Category Archives for Prison Rules
What Criminals Are The Most Hated in Prison?
It’s no secret that criminal justice reform and the role of the police in our society have become hotly-debated political topics in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. As a criminal justice reform activist, I am excited that American citizens are having this discussion. One of the arguments I have heard regularly from those who […]
Continue reading
Can You be on Two Inmate Visiting Lists?
When I was in prison, there was nothing that brought me more joy than a visit from a loved one. I looked forward to every visit with crazy anticipation, and when the moment finally arrived, those four hours flew by way too fast. Most prisons have visiting hours on the weekends, but the number, length, […]
Continue reading
How Can I Find Out if I am on an Inmate’s Visiting List?
For the past couple of months, prisons all over the country have shut down their visiting rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, this is a safety precaution, but the damage this decision does to an inmate’s health and well-being can’t be understated. Visits are crucial for a prison inmate, and they are encouraged by […]
Continue reading
George Floyd Protests Trigger BOP Lockdown
After the arrest of George Floyd led to his death at the knees of an officer in the Minneapolis Police Department, protests have broken out all over the globe. But, as everyone knows, many of these peaceful protests have been hijacked by violent looters, and that has resulted in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) […]
Continue reading
What Happens to You in Prison if You’re Nice?
When I was growing up, my parents taught me the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I was also given little nuggets of wisdom like “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” I consider myself to be a pretty nice person. In fact, I can […]
Continue reading
What Do You Talk About When Visiting Someone in Prison?
I don’t consider myself to be a big talker, but my family might disagree. Even with a journalism degree and a podcast, I feel like I do most of my talking through the written word instead of speaking. When I do have conversations with my friends, I prefer going deep on an interesting subject instead […]
Continue reading
Why Do Inmates Get Free Food?
I recently celebrated the third anniversary of the day I walked out of prison. I spent four years at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic, and Correctional Center in Vandalia, Missouri, for a first-time, non-violent, marijuana offense, and my time behind bars opened my eyes to the realities of the United States prison system. I have […]
Continue reading
How Does a Drug User Get Clean if They Are in Prison?
Ever since the drug war began in the early 1970s, prisons have been filled with non-violent drug offenders who have problems with addiction. Many of these are people who are victim to themselves and their families. The sad fact is that prison doesn’t usually help people with addiction issues. Unless the inmate has a strong […]
Continue reading
Can You be Happy in Prison?
Today’s question is a difficult one to answer. I was so upset and beat down after I was put in prison, that happiness wasn’t even a thought. I’ve got to be honest – I didn’t think I deserved to be in there. The common joke is that everyone in prison will tell you they are […]
Continue reading
Why Would an Inmate be Moved to a Different Cell?
When you are living in the free world, there can be numerous reasons why you would move to a new home. People move because they get a new job, or get a raise and can afford a larger home. Or, on the flipside, people can downsize due to job loss or retirement. Other people move […]
Continue reading