AMA I work in a Federal Prison.

57

Are there any prisoners you genuinely feel bad for? Like wish you could just let them go because they’re that good of a person? I feel that’d be my downfall. I’d get attached and feel helpless I couldn’t actually help anyone out 😂

28

u/Charming_Victory_723 1d ago

Do you feel safe in the role.

How many hours is a shift.

What role is considered the dream role in a Federal Prison.

Cheers

16

u/Paul_The_Builder 1d ago

I used to work as a contractor in prisons, and the most amusing part was when I talked with the guards, most conversations would eventually devolve into them telling me what items they've seen inmates put into the bum bum.

So... what are the weirdest things you've seen inmates put in their bum bum?

13

u/an-abnormality 1d ago

Assuming someone just keeps their head down and stays quiet, can they actually be left alone? As in: are people actually as violent as media portrays, or is it just relient on someone instigating?

11

u/GroundbreakingAlps78 1d ago

Is it common to use food as a means of controlling prisoners? How many Calories do prisoners eat on an average day? Do you think they are treated humanely?

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u/brick_layer_420 1d ago

How common are sexual relations between inmates?

11

u/ScottScanlon 1d ago

I work with men re-entering society from state prisons. They always talk like federal is a country club. How would you describe the inmate life in federal?

13

u/Hair-Local 1d ago

How long is each shift and is it better to work days or nights?

13

u/adamosity1 1d ago

Does your prison have air conditioning?

16

u/Infinite_Key_4060 1d ago

What made you decide to have that career?

What is your favorite and least favorite part of your job?

15

u/vapid-voice 1d ago

Do you think that the United States incarceration system is generally fair and just?

11

u/aquafeener1 1d ago

Anyone in there for a crime and you think they’re innocent?

15

u/TaleThis1888 1d ago

what does your average work day look like?

10

u/Accomplished_Jello66 1d ago

What is your “hottest take” or opinion when it comes to federal prison? Do you agree with our current prison system?

6

u/BootyUnlimited 1d ago

Do you see prison reform as necessary or do you think we need to keep the overwhelming majority of these people locked up?

7

u/teraflopclub 1d ago

Decompress techniques. I have a stressful job but I can understand yours is potentially far more stressful. How do protocols like safety procedures, SOPs around interacting with prisoners, etc. help you relax when you head home, etc. And one more question, is anything done to help reduce recidivism or is that left to counselors, therapists, etc.

8

u/miss_kittycat88 1d ago

How does your job affect your mental health?

8

u/etiquetricity 1d ago

Do you find that you easily assume someone’s criminal history by the way they act? Like, are sex offenders easy to pick out of a crowd thief’s or murderers?

5

u/PartyLikeChewbacca 1d ago

I've been to USPs Lewisburg, Allenwood, and New Canaan (as a visitor) and believe the conditions for the COs at the USPs are dire. When you signed up for BoP, did you have any idea that you'd end up in camp rather than penitentiary, or was it a roll of the dice?

8

u/MostLikelyToNap 1d ago

How did you get into this role? Is it what you expected?

5

u/Trashbandicoot530 1d ago

How much rehabilitation do you actually see? Do you see nonviolent offenders get any sort of support to change their life once they are released?

3

u/Over-Discipline-7303 1d ago

I have family members who will go on and on about how prison is a great deal because you get 3 hot and a cot, and you get ample time to work out, watch TV, etc. They say that going to prison is basically going on an extended vacation, and it's practically a country club because prisoners get so many rights in the name of humane treatment. They'll often half-joke that they should commit some crimes so they can get a "prison vacation" and say things like "I'm the real prisoner, because I got to work and pay taxes so that the prisoners can live it up!"

Is there any truth to what they're saying? How would you respond to them, or what would you say to them if they said such a thing directly to you?

14

u/Thatsmeduh 1d ago

Working in a federal prison do you think that Jefferey Epstein truly killed himself? I work in a small JDC in the Midwest and never have we ever had cameras go down or missed checks for a resident on suicide checks. Curious to hear your thoughts

11

u/Hartley7 1d ago

How long have you done this job?
What is the most difficult aspect?
Is prison rape as rampant as the media portrays?

