Behavioral features of a person in places of deprivation of liberty. Behavioral features of a person in places of deprivation of liberty What does a prisoner feel in a colony

Being in prison radically changes the psychology, character and outlook of a person. These changes are most often not for the better, even if a person becomes morally stronger. Solitary confinement, in general, can lead to insanity. After five years of imprisonment, irreversible changes occur in the psyche, the individuality of the personality is lost, a person takes the prison attitudes as his own, and these attitudes sit very tightly.

Most repeat offenders have an unconscious need to get caught in order to go back to prison. In the wild, they are unusual, changeable, it is not clear how to behave and where to go next. Perhaps a certain status and authority was earned in prison, which was given with difficulty. At liberty, this status does not mean anything, society imposes the stigma of a former convict. Outwardly, people who have been in prison also change: they often have a cold prickly look, many return with broken teeth and broken internal organs.

Psychological changes of prison workers

The psyche of correctional workers is also deformed. Notable is the famous Stanford prison experiment, which was conducted by American psychologists in the seventies of the last century. In a conditional prison, which was equipped in the corridor of the university, volunteers played the roles of guards. They quickly got into their roles, and already on the second day of the experiment, dangerous conflicts began between the prisoners and the guards. A third of the guards showed sadistic tendencies. Due to the severe shock, two prisoners had to be taken out of the experiment ahead of time, many had an emotional breakdown. The experiment was completed ahead of time. This experiment proved that the situation affects a person much more than his personal attitudes and upbringing.

Prison guards quickly become rude, tough, domineering, at the same time they experience enormous psychological stress and nervous stress.

Correctional workers often adopt the habits of prisoners: jargon, musical preferences. They lose initiative, lose the ability to empathize, irritability, conflict, and callousness increase. The extreme form of such mental deformation is assault, insults, rudeness, sadism of prison guards.

Psychology considers human behavior as a complex of psycho-somatic reactions to endo- and exogenous factors. It should be noted that behavior as a terminological unit is dynamic, that is, it can change depending on certain conditions. Behavior, as such, is devoted to many works of famous psychologists, in this article the general problem of the behavior of a person who has been in a small isolated group for a long time will be touched upon.

Pending

Isolation may vary, in a specific case, a group of convicted citizens held in a strict regime correctional colony will be considered.

The behavior of a person who has committed an illegal act, qualified by the Criminal Code, begins to change already at the moment of realizing the possible consequences. By the time a decision is made to detain a person and place him in a temporary detention facility, the prospect of communicating with “convicts”, hardened criminals, whose image is colorfully drawn by the media, is already looming in the mind of a person.

The behavior of a person who has fallen into conditions of isolation is determined solely by the environment surrounding him and personal experience of being in such conditions. In the event that a person has not previously been prosecuted, led a socially neutral lifestyle and is not familiar with prison culture, his first reaction will be fear and a desire to isolate himself from the people around him. Accordingly, a person who has been in such places will look for points of contact with fellow inmates and try to establish contact by resorting to traditional methods in these conditions.

Adaptation

The psyche of a person under investigation and transferred to a pre-trial detention center (pre-trial detention center) is already beginning to adapt to the environment, many things are becoming clear, and behavior is becoming more familiar. Deprived of the usual benefits for a free person, the defendant becomes more inventive, for example, he finds ways to boil water in the absence of an electric kettle. Communication skills increase, because communication is the only outlet that helps not to get embittered and not close in on yourself during your stay in the isolation ward.

It is also worth distinguishing the behavior of "first movers" from the behavior of recidivists, the former try to create a familiar atmosphere around them, diluting prison life with free jokes, recalling their adventures and playing with romance and concepts. About the second, we can say that they fall into their usual environment and do not try to entertain and distract themselves, but show their character, dotting all the “i” and immediately declaring their status to others. The status is determined at the next stage, after the verdict is announced, and the person is taken to a correctional colony.

Convicted

A maximum security penal colony is an isolated environment where a group of people, whose numbers may vary, but rarely exceed 2,000 people, are constantly monitored, live according to the regime and are forced to unconditionally obey the rules.

The behavior of a person in places of deprivation of liberty is determined by his status, which may be as follows:

• Decent (thieves, authority, man). Behaves defiantly, is proud of his status, treats convicts of other status groups with disdain;
• Red (goat, activist, bitch). He tries not to contact with convicts belonging to the previous group, interacts more with the administration and makes every effort to reduce the length of stay in the correctional colony. Often participates in conspiracies, denounces, but at the same time is an intermediate link between the "convicts" and the administration;
• Offended (rooster). The lowest prison caste, whose representatives are involved in washing sanitary appliances, and in some institutions are used to satisfy the sexual needs of convicts.

