Surviving prison isn’t about luck; it’s about knowing and respecting the unspoken rules of the environment. Former convict Larry Lawton, who served time in maximum-security facilities, offers his top ten essential rules for getting through life behind bars. These rules, as Lawton explains, apply to anyone, no matter the security level or background. They’re not only about safety – they’re about gaining respect, staying out of trouble, and keeping your mental health intact.
1. Do Your Time

Lawton’s first rule is simple yet crucial: “Do your time.” Complaining or obsessing over your situation won’t change it and may even make things worse. Everyone in prison has a story and a reason for being there, but as Lawton explains, the key to surviving prison is accepting the reality of your sentence. While it’s important to pursue legal remedies if they exist, the focus should be on making the most of your time rather than letting time take over your mind.
Lawton’s point about “not letting time do you” is relatable for anyone facing long or challenging periods in life. Whether it’s in prison or a rough patch outside, obsessing over the negatives can trap you in a cycle of hopelessness.
2. Stick to Your Word

In prison, your word is everything. Lawton emphasizes that if you commit to something – even something as small as being a lookout – you must follow through. Failing to keep promises erodes trust, and in a place where trust is a rare commodity, that’s a dangerous game.
This rule isn’t unique to prison. In any social structure, reliability builds respect, and Lawton’s emphasis on sticking to one’s word highlights just how valuable that trait is, whether you’re in or out of prison.
3. Say “Excuse Me”

It might sound trivial, but showing respect can be lifesaving in prison. Lawton stresses the importance of saying “excuse me” after bumping into someone. Failing to do so could escalate into a physical confrontation. In prison, humility is often mistaken for weakness, but it’s really about respect – a survival tactic that de-escalates potential conflicts.
This is probably one of the most unexpected survival tips on the list. Saying “excuse me” is a simple act, but it’s a reminder that respect transcends even the toughest environments.
4. Listen Before You Talk

Lawton explains that listening before speaking is not just a courtesy in prison; it’s a necessity. You learn a lot about people by listening, and it keeps you from stepping into situations without understanding the dynamics. In prison, it’s better to absorb information and observe than to jump into conversations recklessly.
This advice is universally valuable. Listening builds awareness and can often reveal things that speaking alone can’t. Whether in the workplace, relationships, or any social setting, there’s wisdom in holding back and paying attention.
5. Mind Your Own Business

Lawton makes it clear: if you see something in prison, don’t mention it. Whether it’s a fight, a drug deal, or something personal, it’s best to keep quiet. Lawton’s reasoning is simple – what you don’t get involved in can’t come back to hurt you. In prison, nosiness is dangerous and can lead to unwanted attention or even violent repercussions.
This is likely one of the toughest rules for outsiders to grasp. In a world where people often share everything, keeping secrets is rare, but in prison, it’s a survival skill.
6. Practice Good Hygiene

Respecting your cellmates by maintaining personal hygiene is vital. According to Lawton, prison cells are cramped and communal, so it’s essential to clean up after yourself. He recalls a story of a cellmate who ignored this rule, ultimately leading to a serious confrontation. Hygiene in prison isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about showing consideration for those you’re living with.
This rule serves as a reminder that no matter where we are, respecting shared spaces is essential. From dorm rooms to family homes, being considerate about cleanliness is a universal courtesy.
7. Knock on the Door

A prison cell is a person’s home, and Lawton warns that entering someone’s cell without knocking is highly disrespectful. He stresses that, in prison, a cell is personal space, and anyone entering without acknowledgment risks confrontation. Knocking is a small act, but it signals respect and consideration.
Lawton’s emphasis on knocking may seem basic, but it reinforces the idea of respecting others’ boundaries. Whether in prison or outside, boundaries matter, and respecting them is a way to build mutual respect.
8. Respect the Phone

Phone time in prison is sacred, limited, and often emotionally charged. Lawton explains that inmates depend on these calls to maintain contact with loved ones, and interrupting someone on the phone or causing a disturbance around the phone area is disrespectful. For many, it’s their lifeline, and any interference can be seen as an attack on their family connection.
The importance Lawton places on respecting the phone underscores how essential family connections are, even in prison. In many ways, it’s a rule that shows the humanity within prison walls, as people struggle to maintain relationships with those on the outside.
9. Pay Your Debts

“Pay your debts” might be one of the most essential rules, according to Lawton. Whether it’s commissary items, borrowed stamps, or gambling debts, not paying debts can lead to severe consequences. Lawton explains that failing to pay up can result in violence, as trust and honor are taken very seriously in prison’s transactional environment.
This rule echoes far beyond prison walls. Reliability in honoring obligations is a character trait respected by many and serves as a basis for trust in any relationship, whether personal or professional.
10. Don’t Snitch

The number one rule in prison, according to Lawton, is to never snitch. In the prison culture, telling on others for personal gain or to avoid punishment is considered one of the biggest betrayals. Lawton highlights that even the guards don’t respect snitches, so going this route will likely lead to isolation and other consequences.
Snitching, in any setting, can erode relationships. But in prison, the stakes are much higher. This final rule underscores that prison operates on its own ethical code, one that’s rooted in loyalty and consequences for crossing lines.
Underlying Truths

Larry Lawton’s top 10 rules for surviving prison aren’t just about navigating a prison environment; they reveal underlying truths about respect, boundaries, and accountability. Whether in prison or daily life, these rules provide valuable lessons in building trust, respecting personal space, and handling conflict with consideration.
Applying These Rules Outside of Prison

Which of these rules resonates most with you, and why do you think that is? Could it apply to situations outside of prison as well? If you were placed in a challenging environment, how would you prioritize respect, trust, and personal boundaries to navigate it successfully?

Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.