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10 Unspoken Rules Every Inmate Lives By To Survive Prison – Number 9 Will Leave You Speechless

Prison is its own world, complete with unwritten rules that can mean the difference between surviving and facing unimaginable consequences. These rules aren’t written in any handbook, but inmates quickly learn to abide by them. Understanding these unspoken codes is crucial to navigating life behind bars. Here are ten critical rules that every inmate must know.

1. Respect the Shower Situation

1. Respect the Shower Situation
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The showers are a battleground of respect and hierarchy. In many prisons, certain showers are claimed by specific racial or social groups, and using the wrong one could lead to immediate conflict. Knowing when and where to shower, and observing who uses each area, is key. Additionally, cleanliness isn’t optional – being messy or leaving hair and grime behind can turn even the mildest cellmate into an adversary. Respect goes a long way, even in the smallest spaces.

2. Watch What People Wear

2. Watch What People Wear
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Footwear in prison isn’t just about comfort – it’s a signal. If you see inmates wearing boots instead of casual flip-flops or sneakers, it’s often a sign of tension. Boots mean readiness, often for a fight. Observing these details upon arrival at a new facility can provide insights into the mood of the environment. Paying attention to these cues can help you avoid walking into danger unknowingly.

3. Master the Yard Rules

3. Master the Yard Rules
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The prison yard is a high-stakes arena where alliances, disputes, and deals play out. Different groups claim specific areas, and violating these unspoken boundaries can escalate quickly. The yard is also a hub for physical activity and social connections, making it a vital part of survival. Learning where you can and cannot go is crucial to avoiding trouble.

4. Understand the Politics

4. Understand the Politics
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Prison politics dictate who holds power and how conflicts are resolved. Each group typically has a leader, known as a “shot-caller,” who makes decisions on behalf of their group. Before taking any action, especially one that might escalate into violence, inmates often consult these leaders. This system might seem rigid, but understanding it can keep you out of trouble and ensure conflicts are handled in a structured way.

5. Know the TV Room Dynamics

5. Know the TV Room Dynamics
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The television room isn’t a place for casual lounging – it’s a microcosm of prison hierarchy. Seats and channels are often claimed by specific groups, and taking someone’s spot is an easy way to start a fight. While mingling is allowed, you don’t intrude or overstep your place. Observing and respecting the unspoken rules here can help you avoid unnecessary conflicts.

6. Don’t Underestimate Commissary Protocols

6. Don’t Underestimate Commissary Protocols
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The commissary is where inmates purchase essential goods, but it’s also a hotspot for theft and extortion. Blind spots on the way back from the store can turn into ambush points. Beyond staying vigilant, knowing what items are most valued in that specific prison can help you navigate social exchanges and even gain favor with others.

7. Choose Your Cellmate Wisely

7. Choose Your Cellmate Wisely
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Perhaps the most critical rule is understanding who you’re sharing a cell with. Your cellmate can become your best ally – or your worst nightmare. Stories of cellmates who have turned violent are not uncommon. Reading people and establishing boundaries early is essential. Trust takes time, and a poor judgment call here could have fatal consequences.

8. Pay Your Debts

8. Pay Your Debts
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Borrowing items like snacks or toiletries might seem harmless, but in prison, not repaying debts is a dangerous mistake. Storemen, inmates who run informal “stores,” expect repayment, often with interest. Failing to pay on time can result in violent consequences. This rule underscores the importance of managing your resources and avoiding unnecessary borrowing.

9. Identify the Snitches

9. Identify the Snitches
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Snitches are a constant threat in prison. These individuals might report others to gain favor with guards or secure privileges, putting others at risk. Being seen associating with known snitches can damage your reputation and make you a target. Observing who regularly interacts with guards or seems overly curious about others’ business is key.

10. Respect the Chow Hall Rules

10. Respect the Chow Hall Rules
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Dining might seem straightforward, but the chow hall is another area where hierarchy and routine reign. Certain seats are informally assigned, and sitting in the wrong spot can provoke hostility. Understanding where you’re allowed to sit and not challenging the status quo is vital to keeping the peace.

Creating Order in a Chaotic Environment

Creating Order in a Chaotic Environment
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The fascinating part about these unwritten rules is how they create an order within a chaotic environment. Inmates quickly learn to read people, interpret signals, and navigate unspoken boundaries. This system might seem harsh, but it’s a form of survival where respect and observation are everything.

One striking aspect is how these rules are universally understood, even by newcomers, through silent observation and intuition. For instance, the subtle cues in footwear or the silent agreements in the chow hall show how deeply ingrained these codes are in the prison environment.

Adapting to Extreme Circumstances

Adapting to Extreme Circumstances
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Understanding these rules offers a glimpse into a world most of us will (hopefully) never experience. It’s a powerful reminder of how humans adapt to create systems of order, even in the most extreme circumstances. Knowing these codes not only helps inmates survive but also reveals the resilience and resourcefulness of people in the toughest of environments.