06:34 PM
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To the person talking about cease fire. The so called cease fire I heard about was with some fools turned Christian that ain't drinking pruno & definately aren't leaders, unless they're some kind of church leaders.
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an0nym0us writes: 11/19/2008 1:53:42 PM
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DAMN BEING IN PRIS0N IS N0 J0KE.. I MYSELF TELL U BECAUSE I W0RK AT KERN VALLEY STATE PRIS0N AS A C.N.A
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SCDAVE writes: 11/20/2008 12:09:43 PM
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I was in San Quentin serving a 32 month sentence for false imprisonment. My Father died while I was in there and I was very anxious to get out. I take medication for depression and that makes me part of CDC's mental health case load. My name was called over the public address system and I was told that a Doctor from mental health wanted to see me. He interviewed me for release I asked him if he felt that I was cleared to go ( remember I only take anti depressants)he told me yes. Long story short I saw three more Doctors who interviewed me for 15minutes hardly enough time to determine my level of functionality. My release date rolled around I was packed and ready to go home! They never called my name. I got a cop that was cool to call mental health
I got released that night but the whole time I am going through this I was stressing on the death and whether or not I was going to get out. It was a night mare and I hope that with the new injection of 600mil they can get it right! But will it stay right probably will.. until they need money again and purposely jam up service while they cry we need funds!!!!
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Cyclops writes: 11/27/2008 6:12:40 PM
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I enterd the system in 1975 at the Preston School of Industry. From there I went to DVI on my CYA #. Was released for 45 days caught another case, then went to Soladad North. From there I went to San Quentin South Block C Section AC overflow as a Max A prisoner with an indeterminate SHU program. After 10 yrs. in the CDC, right back in, only this time 10 straight for the Federal BOP. Stabbed twice, lost my right eye, & was shot 11 times with a 12 ga. by gaurds. Max A at SQ was by far the meanest. This was during the time of the race riots of the 70's & early 80's when all the clicks were comming up hard. The white boys and chicanos of the south ran together, & the blacks & farmers stuck together. Yeh I had heart, made my bones, a stand up guy. For what? Nothing. I wasted my life, over stupid stuff. I just finished up an 18 month Rehab/drug program/boot camp for the Georgia Dept. of Corrections. It's taken 22 years for me to get it right. I think I may have it right. You get out of prison & if you didn't get an education, or work on your issues, then all you got is war stories. No it won't get you a cup of coffee. For all the youngsters out there, don't listen to the dudes that want to brag about being in lock down, eather they don't have a life, or they aint about nuthin. Make something of yourselves & make mom & pops proud. That's comming straight up from an OG true convict. I am Cyclops 5150.
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ANONYMOUS writes: 11/24/2008 2:32:52 AM
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I WENT UP TO SUSANVILLE STATE PRISON TO VISIT MY MAN AND WELL I WAS SMUGGLING DRUGS INTO THE FACILITY FOR MY OLD MAN. BUT WHEN I HAD ALREADY GIVEN HIM THE DRUGS THE OFFICERS IN DUTY CAME IN A HURRY CAUSE THEY HAD GOTTEN A CALL SAYING THAT SOMEONE IN THE VISITING AREA WAS GOING TO BE BRINGING SOME STUFF. SOMEONE RATTED MY OLD MAN OUT. THEY OFFICERS GOT HIM TOOK HIM AND THEY TOOK ME TO THE MAIN OFFICE. SO THEY STRIP SEARCHED AND WELL I WAS IN JAIL FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK AND A HALF AND GOT OUT ON BAIL BUT NOW IM GOING TO COURT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME. IM NOT THE TYPE OF GIRL WHO WOULD DO THIS. I'M ONLY 21. I DONT MESS AROUND WITH DRUGS OR ANYTHING. NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME DOING STUPID SHIT LIKE THIS! I WAS STUPID ENOUGH TO LET MY MAN TO TALK TO ME INTO DOING WHAT I DID. NOW I REGRET IT AND ITS TOO LATE. I DONT WANT TO GO TO PRISON. I HAVE ALWAYS SAID THAT PRISON IS A WASTE OF TIME.WHY NOT MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF YOUR LIFE RIGHT. BUT NOW I MIGHT BE ONE OF THOSE WHO WILL BE WAISTING LIFE AWAY. HAS ANYONE BEEN IN JAIL FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS INTO THE FACILITY?
