JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates? Please give examples to explain why you did or didn't. Virginia: Yes many women where coming off of drugs and were
thrown into regular population and made it difficult
for us.. that werent coming off anything. They were
sick and ill. Shaun: I got into several arguments some heated yet managed
some how to stay out of a fight. A good potion of
the men in jail seemed to know each other.
JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates? Virginia: I tried staying away from most of the inmates
especially the ones that were labled trouble but it
wasnt easy I had a few altercations that I was lucky
and didnt get into trouble for but had to stand my
ground.. Im not sure anyone could understand unless
they have been there their self Shaun: I had to stay to myself to avoid the more aggressive
or violent inmates. Mostly read the Bible, self help
material and novels. Also played a little cards
with guys i grew to know. Stayed away from gambling
or borrowing from the loan sharks. Mainly staying to
myself was what helped.
JM: Were you able to choose an inmate as your cellmate if you knew one? How often would your cellmate(s) change? Virginia: No you dont get to choose. My first room mate was a
female coming off crack. She was sick and ill all
the time, we ending up getting into a few arguments. Shaun: I was not allowed the chance to choose a cell mate
or change cell mates. I did have a bunch of
different cell maates as my stay was seven months .