Outcome

The behavior of a "convict" corresponds to his position in "society", but this is only a mask, internal experiences and stress make everyone, regardless of status, distrustful, deceitful and selfish. Constant internal conflicts, lack of détente and a strict regime force a person to become closed, callous and hypocritical.

Any person who finds himself in prison for the first time experiences frank horror. The mixture of adrenaline, fear, anxiety and confusion is simply deafening. After the camera closes behind you, you will have to somehow cope with this situation and start planning your survival. Prison life is hard and dangerous, but if you stick to their code and don't get into trouble, you'll live your term without any problems.

Steps

Survival in prison

Get a new instinct for danger. Now you live next to thieves, rapists, murderers and liars. To survive, you must trust your instincts, not ignore them.

• If you have a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen, don't hesitate, act quickly and find a safe place. Don't try to rationalize everything in this irrational place.
• Trust your first impression if you feel something strange is going on. In prison, everything seems different from what it really is.
• If you have a poorly developed sixth sense, now is the time to develop it. Even subtle signs can mean danger to your immediate environment.

1. Respect other prisoners."Treat people the way you want to be treated." This quote is the golden rule for living in prison. Don't swear, avoid confrontation, and respect personal boundaries.

   • Do not insult the masculinity of another prisoner, otherwise you will be sent to the infirmary, to solitary confinement or to the grave.
   • Don't get in line at the cafeteria or you might get stabbed.
   • Do not approach the cells of other prisoners unless you are called to it. If they did call, then sometimes it is better to refuse.
   • Fight only if you have no other choice. If you refuse to fight when someone treats you disrespectfully, then you will become a "punk" or a coward who will live in even more suffering than before.
   • Never take the personal belongings of other prisoners without permission.

2. Beware of gangs, drugs and gambling. There is a common myth that in order to receive protection in prison, you must immediately join a gang. But to obtain this protection, you will have to do unthinkable things. In reality, joining a gang, using drugs, and gambling are the three simple ways die.

   • Most often, it is gang members who die in prison. They are also most often involved in fights and get stab wounds.
   • If you are caught with drugs, then you will go to solitary confinement, your sentence will be increased or you will be transferred to a more stringent prison.
   • Gambling in prison is a contact sport, especially if you find yourself in debt. Money in prison gives access to various things and necessities. But if you are in debt to someone, expect a visit from your gambling friends.

3. Stay away from solitary confinement. Although solitary confinement may seem like an attractive idea when you live with the most disgusting people, it is often associated with torture and mental illness.

4. Endure solitary confinement. Solitary confinement is a cell in which it is almost impossible to move around, no contact with other people, confinement for 23 hours a day with a minimum amount of exercise, which can cause various forms of mental disorders even in the most persistent people. If you are sent to this isolated hell, have a plan with you on how not to go crazy.

   • Maintain a daily schedule for your mind. If we didn’t plan our lives in advance, we would hardly have time to do something. Don't change your schedule, even while in solitary confinement. Wake up, have breakfast, go to work, have lunch, come home, have dinner, watch TV or do something and go to bed. Do it all in your head.
   • Break processes down into basic components. This is the perfect mental exercise to help you stay healthy and think logically. If you like football or baseball, imagine trying to explain these sports to an alien who has no idea what they are. Thus, you will have to describe and give an example of each small step.
   • Build things or take them apart. Think about the things you will need to build your house and make a shopping list. Go to the store, buy everything you need and take them to the construction site. After that, imagine that you are building a house.

   physical health

   1. Healthy food. Prison food, which is paid for by taxpayers, cannot be called the pinnacle of culinary art. Moreover, it is tasteless and has a high calorie content.

      • Prison food can be diluted with food from the prison store or canteen, thereby improving your diet.
      • Most convict shops sell foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Try to replace the prison gruel with these products once or twice a week.
      • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

   2. Get regular exercise. Stretching, strength training and aerobic exercise can be done on prison grounds. This will not only make you stronger, but also keep your waistline.

      • With exercise, time will fly by faster.
      • Prison is a very stressful place, and exercise will be more beneficial for stress relief than fighting.
      • Physically fit people are less likely to be bullied by other prisoners, as you will be better prepared to defend yourself.