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Anonymous writes: 4/25/2009 8:30:20 AM
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I just went on tour of the prison. It was weird being on the inside, hard to imagine not being able to leave the institution for years if ever. Those guys have it rough in there, especially with the race segregation and the pressure it puts on all prisoners. You have to stand up for yourself or else you will become victimized and seen as a weak person.
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ce'killa writes: 3/23/2009 10:13:48 PM
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ive never been to prison only county jails alot im only 20 ive been in and out of jail since i was 13 sad aint it ive never been to juvy though only adult ive been giving fake names since 4ever life behind bars its a patients game you have to have self control gotta control your temper and think about the big pic all the time theres always hatred from the authority rather its race looks or the sound of your voice HATERSSSSS nothing fair once your in there house dont think by going to jail your excepted its your life only you will experince what jail is gonna do to you think ahead
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Towie writes: 3/25/2009 4:30:39 AM
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West up I just got out form state prison after being sent for 10years but my drug use in prison ... That's what gave me more time thats how I got 3more years add .., I was ok with that but now that iam out and free I still put it down for w/s varrio Mesa Lockotes Gang 1312.. This is what kind off help me when I was locked the homie told me "you have to give it Try or give it your all" I from OcEAnSiDE ,cA and I was locked for f'ing up some slobs that come in my house but they say I took it to far
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Annony writes: 3/26/2009 3:02:32 PM
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I never been in jail for my whole life and I've been good time in my life, but it was very sad because two of my cousin went to jail for murder. My cousin went to different prison but i'm not sure where he at. My other cousin went to in San Quentin Prison for Life and he told me that there's crazy ans shit in Prison. He have to stay survive and he have no choice because he need someone watch his back if he join a gang.
Wow, Its really crazy in San Quentin Prison. He wanted me to get better life for my future and I understand He have no life for his future.
You need to make two choice: do the right thing or goes wrong thing. Its about Life or Death!
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Auntie K writes: 3/30/2009 2:26:58 PM
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Please post your prison story here.My nephew has been hooked on CRACK cocaine since a very young age. He did 3 years in a prison in South Carolina.
He got out in 2008 and 3 months later while trying to get crack he stole a van with 2 children sitting in it. He had a knife on him and he made the mother get out of the van first. In his drug craze I do not think he knew the kids were in the van. He pulled into a street where he saw some people and shouted to the people to get the children out.
He went to court,they gave him 27years. He is 32 years old. This boy has the best family and he was never neglected in his life. Just goes to show you what drugs can do.
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awaiting approval writes: 5/9/2009 10:02:04 AM
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Paroled years ago writes: 5/13/2009 10:14:19 PM
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Prison is a good place to be right about now. Free unlimited Medical, Room and Board. Not to mention free weekly movies, sporting events with a paid Coach to organize them. You get all you need to survive and when you get out you don't have to pay a cent back. You can violate parole get 6 months and $300,000 worth of medical procedures, go home and not pay a cent. Is it dangerous? well, you can request a sensitive needs yard. Don't feel so bad for the criminals they have options in there and free everything.
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awaiting approval writes: 6/13/2009 11:12:28 AM
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awaiting approval writes: 6/13/2009 5:37:14 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 5/28/2009 10:01:43 AM
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funka writes: 5/30/2009 4:42:08 AM
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Never done time myself but I find the stories especially from the US really interesting. Do the gangs really have control over the drugs or do the guards turn a blind eye? How would i cope without my methadone? Peace ya'll
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FLIMA writes: 6/21/2009 9:06:32 PM
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To the person who thinks inmates get everything they need in prison...
You must have never been an inmate. I am The Florida Inmate Medical Advocate. Getting medical treatment is next to impossible. And the food...well if that is what you feel the need to call it, consists of green meat and brown salad, and some kind of purple water and occassionally rice that doesn't move.
Back to the unlimited medical. Are you talking of botched surguries, misdiagnoses, overdoses, mixed up meds, meds given to the wrong inmate, No meds ordered for the critically ill. We won't even mention the inadequate way inmates with diabetes recieve their insulin that results in being rushed to the hospital in sugar shock many times a month.By no means is prison a 3 hots and a cot kinda deal.
It's so far from that.And prison is never "the place to be". Yes they have options in there, do or die. Not every inmate is afforded protective custody level,it's not a given. "free" room and board...LOL Nothing is for free in prison or out.
