JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates? Please give examples to explain why you did or didn't. Bruce: I had very little trouble with the other inmates.
Most of the inmates that I was with were around my
age. I was in my mid 40s and not with the young
trouble makers. I'm also a minister and most people
respected that. Elvira: There are inmates in there that just love to be
there. And then there are inmates who just hate it
and try to pick a fight with anyone that will fight
with them. There was several fist fights but never
with me. I kept to myself.
JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates? Bruce: I offered to counsel and pray with the other inmates
so there was a respect given to me. There were times
when someone new to the walk would try something but
even though I'm a minister I would stand my ground
which let them know I was no push over. Plus others
would back me up. Elvira: I avoided arguing with the inmates by just staying
out of peoples ways. Try to sleep alot and keep my
time occupied. I also avoided getting into a fight
when I was sitting there and they wanted the
opinion of someone else. I would say that I wasn't
listening and wasn't sure what they were talking
about. They would then go talk to someone else.
JM: Were you able to choose an inmate as your cellmate if you knew one? How often would your cellmate(s) change? Bruce: I was allowed to choose an inmate as my cell mate
as space became available. There were 4 beds in my
cell. 1 bed wasn't taken so when ever someone new
came in they would come to my cell first. Elvira: I had a bunkie, we were in a dorm with like 29
other cellmates. So there would always be someone
changing or showering. And they for sure didnt care
if anyone was around.