My son did a real stupid thing. He set 7 grass fires and was charged with arson. He was sentenced today to 2 strikes and 4 years in a California State Prison. We live in Redding, Ca. So We dont know what prison he will be going to as of yet. Could be Pellican Bay or Folsom, or Susanville. What are these prisions like for a new comer that has never been in Prison? He is a Christian and likes to study his bible. My son is 6' and weighs about 220. Very well built. I am afraid for him because I have heard horrible stories about prisons and what goes on inside that people dont know. Gangs, rapes, beatings, drugs, and even killing. I'm not sure if he is a level 2 or 3. I dont know what these levels mean, this is just what he told me. here are my questions about Susanville,high desert, Folsom, & Pellican Bay prisons:
1.) what is it like for a new comer?
2.) is there lock down times and how often?
3.) can you call out from prison? if so how often?
4.) How often can he get visitors?
5.) what are the cells like?
6.) what do you have to do not to get on the wrong side and get respect?
7.) What prison is the worst out of all three?
8.) is the prisons pretty clean on the inside or dirty?
9.) When visiting, do you have to talk trough glass or can you touch eachother? My son is enguaged and I was wondering if they would ever get a chance to hug, etc.
10.) are there Christian groups in Prison? if so, how are they treated?
11.) are the bunks padded or concrete? do you get a pillow and pad or mattress?
12.) What are the guards like? Do they really pick on the prisionors or accuse you of something you never did?

I am scared for my son, he is 18 years old and white male. He is scared also. He doesnt want to join a gang if he doesnt have to but if thats what it takes to survive, then he would. Is this true?
Do they keep the same age groups together or is it all mixed?

Someone please reply to my questions, I cant eat nor sleep not knowing what to expect for him. I know prison is a bad place, but I would like to prepare my son before he goes within the next 20 days.

all are welcome to respond. I would appreciate anyones comments about my questions and the prisons. Thank you very much!!!!!!!!

Very Concerned Father and Son!!!! I will look for replys. Thank you again.

concerned Father and son.

Hi HOODA

Welcome to the PTO family :)

I've moved your thread to the California forum, where you will get the appropriate answers to your questions. I don't know anything about CA, but we have wonderful smart members here. :)

Hang in there.
Phil

I can only tell you what I know from my boyfriend at Pelican Bay but he isn't in general population so it is different as he is in a security unit which is more strict.......

1.) what is it like for a new comer? For him he was ok he didn't have any problems (He had been in jail before though so kind of knew what to expect)

2.) is there lock down times and how often? Yes there are, how often I believe depends on if something happens (fight etc)

3.) can you call out from prison? if so how often? Depending on the place and unit yes you can call and almost every day or every day providing he is in a unit that allows calls and there is no lockdown


4.) How often can he get visitors? On weekends only as far as I know

5.) what are the cells like? That I do not know

6.) what do you have to do not to get on the wrong side and get respect? Again don't know

7.) What prison is the worst out of all three? Don't know

8.) is the prisons pretty clean on the inside or dirty? Fairly clean my guy said they all clean their cells regularly

9.) When visiting, do you have to talk trough glass or can you touch eachother? My son is enguaged and I was wondering if they would ever get a chance to hug, etc. It depends on the unit in general population my boyfriend got contact visits where we could kiss and hug at the beginning and end and hold hands throughout.In a security unit they are behind glass

10.) are there Christian groups in Prison? if so, how are they treated? I believe so and I think they are treated well but not positive

11.) are the bunks padded or concrete? do you get a pillow and pad or mattress? One pillow one thin mattress I think

12.) What are the guards like? Do they really pick on the prisionors or accuse you of something you never did? Have no idea I'd venture to say like every other profession some good ones and some bad ones


There are many other people much better suited to answer your questions hopefully they will be along soon! Welcome to PTO this place is great for knowledge and support

you do have a lot of questions...

Here is what I can tell you. First you don't know where he will end up. He could go anywhere in CA - depends where they have room. Brace yourself for a 10 hour drive to visit - then you will be happy when it is only 3. There is a great thread here in the CA forum - a series written by a former inmate. It is right on from what I can tell.

