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Interview with April, Julie, Brenda, Cesar and Eddie

JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates? Please give examples to explain why you did or didn't.
April: Personally, no. But I noticed a lot of races stayed with each other and that usually cause a lot of fights and drama.I stayed to myself to avoid the drama.
Julie: no, not to get along. But living together another story. Some people have absolutely no respect for themselves or others, and no accountability. I was extremely grateful to be working and away from the facility so much.
Brenda: Yes. I didn't have any drug problems. Most of the people on my unit were there for drugs. They didn't like me very much because I had money and they would bully me into buying them items on the canteen.
Cesar: yes people in prison tend to really get on defense mode . they walk with a third eye and guards up at all time . so when talking its always more of , a who's tough attitude then trying to be inmates and stick it out through the storm ...
Eddie: At first it was difficult for me to get along with others I was scared. As time went by things got easier and I made friends while I was locked up.

JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates?
April: I had to bite my tongue, mind my business, think about leaving, remember how it feels to be in the hole, read, write, stay in my cell and watch TV. I also kept a small circle of friends that didn't involve themselves in dramas either so we played cards most of the day
Julie: nothing really. I think self respect speaks volumes and has a ripple effect. If you respect yourself, you tend to treat others the same way. If you mind your own business it's okay. if it is your business , people creating problems in your space, etc. take care of it with reason.
Brenda: I was a paralegal for 14 years so I would help the inmates with their case. I was the jail house lawyer. I hated it but I had to survive without getting beat up. I did what I had to do. Plus I would stay in my cell most of the day.
Cesar: i had to , write letters , read books , go to church , stay close to those I did know in there at the time , speak to the guards , watch tv in the day room , work out , play basketball or handball , or just really get to know the other inmates ...
Eddie: Keep to myself for the most part. Never make absurd or rude comments to anyone under any circumstance. Sometimes you see things you disagree with but have to keep walking by to avoid conflict. It is also not a good idea to tell on others to Correctional officers or you may get labeled as a snitch.

JM: Were you able to choose an inmate as your cellmate if you knew one? How often would your cellmate(s) change?
April: No they tried to avoid that due to girlfriends being cell mates and having sexual relationships. You may request to be in a cell with a friend but itis rare that it happens
Julie: the work release facility is like barracks, all open with rows of bunks with some dividing walls but not to ceiling. the rows were mostly determined by working rows, and them bottom bunks, etc.
Brenda: No I wasn't able to choice my cellie. I was in the same cell my entire stay. I had 5 different cellies. As soon as someone left the next day they would put someone in my cell.
Cesar: I was able to make a cell agreement , yes . cellmates change every month to two months its like a none stop merry go round always meeting new people liking and disliking...
Eddie: I wasn't able to pick my cellmate. I was just assigned to a cell and there was already another person in it. I switched cells about 7 times in the 9 1/2 months I was locked up.

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