Unspoken Realities of Prison Life: Crimes and Harassment Behind Bars

The reality of prison life often goes beyond the surface-level discussions of typical crimes such as drug trafficking, theft, or common violent offenses. Within the jail walls, a unique and often unspoken world of criminality and harassment exists that affects some inmates more than others, particularly law enforcement individuals and those who have crimes against children and the elderly.

Cop Harassment and Beyond

Contrary to popular belief, law enforcement officers are not immune to the harsh realities of prison life. Inmates, including law enforcement, can and do victimize each other. For example, rapists and child molesters are not the only ones who face harassment; so do law enforcement officers who find themselves in jail. This can be especially problematic for child predators, who, despite being behind bars, can still pose a threat to their fellow inmates.

Underlying Crimes and Harsh Realities

Crimes against the elderly and children often receive less attention in the world outside of prison. During my time in jail, I discovered that many inmates lacked education, which can contribute to their involvement in such offenses. Education is key in preventing such crimes, both inside and outside of prison. Unfortunately, there is evil on both sides of the bars, and it is crucial to address these issues with a thoughtful approach that includes education and prevention measures.

Prison Justice: Myth or Reality?

The concept of prison justice is often misunderstood. For instance, the belief that child molesters are given justice upon incarceration is a dangerous and misguided notion. Those who are strong may remain predators, while those who are weak may become prey. Some child predators, like the muscle-bound inmate who assaulted underage girls, can pose a significant threat even within the prison system. Such incidents highlight the necessity for stricter laws and stricter enforcement of existing penalties.

The Convict Code of Justice

To understand the culture of prison, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the convict code of justice. Here are a few key principles:

All snitches must die. Mind your own business. Avoid borrowing anything. Debt can get you killed. I witnessed a serious case where someone was beaten to death over a cookie.

Offenses that can land you at the bottom of the pecking order include:

Child molestation and child murder. Inmates hate "Chomos." Child abuse is a significant issue as well. Rape can be dangerous too.

Common Inmates' Struggles

Other crimes, such as theft and failure to follow through on agreements, can also be sources of stress and danger in prison. The phrase "You can have anything you want but you better not take it from me!" is a common mantra, highlighting the culture of distrust and self-protection. It is important to remember that in this environment, trust is earned and maintained through careful behavior and adherence to the unwritten rules.

Conclusion

The reality of prison life is often more complex and nuanced than what is presented in popular media. Understanding the unspoken realities of criminality and harassment within prison walls is crucial for those who seek to rectify these issues and improve the justice system. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and implementing stricter laws and better education, we can work towards a safer and more just society.