I'll hope this is posted in the right place, and offer thanks in advance for any viewpoints/advice.

I have a friend facing drug charges while in federal prison. Needless to say, the DA is not offering any picnics, nor any caps. Of course, they want cooperation, with a supposed flat 7 if he turns over the information on staff involvement. Otherwise, he's looking at trial, and they just mentioned enhancement which with all the charges we understand could be about 20 plus years. I'm pretty sure he'd take a flat ten, but they're trying to push him into the cooperation.

MY question: I understand the prisoner code of ethics of not ratting out and maintaining self respect/pride, etc. Never having done time personally, though, I'm certain I don't have full appreciation for the dilemma he's facing. Added issue, is that he has recently been in touch (for the first time) with a seven year old daughter. Am I wrong or insensitive to encourage him to cooperate? Is a person's life in prison justified to keep other people out of trouble and/or facing more time? I want him to do the right thing for himself, but I'd also like to see him on this side of the razor wire before he dies. (He only had about four and a half years remaining on his initial sentence.)

I just want others opinions.

THANKS!

ooooh, ...goodlord.

On the one hand, if it's staff involvement there's a section in the bleachers yelling, Fry 'Em.... Rat 'em out in a heartbeat.

On the other hand,.. if the staff is the source for recreational drugs and big business for his fellow prisoners, there could be a dim view of biting the hand that feeds them (staff or not).

On the table with both hands is the sense of 'honor' such as it is,.... keeping company with and having to live with other folks who do know, or will know of have a stake (real or imagined) in whatever he decides.

It's a toughie... Drugs come in by staff and inmate alike. Unless its a SHU then it's all staff.

The inmates have an interest in keeping their game going.
The staff has an interest in not becoming inmates.

I suppose the deciding factor will be what your friend has the greatest interest in. There is no great merit to climbing someone's back to get out of a charge, but if he's actually getting time for it, (just not the slam dunk for it) I'd think he's done his part. He played he paid. He's just not going to ante up for everyone to keep the game going.

Drugs come and go, sellers and users come and go, seg time comes and goes, but the institutution is FOREVER.

There were drugs in the prison where I was. Some came by roadcrews, other by staff. People in my housing were dropped and popped and inmates went south and staff got escorted to the gate... It's a happening.

Personally I couldn't imagine taking godknowswhat from godknowswhere just to have my oars out of the water for ANY period of time in there..,but I'm not everyone.

If I had to be across a dayroom table with this person having a polite conference... I'd have to say.. I have an interest in this INSTITUTION... It's going to be my home forever if the State has it's way... I'll take my chances with whoever moves into the neighborhood, but I'll be damned if the keepers will be peddling dope or doing business, or in any way compromising their role in this joint.

They are the thin blue line that it supposed to be here to protect ME. It's enough to think that they lack nerve or inspiration to do their jobs well, it's another thing to know that they are on the payrolll of anyone with a badge just like mine.

There is an expression... "I don't KNOW you,... I don't OWE you."

I wouldn't be thrilled by being in a prison where the c/o's can't claim that. Odd as it seems, that's my take on it. If I were in that prison with your friend, I'd make a plea for the other people who are out to live there as peaceably and safely as possible.

C/o's on the take, or in business w/ inmates are the epitome of a 'threat to the safety and security of the institution".

Take it for what its worth. An opinion. Mine.

Thanks life...your point of view is well taken.

I appreciate your time.