BlackLeatherRain

I have a friend serving 18 years in a high security facility (state-based, not federal). I know you don't know ALL of the ins and outs, but here are some of the things I've learned from him, and I'd like your perspective on it:

1. During his first year in jail, he claims that (once out of sight of the cameras) one of the guards punched him in the back of his head when he refused to throw away some personal items (letters from his wife). This led to a knock-down drag-out that put him in solitary for a year. Have you seen guards take advantage of their power and abuse prisoners like this, or is it your experience that they're accused of things that, frankly, never happened?

2. I've been told in some facilities in the cafeteria, the line cooks (largely inmates) must duct tape the legs of their pants shut to keep the bugs from crawling into their pants. Any truth to this at your facility?

3. He's developed some severe health issues since he's been placed in the prison system here, and has received exceptionally poor health care. He has learned from others that the prison system relies on medical staff that have lost their licenses or been fired from private and clinical practices, and have no where else to practice but at the prisons - as a result, obvious problems are ignored, prisoners die of preventable disorders, and it takes forever to get acceptable health care. Have you seen this?

4. He's noted that even the most benign and accepting personality, once put in maximum security, will turn into a racist within months through self-preservation. What can you tell us about race relations, hate groups, and tribalism amongst prisoners?

If the traps won't quit, the gain's legit.

Bring them a cake and welcome them to the neighborhood.

You're going to be living across the street from them for quite some time, you might as well make friendly and not make all time at home and in the front yard Hell.

D'awwww!!! It's a BOY!

Brother, thine words doth swole my heart.