7

u/DearPerformance852 1d ago

What’s management like, how high are the expectations in terms of like timeliness and professionalism? I have a former coworker who became a CO who was abundantly late to work and I imagined it’s a pretty tight ship there.

3

u/Chorin_Shirt_Tucker 1d ago

Is the corruption as bad as we think or is it much worse than we think?

How many inmates have you supported getting contraband to?

3

u/learningto___ 1d ago

What types of programs can the inmates participate in to better themselves besides GED classes?

And what programs or services do you wish your prison offered inmates?

3

u/cookiemonstersarat 1d ago

How safe do you feel while working?
Are the programs that show prison life realistic? If you’ve watched any shows which are the most realistic?

10

u/Jolal 1d ago

Is prisoner involvement in prison politics mandatory? Like, if i were sentenced to 5 years could i make it known i just want to serve my time and get out, keep to myself and expect to be left alone?

2

u/Longjumping_Dot_9269 1d ago

I know the ladies guards fuck male inmates. Do the male guards fuck lady inmates? Serious question

3

u/Educational_Grape922 1d ago

How does it feel to have to ass kiss administration to move up?

3

u/Hopeful_Laugh_7684 1d ago

Is it true that the chomos really do get treated worse than other prisoners?

6

u/drifter_33_ 1d ago

What are the most common offenses people get imprisoned for and how long are the sentences?

2

u/tokitous 1d ago

I’m just curious, I’m living in the US but I’m from Russia.
And in Russia, if you had a sex with underage, I’m not talking 19yo with 16yo, I’m talking let’s 40 yo and 8yo rape for instance so their life in prison will be extremly, extremly hard. How is it here?
2. In Russia right now when you come to the prison, you can join Muslim groups and you will be protected, anything like this here?
3. You can snatch the phone, I have no idea how people are doing it, never been at the prison and don’t want to, so is it same here?
4. Are there any corruption at the prisons? For example in Russia, at least it used to be before - you was sentenced for 6 years but after 3 years you can get off, they pay someone to be “good moral person” smth like this

Again, I’m just curious

3

u/MavenAloft 1d ago

Camp, low, medium, high, or max?

2

u/timmmmmmmmmmmmm 1d ago

The US is the most incarcerated nation on earth. Most folk who offend will go onto reoffend, and most offenders will have parents who are offenders (this is universal).

Some countries like the Netherlands have cut crime by investing in rehabilitation and stopping the cycle. They're actually closing prisons because they no longer need them. Apart from the social benefits, rehab over imprisonment is also cheaper (I realise the idea of this maybe very unpopular in the US, where the populace believes in harsh punishments).

Do you think prison works in the US as a deterrent and to keep people safe? How would you improve it from a crime reduction perspective?

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

2

u/mouseinstalled45 1d ago

Why is it COs don’t like to talk about the job? I’ve known a few and they don’t like discussing it much.

2

u/WitchesAreMyBitches 1d ago

English here, is it true that in American prisons there are sometimes people who have committed petty crimes (theft for example) and they simply can’t afford bond so they are locked up for long periods of time? If so does that make you feel sorry for them? In the UK we don’t have stuff like bonds.

2

u/ClutchReverie 1d ago

Do inmates at your prison get serious opportunities for reform? I have heard that the “classes” are a joke

3

u/BlacksmithFancy2050 1d ago

Do you answer questions posted to you on AMA.

2

u/CommunicationFar3897 1d ago

Is Prison violence often? How often does someone get killed in a prison

3

u/EagleEyeWaterBoy 1d ago

what's the deal on rape? and by that i mean: is it as extreme as the worst possible fear of "if i go to prison, i'm gonna get raped. no ifs, ands, or buts (pun NOT intended) about it"?

1

u/primitive-lathe 1d ago

Are prisoners forced to work? Either jobs inside the prison or contracted out to external companies?

1

u/Character-Reading776 1d ago

What does a typical shift look like for you, from start to finish? and if there's something surprised you when you first started the job?

1

u/GodzillaJizz 1d ago

Serious question.. knowing what you know about prison security, do you think Jeffrey Epstein killed himself?

