Thirty Sixth Visit to Taft

One of the constant fears of any inmate is breaking a rule that might send them to the SHU. Security Housing Unit, it's official name is also known as isolation and the hole. You don't want to be there. You are locked up 23 hours a day, usually with no TV or radio privileges, little if anything to read, and are only out 1 hour per day for exercise and shower. Hardly a week goes by that Ron doesn't tell me a story about someone who went to the SHU. Some may never return, others may be held there for weeks or even months. The philosophy of those in charge is send them to the SHU, ask questions later.

What lands you in the SHU? It can be an infraction of inconsequential importance or it might be something quite serious. It might be a published rule or an unwritten rule. One man was sent to the SHU because contraband was found in his locker. How did someone know that he had an unauthorized item? Someone snitched on him. Yes, snitches are everywhere. They think if they give the guards information they will get special treatment. I don't know if they do or not. Another man was sent to the SHU for cutting in line at meal time. That is one of those unwritten rules that you do not break. Other ways to land in the SHU include illegal card games (gambling) and misbehaving in the visiting room. In other words, inmates have to be constantly on guard to prevent themselves from being accidentally caught in something that is not approved. A few weeks ago I wrote about a man whose daughter was killed in an auto accident leaving Taft after visiting. He was immediately sent to the SHU. Another man had a job driving a tractor and accidentally lost the key to the tractor. He also went to the SHU. As Ron always says, he wants to stay under the radar.

You could be sent to the SHU for being out of bounds. That means being where you're not supposed to be. I heard a story about a man who worked in the laundry room. He was asked by his superior to do a special job for him. He did, and ended up in the SHU for weeks. Why? He was out of bounds. In this case he was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. If he didn't do what he was asked to do he'd be in trouble for disobeying a superior. If he did what was asked, which he did, he'd be out of bounds and in trouble for that. Another man decided to move to another bunk when his roomate left. He was considered out of bounds, and went to the SHU. Lying is another way to land in the SHU and get yourself more time there. The prison will add 50% more SHU time to your punishment if you lie.

The best way to avoid any disciplinary action is to keep to yourself, do what you're supposed to do, and not bother anyone. This is exactly what Ron has done and has found this attitude to serve him well. The troublemakers are always scrutinized more carefully.

What a change from the outside world where disputes are settled verbally between adults, and compromise is usually found. In prison no questions are asked, you are simply taken away and questions will be asked later. The democratic process is NOT alive and well in our prison system.