As for a young white male in prison. From the day he gets there he could be asked to show "papers". It is proof of what they were convicted of. I hear that all the white guys that are not obvious gang members get asked by the blacks and mexicans. He will be asked to join alliances with either the "woods" or the "skinheads". I am not going to tell you which is better, I am obviously biased, as you can see from my picture above. If he is big - and basically shows no fear from the beginning, maybe even just a bit confrontive, he should be fine. Tell him not to be obnoxious, just very sure of himself, and the strength of his fists. Woods and Skinheads are not considered "gangs" in the true sense of a prison gang. They are really just sets - those you affiliate with. There are the blacks, southsiders and northsiders(mexicans) piesa's (mexicans immed. from mexico), asians, heads, woods, and others.

Keep money on his books. It is much easier to deal with prison life if your locker is full of goodies that others want. You would be amazed at how far a cup of ramen noodles will go. Also buy him all the appliances that he is allowed. My hub has a TV, CD Player, radio, fan, ac adapters, etc... It is easier to stay out of trouble if you can avoid the TV room.

He should be able to call as much as he wants, that varies from prison to prison. The calls are expensive - I pay at least $600 a month to talk a few times everyday. But I wouldn't want to spend the money any other way. There is no way around the collect calling thing, but depending where he lands - I can help you with reducing the cost of the calls. PM me for more info... basically how to get a remote call forward line that is local to the prison.

The conditions in prison are awful. It is very dirty - roaches, bugs, bad water, no laundry, just awful stuff. Don't dwell on it too much - he has to do the time either way, so there is really nothing other then keeping him in money and packages that you can do about it. They all adapt after some time.

My husband is a level 2 - and was from the start. The lower the level the more priviliges the inmates have. Mostly level 1 and 2's are in dorms, 100 guys in a big room, a few toilets, a couple of showers, a tv room, a couple of phones. My hub says its not that bad, like a military barracks, only he can't leave. Level 3&4 have alot of drama on the yards. Most people on those levels have longer time, and less to lose, so it can get rough. Pray for level 2. Cells are small and dirty, and most are just like what we see on old prison movies. Nothing looks like OZ - plexiglass cells? I doubt it.

Don't ever call the prison to complain, or try to get them to do something special for him. They will retaliate. When you call - be profusely thankful, and very very curteous. Try to avoid giving his name if you can, unless you have a question about visiting, or something that will relate to you - and not reflect poorly on him.

There is so much more - but it all escapes me now. Feel free to PM me.

Good luck - and keep your head up. Four years isn't that bad - some here are doing life.

Hooda

I am a mother with a son in prison not in the state where you live. I cannot answer all the questions you have BUT I understand your fears as a parent. Listen Prison is not a wonderful place I had all the fears like you but I have found a place in my head and heart to live with it. First my son did a stupid terrible thing too BUT he is not a bad person! I would bet any parent wife husband girlfriend or boyfriend here has a loved one inside who are not bad people. Your son will find alot of guys who just want to do their time peacefully and go home. Your son first days will be hard as far as he will be approched by those who don't play nice all the time but if he is respectful and stays somewhat to himself they will back off and move to another new guy. If he is respectful of the rules to the guards and the other inmates they will leave him alone .

If he goes in with a bad a$$ attitude he will be tested. My son has just finally been placed into the prison system was in a county jail for a long time. He has had all the ones come up to him and ask him for money or food or to make calls for them and he has been polite with them but firm and turned them down and they have not bothered him again. Please remember many are just like your son not there to hurt others will this be easy for you ?NO. I do allow my son to call as often as possible this way I know all is ok there for him it's not all like what the news reports the news wants us all to be in fear makes a good story. I wish you the best and hope you can find a little peace through all of this I do understand.

WSF

Thank you for the info.

Hi there, i can't tell you too much about the inside of the prisons as i refuse to visit my friend while he's there. but let me know if your son gets sent to susanville or any really. My buddy gets out in a couple of weeks he's been to most of the prisons in the area including san quentin and susanville (where he is currently) he'd probably give you the low down on them if you want.
He'll be staying with me after oct 10th so keep in touch

catisfaction

Hooda,
I wanted to say welcome to PTO. It looks like you have already been given lots of good advice and information. So, I just wanted to tell you that I have a young son, a Christian, who went to prison too (getting out in 9 days, Praise the Lord!). Seems a lot of young Christians are going these days...what's that about????

What people have said above is true. And the guys in the county jail (who have been there before) will prep him for prison. At least they did mine.

The most important things have already been said. I would only add a few things.

1.) He needs money on his books. If you put it on his books while he is in county, they don't take the 33% for restitution. If you wait til he gets to prison, they take a chunk of everything that you send. It's 33% right now, and that will go up to 55% the first of the year. Get money on his books now. As much as you can manage. (I know...a real feat after paying attorney's fees!)