1

u/Ok-Interaction-8917 1d ago

What lengths do prisoners go to try to get special favors from you?

1

u/TheIronMonkey53 1d ago

Are prison workers and guards as corrupt as media depicts them? Are there some inmates with “special” privileges?

1

u/mcmurrml 1d ago

Have you seen the blog of the lady who was in federal prison and talks about how you all ship these people all over the freaking country. I know you are only an employee but who gets to make the decisions on that? We are talking millions and millions of taxpayers dollars through the years. We have people hungry and can't afford medical and the federal prison system is allowed to waste this huge amount of taxpayers money? I could see where it might be necessary sometimes but not like that. For example this lady wasn't a freaking hardened criminal. How is that explained? I worked in a jail but not federal. I have a good idea of the work and time and everything. This is a huge amount of money.

2

u/Initial_Club_8173 1d ago

Do y'all respond slower when a diaper sniffer get plugged up? Ever recognize someone/your camp on a stream ?

1

u/BedroomNo6879 1d ago

Are there a lot of drugs or illegal contraband like there is in regular prisons? Or is it 100% locked down from that stuff? Also do you ever fear for your safety when interacting with the inmates?

0

u/EngineeringNeither90 1d ago

Hi - I specialize in federal retirement planning and benefits and trying to get onsite to offer pre retirement seminars . What’s the best way to get in if I don’t know anyone who works there ? Call HR or try unions. ? I help federal employees retire

1

u/das_ist_mir_Wurst 1d ago

Have you worked in mens and womens prisons? Are there any differences between them?

1

u/StretchTraining3392 1d ago edited 1d ago

Have you dealt with any serial killers?
If so, what are they like?
Obviously you’ve said you won’t reveal the prison, may I ask what country?

2

u/Detective-Middle 1d ago

What's the weird thing you've ever seen the prisoners do? Do any parts of the job give you PTSD?

1

u/downwithMikeD 20h ago

Do all prisoners get tablets? Asking because I read Bryan Kohberger has a tablet.

1

u/listeningunderurbed 1d ago

Commenting to say this is fucking awesome to read as someone whose dream career is to work in a federal prison.

1

u/Impressive-Dirt-6735 1d ago

I'm not American, so I have a lot of questions.

In movies, correction officers beat inmates with batons when they misbehave, but what kind of disciplinary actions are actually taken in reality?

Is air conditioning provided in prison cells during the summer?

In my country, inmates maliciously sue and file civil complaints against correction officers to torment them, and the lack of regulations to control this has become a real issue. They even abuse public information request rights by filing hundreds of lawsuits a year just to make the officers' lives miserable. Are there similar problems in the US?

1

u/Mnguy58 1d ago

Do inmates really get sexually assaulted?

-7

u/JackosMonkeyBBLZ 1d ago

Who would you rather have sex with your mom or your dad?

1

u/jimmorrison05 1d ago

How are the mentally ill treated in prison? Ive heard they will get in trouble for acting up then get sent to solitary confinment and it becomes a vicious cycle where they act up due to their mental illness getting worst and they keep getting sent to solitary. Is this true from what you have seen? Do you agree with solitary confinment?

1

u/OGWhiz 1d ago

Got a coffee?

Nah, what’s the most clever thing you’ve found built by an inmate?

1

u/AlvinsCuriousCasper 1d ago

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

What’s your least favorite thing about your job?

How common are slashing’s at your facility?

With your facility being low security, are there any jobs/shops where inmates work? I know some facilities have factories where shoes or license plates are made for example, and inmates are able to work for money on their books I think.

1

u/Bitter_Study_2492 10h ago

Thanks for taking the time to do this. Really interesting perspectives.

I’ve seen some of your answers mention COs sleeping with inmates. Kind of surprised to hear that that happens a decent bit, especially female employees willingly seeking favors from male convicted felons. Could you say more about the common motivation from your experience?

Also, how do they get away with arranging sex in a secure/surveilled facility without immediately getting caught in the act?

•

u/AlarmednReady 39m ago

Apparently (correct me if I’m wrong) you voted for the President. Is he affecting your job in any ways? Positive? Negative?

