Daily Life of Prisoners: Activities and Hustles

Introduction

When considering prison life, many wonder what activities prisoners engage in during their long sentences. While the experience can vary greatly depending on one's classification, facilities, and personal choices, there are several common activities and routines that inmates often participate in.

Levels and Routines

The nature of a prisoner's day heavily depends on their security level. Connecticut (CT) provides a notable example with its level system, now ranging from 1 to 4 after the elimination of level 5 supermaxes. For those in higher levels, they often spend much of their day in their cells, subject to strict regulations. For instance, in maximum security units, inmates have only one hour of recreational time in the morning and one in the evening. The rest of the day is typically spent within the confines of their cells.

During the night, conditions can vary. While some inmates might choose to stay awake and engage in different activities like watching movies or playing cards, others might prefer to sleep early. Some prisons allow for later lights out, depending on the shift of the corrections officers (CO) on duty. In these cases, some inmates might organize themselves into groups to gamble, smoke, or socialize in more discreet areas of the dormitories.

Education and Skills Development

In addition to these personal choices, many inmates also focus on education and skills development. For example, my personal experience included taking a business management course, which proved particularly beneficial during downtime. Upon completion of such a course, inmates can secure jobs within the facility, such as in the school block or the workers dorm.

There are also other types of work available within the prison. Inmates can participate in school work programs, engage in recreational activities, or even work out in the gym. These activities are not only beneficial for their well-being but also provide a sense of purpose and structure to the inmates' lives.

Money and Hustles

For those serving long stretches, making money or finding effective ways to earn some funds can be crucial. Inmate life often revolves around what is colloquially known as a "hustle." A hustler is someone who uses ingenuity and ingenuity to profit off their fellow inmates. My introduction to this aspect of prison life came through an inmate who had extensive knowledge about various hustles, especially one nicknamed "Clyde Crashcup."

Clyde Crashcup was known for his ability to use seemingly mundane card games and unrelated social activities to generate profit. For instance, during Valentine's Day, he would engage in playful but strategic card games and holler romantic phrases to get the attention of fellow inmates, exchanging these signals for items like food or other rewards.

The concept of a "hustle" isn't restricted to card games. It can encompass a wide range of activities, from selling small items to running betting operations. Often, these hustles involve bartering with small favors, snacks, or personal items. While this practice can be controversial, for many, it serves as a way to survive the long periods of incarceration and maintain a semblance of personal freedom within the strict regime.

Conclusion

Prison life, much like any other environment, offers a variety of experiences and routines. While some may choose to spend their days socializing and staying active, others may prefer solitude and self-improvement. The level system and the presence of COs influence the daily activities, but ultimately, it comes down to personal choices and the availability of opportunities.

Informing the public about the realities of prison life, including the hustles and structured routines, helps foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by inmates and the ways in which they adapt to their circumstances. Through this knowledge, we can work towards more compassionate and informed approaches to addressing the needs of the prison population.

References

1. Corrigan, P., Straussner, S. (2006). Life behind bars: The psychology of imprisonment. Oxford University Press.

2. Liederman, R. (1994). The social and psychological consequences of life in prison. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 64(4), 469-476.