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awaiting approval writes: 7/21/2009 5:05:07 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 7/30/2009 5:17:25 PM
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awaiting approval writes: 8/12/2009 8:26:04 AM
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An oldie but a goodie!! writes: 8/8/2009 9:30:01 PM
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I've been out about 20 years, and prior to that did time in California. Sometimes it feels like a dream, when I think about my old life as if it happened to someone else.
Dangerous place to be. A few years back after I had "made it" meaning I had a kick ass job for years and lost it because I got sick and was placed on pain pills.
An old druggie like me. First I took drugs because I wanted to and then I didn't want to but had to. I stopped taking care of me. For all of you out there remember, it doesn't matter how long you been out, all it takes is one time slip.I freaked one day and I don't know why I did except slowly but surely, I compromised and turned into a legal junkie> No difference man. I lost it all. A great job with the State, my home, my credit shot and my health gone to pot. Now I am back on the road to recovery. Always stay focused looking ahead.People like us can never get comfortable and forget where we came from regardless of what we think we are today or think we made it…No such thing as made it…
I lost my kids over 20 years ago and two of them still won't talk to me.
Doesn't matter what I have done with my life. You can lose it all in one day for stupidity excuses or not,there is no justification! So keep your eyes straight ahead and one eye on the sharp look out for ole slew foot waiting for you to slip up just a little bit. Enjoy being clean and in good health.
And take care of your mind, and what you got. And when 5 or 10 or 15 or 20 years come rolling by never stop staying on your guard.I'm okay now. I luve life, I enjoy my family, I didn't lose what I can't get back in terms of money etc.
So When you get out remember it's a life long process staying out no matter whose face you see staring back at you 30 years from now. I have earned two of my kids trust and respect but that took many years to get.The other two still wan't nothing to do with me. So you old timers beward, you may think that they'l come around, be prepared,and you youngsters don't be a fool like I was and pay with your whole life.It ain't worth.
I never went back to prison, I spent one day in jail in the past 6 years.Been out 20 25 years but that old voice will always try to bring you back!!I walk with Jesus now and he the reason i can cross the finish line.
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awaiting approval writes: 8/25/2009 4:27:33 AM
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Lulu writes: 9/2/2009 3:39:38 AM
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Our New Zealand jails are not even half as dangerous and violent as the US/Mexi jails, not many prison gangs and no Supermax facilities.
The main race wars are white supremacy/bikie gangs vs. the "native" gangs-black New Zealanders known as Maoris and the migrants, Pacific Islanders-Samoans, Tongans and Fijians).
American Gangsta Rap has a huge following in the black gangs here (except if any real american gangstas saw the pitiful attempts to imitate them and their style/music etc,they would die laughing).
White Supremacy is alive and well too,like most countries, we have our skinheads and our bikies.
My best friend has been in prison for murder since we were 15-we are now both 25. It seems to be a real pressure cooker environment in prison,paranoia reigns supreme and every minor infraction seems to get blown out of proportion and magnified,adding to the already explosive tension between the inmates.
Many inmates change allegiances and "outside" beliefs fall by the wayside when the temptation of prison business and protection come into play,
making it hard for anyone to be sure who they're dealing with.Seems to be just one of the results of having so many volatile people living on top of each other 24 hours a day.
Its hard knowing that I may not see my best friend leave prison for maybe another 5years just for trying to survive prison life. It just seems like he's stuck in a vicious circle that he is struggling to escape from.
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oldogg writes: 9/27/2009 1:20:01 PM
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i spent 19 years 5 months and 22 days in marion federal penitientiary, im not going back.
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oldogg writes: 9/27/2009 1:36:07 PM
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my first stint in prison was in 1970 i did 5 years in sing sing in new york. got out and went back to prison for 8 years in fort pillow state prison, got out and did another 10 years in brushy mountain state prison, got out and did 19years in marion federal correctional facility. you do the crime you do the time.
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LION LYWD C writes: 10/1/2009 6:54:32 PM
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i did close to 13 years from juvi, camp, cya, county and finally made it to the pin.
puro gang banging. faced life 3 times 4 a187 but i never talked and that was a life saver. life in jail is fucked up but you got to take advantage of school and trades in there. you got to be strong and never show weakness, and fuck it if someone gets crazy. Handle it, so next time fools will know you dont play.
Well i've had a pretty good head on my shoulders since i was a kid. Now i work and been out 13 years and i'm loving it. Even when times get hard i say to myself it's better then being in jail with some lops telling you what you can and can't do (co's).
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