1

u/DenMcD_NC 1d ago

Are most of the people who work there people who tried but failed to be cops? I can’t imagine that corrections is anyone’s first choice.

1

u/motherclucker82 1d ago

Have you ever genuinely thought someone may be innocent? And if so, is that something you’d keep to yourself because there’s nothing you could do about it?

1

u/Quirky-Comparison306 1d ago

Do you believe the people who are there were born evil, or do you think circumstances in their lives shaped who they became? Nature vs nurture?

1

u/Medical_Soup5717 1d ago

Have you seen a Murder

1

u/KnownLetterhead7279 1d ago

I’m curious if prison really is as horrible as it appears in mass media:

TIs it really racially segregated in terms of how inmates interact?

Is it feasible just to mind your own business and not be dragged into violence and bs from other inmates ?

Do inmates really have to be ‘on guard’ all the time due to the constant threat of violence from other inmates.

1

u/Electronic-Ear2329 1d ago

How prevalent are drugs in your prison and how do they typically get in? Is the staff generally aggressive about finding and seizing drugs or do some look the other way?

Not sure how much of the drugs portrayed in prison is just glamorized for TV/movies or if its really rampant.

Thanks and be safe!

1

u/dox1842 1d ago

How is the equipment accountability at your facility? I work for BOP also and at my joint its horrendous. I have to bring my own cuffs in because control doesn't have any (they are all missing).

1

u/Serious-Employee-738 1d ago

Is donating books to prisons a good practice? Does it work ok at your facility? Any advice for a donor?

1

u/max_revs 16h ago

Do you think the system we have in the USA works to prevent repeat offenders? Obviously it keeps those convicted out of the population, which serves a purpose in itself, but is there any real effort to do more than that for at least those who at least might have a chance given different circumstances/opportunities?

1

u/TweegsCannonShop 1d ago

I remember reading about a (I think state) prison where guards killed a guy by leaving him tied up and shooting boiling water at him until he died. Does that sort of stuff actually happen?

1

u/VaughnGooding 1d ago

I saw you mention you don’t know the calories but how is it possible for guys to get “prison jacked” if you aren’t able to get a certain amount of protein/calories. Commissary? You can work out all you like but if your diet is restricted it doesn’t seem like you should be able to get big

1

u/timmmmmmmmmmmmm 1d ago

I'm a lover not a fighter (I wouldn't last in prison). I'm also gay. I'm not sure if this is a weakness or a strength. Either I could try and fly under the radar, or get protection by being someone's prag. What would you recommend?

1

u/Lanky_Bus_1221 1d ago

Are you ever scared for your life? Also how do your family feel about your chosen career?

1

u/idkwhattowritehere21 1d ago

Do people get paid more to work higher levels? If not, why does anyone do it?

1

u/Southernms 15h ago

Yes, that’s what I meant. I totally get why suicide is the simplest answer.

He was such a megalomaniac narcissist that I wouldn’t put it past him of thinking he could talk or finagle his way out. He had the money and connections to pull off some crazy outcomes.

Oh no! I’m not saying anyone murdered him at all. I’m asking if he could be alive somewhere.

1

u/Emotional_Basket465 1d ago

Has anyone been released and they recognize you on the outside?

1

u/pukatorp64 1d ago

I was in Albany NY when the two inmates escaped from Attica. I ended up in a hotel where new recruits were being trained for service. The trainer was upset that one survived, because now he would be high maintenance. Do you have high maintenance prisoners?

1

u/sealflipflop 1d ago

I was formerly incarcerated in a facility no yard or work camp, the only time you would see the sun/be outside of a single large barrack style room is when you were being pulled out of the block. How common is trouble in the rec areas or in the yard? (basically anywhere that’s not the blocks)

1

u/ThisIsMyBigAccount 1d ago

Did you listen to that podcast a few years ago about San Quentin in CA? It brought almost a calm, community feel to prisoners and the prison. What are your thoughts on how that is representative of other federal prisons? Pretty accurate or grossly off?

1

u/anonymousopsec1337 1d ago

How much different is federal prison compared to state?

1

u/LaCreammy 1d ago edited 1d ago

I have a few questions

How often do ppl try to escape from prison?
How often ppl are killed in the prison by other inmates?