2.) He will probably have to affiliate with a white group to protect himself. My son did. I am not prejudice and don't agree, but the prison system is set up by race. It is not a good thing, but it is the way it is. The "woods" are the least serious of the white groups and don't require tatoos or continued affiliation when he gets out. He needs to do what he needs to do to survive. He doesn't have to hang out with a "gang", but he does need to make his affiliations known and then they will have his back at all times and he will be expected to have theirs.

3.) Tell him never to travel alone on the yard or anywhere. Whether going to meals, or canteen or just anywhere, always go in two's but preferably in a group.

4.) Tell him not to accept favors from anyone. Never.
Lots is done by barter. If he has not got anything to barter (like ramen or stamps) then do not accept. And never take something with the promise to pay...you can end up dead real quick if you don't pay because you lost your canteen priviledge or whatever. He needs to have in hand what he wants to barter with. No exceptions.

5.) Make sure he has his court papers...as someone said above, the other inmates will want to see the papers. They want to know he is not a snitch and also know the nature of his crime. He will need his Motion of Discovery, I think it is, and I don't remember what else. I'll ask my son when he calls tonight and let you know.

There is lot's and lots more. You won't know the rules about visiting and all until he gets where he's going so a lot of your questions about the details can be more accurately answered at that time.

If you want to prep him, the best thing you can do is to tell him you are there for him, write him every single day, even if it is just a card, keep money on his books, send packages, and accept phone calls. Support is the key to survival. Support and prayer.

And as someone above said, don't rock the boat with the prison staff or they will retaliate against him for it. Wear your hip boots and be polite and courteous til your nose is brown.

Be encouraged. My son is also a Christian (who got stupid) and the Lord used this time to strengthen him in a powerful way in his walk with the Lord. The Lord can keep your son safe. Just pray for that daily. Remember God is still in control and He loves your son even more than you do! :)

BTW, I'm not far from Redding! But my son is 7 hours away... sigh. So be prepared. Your probably gonna wear out a car with visiting. And suddenly begin to feel very, very old and worn out. This thing ages you quickly as a parent. It's like you are in prison with them. But you will get through it in one piece and so will he. I'll be praying.

Feel free to PM me if you want to.

Well I can only comment on Susanville as my Son was there and tell you what I know! From what I seen it's not filthy but it is prison seems acceptable. The visiting at least 1 1/2 years ago was on friday evening sat and sun from around 8:30 am to around 2:45 pm yes you get to visit in the dining visiting area they have vending machines micriwaves condiments you take up to $ 30.00 in change or 1 dollar bills in a see through zip lock bag or clear purse if he gets a photo ducket at canteen you can have a picture or pictures taken at visiting He is allowed money on his books for canteen 1 time a month to buy things he can phone depends what yard building etc etc for phone sign ups they are collect calls. The c/o's seem very nice there. He has to send you a visiting form for you to fill out every visitor has to be pre approved fill it out completely list all offenses or you will be denied ask him to also send you a list of visiting attire and rules. He will go thropugh the reception classification first reception is where they go to be medically cleared and given points and levels and then you are endorsed by classification as to where you will do remaing time this process is any wheere from 2 weeks to could be up to 6 months while in reception they are not allowed visits or phone calls the only communication will be through letters. So make sure when he goes he has money on his books and when he is transferred from county to state prison he has enough writting materials to take with him. Also one peice of info depending on what race he is is what they ask him when he gets to state so they will house him with his own it's kinda sad but he needs to stick with his own as thats how they house them to help eliminate racial problems and rival gangs etc etc this is the way the prison system works. Good luck to him and just be respectful watch what he says as people take things differently tell him to keep his mouth shut eyes open and watch how the others act and he will learn the right way to survive! He will be fine! Yes the visits are contact but he can only give a brief embrace or kiss to girlfiend at the beggining and end of visits

I am in your area here in No. Calif. my son is in San Quentin waiting to go to another facility - he doesn't know where - I have heard they try to send close to family but who knows if this is true? He says S.Q. is loud and filthy, but he is doing OK - keeping to himself - he is 25 and 6'6" so this may help him. says his 'celly' as been a help teaching him the ropes and how to 'barter' - he can't find a size 15 shoe, but traded stamps for some other things. Good luck and continue to use this wonderful site, it is a help to know you are not alone. God Bless.
Batmansmom