first time prisoner
first time in prison?
what is prison like for a first time prisoner?
If this is your first time going to prison you will have a million and one questions.
facing prison for the first time can be extremely daunting. Especially when you come from a world that has had nothing to do with prison previously.
All you seem to hear is horror stories or stereotypes about not dropping the soap but this is not productive advice when you are looking to serve time in prison for the first time. So what should you really expect from serving time in prison?
what is prison really like?
Being a first time prisoner, what is prison really like?
Firstly, Being a first time prisoner, you wont just be thrown into the lions den with the murderers and rapists. When you arrive at prison you will undergo induction into the prison. Secondly, most of the people that arrive at prison for the first time will be on the induction or reception wing. Therefore, you are all in the same boat, everyone on your wing will have all just arrived at prison.
Granted, a lot of people would be repeat offenders and more than likely have served a prison sentence before but you have all only recently arrived at the prison.
Keep in mind that it is up to the prison and prison staff and officers to keep you safe whilst you stay inside the prison. If something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable or causes you issues, make it know. This is different to grassing, you dont need to tell the officers why you want a new cell mate, or a move or something is causing you issues just say your not compatible etc. This is normally taken out of your hands anyway as the officers try to make their lives easier by matching you with a suitable cell mate.
When you first arrive at the prison, it will be overwhelming, the noises, the smells, mingling with people that you wouldnt normally choose to spent time with, the feeling of helplessness, powerless and not being in control anymore is hard to get used to. Also having the door locked after you and having to be escorted everywhere takes some getting used to.
The dreaded prison showers, going into the yard for the first time and your first cell mates fades pretty quickly once you find your feet. The stereotypes are very much stemmed from American prisons. Most people in the induction unit all felt the same with most showering with their boxer shorts on.
The yard, people seem to keep in their nationality groups due to safety in numbers and everyone is also wary of the unknown but rarely does something kick off for no reason.
First Time Prisoner: Fights, Trouble and Violence in prison
No doubt, if your a first time prisoner, the burning question will be able violence, fights and getting beat up or into some trouble in prison.
Firstly, you will be around dangerous people, prisoners in for ABH, GBH and even murder but as long as you keep out of peoples business, dont steel, dont borrow, dont grass and just keep your head down, you should be able to breeze through prison pretty much unscathed.
Secondly, Try find your own group in prison, if you are a fraudster there will be other people in for fraud, you will be able to find your group pretty quickly and they will welcome their own kind into their circle. If they have been in the prison longer than you they should be able to show you the ropes and pull a few strings to get you to where you want to be.
Get a job that suits you whilst in prison, it will pass the time, give you something to focus on and also help put money in your prison account.
First Time Prisoner: What to take?
Making yourself as comfortable as possible in prison is half the battle. Once you get settled, get yourself a duvet, pillow and stock the cupboards with your favourite items from the prison canteen (shop). Even small things such as ketchup, salt or vinegar can have a huge difference to make the prison food tolerable. We have compiled a full list of what to take to prison here: CLICK HERE