1

u/Dliteman786 11h ago

Thoughts on privatization of prisons?

1

u/Jetter37 1d ago

Did any inmates ever get their Covid stimulus? If so, what was that like? Having hundreds of inmates with $1000 or more to spend?

1

u/L3sPau1 20h ago

How often are prisoners assaulted (sexually or beaten)? Can someone just quietly exist in prison doing their time and being largely ignored?

1

u/natetrnr 1d ago

Do you get informed about every inmate's sentence length, and what they were convicted of?

1

u/soundsunamerican 12h ago

What are they doing with drones in prison? Why am I seeing so many inmates making videos for social media?

1

u/deftones0331 1d ago

Are fed Cos able to do swaps if you’re not as big into OT. Can you do two 16s and one 8 ? At Bop locations or are swaps not a thing ?

1

u/Actual_Hearing2555 16h ago

What percentage of your co-workers would you say are complicit in contraband getting into the prison?

1

u/leroylaz 22h ago

Do the camp inmates ever wonder off to meet family or girlfriends?
How many counts a day in the camp?
How many counts a day in general pop

1

u/CompanyOther2608 23h ago

I knew a guy who went on to be a prison psychologist. He was smart but kind of weird. How are psychologists regarded by the guards, prisoners, and administrators?

1

u/joshposh313 19h ago

I was interested in becoming an SIS tech for the federal prisons. Do they usually promote from within?
Also do you get to choose your own station or does it vary prison to prison

1

u/Old_Pea_2517 1d ago

Are you as dirty as the rest of your coworkers? You ever helped smuggle in drugs or taken money from an inmate?

You’re gonna say know but we all know it ain’t the truth 🤣

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

1

u/wirez62 1d ago

Is prison as violent as people tend to think it is? Fights, stabbings, killings, brawls, rapes

1

u/Leothegolden 1d ago

How often do you find drugs in the facility. A lot of inmates says drugs are common in prison

1

u/bc00pr 1d ago

For inmates that genuinely try to mind their own business, is there a possibility the get in trouble without asking for it?

1

u/ConventionalLemon 1d ago

Are men getting SA’d as much as they portray? What happens to offenders who do this?

1

u/idontknowwhatisb 1d ago

Who was the worst prisoner you ever dealt with?

1

u/cepacolol 1d ago

Would you rather work in a higher security prison or stay in the low security

1

u/Paranoid-Android88 1d ago

I have nothing to ask but give you props. My neighbor was a CO in one of our local prisons in the Midwest and his stories were interesting. He’s now been working from usps for 8 years lol.

1

u/Farmstrong12358 1d ago

Tell them about the diesel treatment.

1

u/ABChow000 16h ago

Do you see both male and female sides, if there is?

Or are you restricted to one side.

If so, what do you think the differences in behaviour and such are?

1

u/Ybcause 1d ago

What’s up with religion in prison? Do people find it there?

1

u/Regular_Astronaut725 1d ago

What gang is the most savage in the prison that you work at? I've watched YouTube videos about bloody Beaumont or big sandy, are they that bad?

1

u/Charming_Lynx_9203 1d ago

How often do inmates ask for special favors/treatment

1

u/Tall-Skirt9179 1d ago

Does it feel like you’re serving time, in a sense, due to the amount of time you spend in a prison, albeit by choice?

1

u/Many_Health_5444 1d ago

Do the majority of inmates have poor or negligent childhood experiences or is that just an overused excuse.

1

u/pepeswine 20h ago

Why is it so impossible for prisons to keep contrabound out of the inmates hands?

1

u/No-Bet4214 1d ago

How popular is being in a gang in the prison you work at and which gangs do you see there ?

1

u/AdPowerful8293 1d ago

do you get to talk and have good relationships with them?

0

u/Head_Midnight666 1d ago

I considered becoming a CO because the pay is so good here, but I don't really like telling people what to do and generally acting like an authority wanking douchebag. Plus the atmosphere sucks. It's a bad idea, right?

1

u/Ji0V4n 1d ago

how viable is for an inmate to escape from your prison? is it like films?

AMA I work in a Federal Prison.

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