JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates? Please give examples to explain why you did or didn't. Nick: no, i have never found it difficult to get along
with others and everyone has a story to tell so
you just get to know people. after a while if
you've been in jail before you get to know other
repeat offenders and you hang out with like minded
people. Phillip: I did not. I m older, I was 45 at the time I was
incarcerated. Essex county in a county jail you
don't have any long term prisoners there and they
segregate the gang members the best they can. No
one really bothers with older guys. So I had no
problems
JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates? Nick: the most important thing is to respect others.
respect is the one thing they can't take from you
so being disrespectful carries a lot more weight
on the inside then on the street. not only that
but people tend to think in terms of violence and
their reputations so things can get serious very
quickly. Phillip: I didn't have to do anything as I said. Although
working in the kitchen helped as I was able to
get extra food for people. The only fights oi saw
were over money or over people who were informant
s or thought to be informants which happened more
than it should have
JM: Were you able to choose an inmate as your cellmate if you knew one? How often would your cellmate(s) change? Nick: depending on which block you are on and who is
running it you can usually move in with someone
you know. i lived with my co-defendant for almost
five months. Phillip: On occasion but usually this was assigned. I
never did have the chance to choose. For the most
part the guards on the block assign where you are
going to live and with who