   3. Keep yourself busy. In prison you will have a lot of free time. Instead of lying in your cell all day, take up a sport, play non-fatal cards, or join a club.

      • Idleness in prison only leads to trouble. Engaging in positive activities will take your mind off the time and the current situation.
      • By participating in stimulating and social activities, you will briefly forget about fear.
      • Play basketball, sip iron, play cards, or join a walking club.

   4. Diseases. Every prison treats prisoners differently, but prison healthcare is always presented in the most cost-effective and efficient way that proper care can achieve. Depending on the severity of the disease and the treatment required, most prisons provide inpatient treatment in the prison itself or at the municipal hospital.

      • If you need medical care while in prison, you must submit a written request. Once a request is received, it will be reviewed and prioritized.
      • If necessary, emergency services are also available in the prison.
      • If necessary, the prisoner can receive surgical, prenatal and palliative care.

   How to keep your sanity

   1. Reading. In the library you can read newspapers, magazines and books on current affairs, general topics and education. Reading will allow you to enter a fantasy world and forget about prison.

      • A well-read mind will help you deal with difficult cases in prison.
      • After you gain freedom, you can use the knowledge gained.

   2. Get an education. Most prisons run courses for prisoners who want to get an education. You will have enough time to go to class and learn, and at the same time get an education.

      • Education will better prepare you for the outside world.
      • Every employer wants their employee to have an education, so having a degree or certificate will give you everything you need to get a job.

   3. Deal with depression. Without a doubt, prison is not the best place, and because of the need to spend part of your life there, depression can arise. What's more, most prisons are overcrowded, filled with boredom, frustration, and sexual predators that turn such an environment into a home for depression. In prison, you may or may not have access to a doctor, psychologist, or antidepressants.

      • If you cannot get professional psychological care, try to find another prisoner who is willing to listen to you. It is very likely that there are other prisoners among you who, like you, suffer from depression.
      • Try to fight your stress through exercise. During exercise, hormones are released that help to cope with stress and depression.
      • Stay away from drugs and alcohol as they will only make your depression worse.
      • Try to eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce your caffeine and sugar intake.
      • Make a few acquaintances so as not to spend all the time alone. It is possible that your prison comrades will be able to cheer you up.

   4. Manage your anger. Prison can make anyone angry. Anger is quite common in prison, because it seems to prisoners that there are much more disappointments than hopes. Therefore, when anger becomes too much, and you lose control of yourself, then serious problems arise.

      • Don't make assumptions. Assumptions in prison can lead to dire consequences. Never try to read a person. Instead, know exactly why someone bumped into you or got ahead of you in line. A mistake can lead to fatal consequences.
      • Do not impose your own rules on other prisoners without their knowledge. This is usually manifested in a phrase that begins with the words: "He should have ...".
      • Every prisoner has personal rights that must be respected. If you violate their imaginary rights, then be prepared to defend yourself.
      • The more you generalize, the angrier you will become. For example, if you constantly complain about being short-changed or never taken seriously, you will likely become angrier.
      • Try not to divide everything into black and white. In prison, you can survive if you understand that there are also shades of gray. Not all people are only bad or only good.

   prison code

   1. Don't trust anyone. This rule applies to everyone, including prisoners, guards and prison staff. Remember, nothing is free in prison.

      • Be suspicious of someone who treats you well. Ask yourself "What is it for them?". Since most prisoners are aware of the “trust no one” rule, it is likely that their attitude towards you has an ulterior motive.
      • You can talk to guards and staff, but be careful what you say, because anything you say, no matter how insignificant you may think, can be used against you.
      • Prison guards will not protect you, and even if they do, you still have to return to your cell, which everyone knows about. Therefore, it is better to keep quiet and not divulge information about another prisoner.
      • The main thing is to trust yourself. After all, you are the only person you can trust in prison.

   2. Hide your emotions. Easier said than done, but try not to show fear, anger, happiness, or pain. Other prisoners can take advantage of this. Simply put, your emotions are your worst enemy, as they reveal your weakness, which both prisoners and guards can take advantage of.

      • Since most of the prisoners are bored, they have plenty of time to use their manipulative skills against you. They will try to provoke your anger and destroy your happiness.
      • It is very important to remember that prison guards and other staff are always right and that they will never be on your side. In other words, treat them well and with respect so they don't mess with you.
      • Do not challenge or intimidate other inmates, guards or prison staff. It doesn't matter if you were right, it is you who will suffer.

   3. Don't stare. It is rude and under other circumstances will not turn out badly for you, which cannot be said if you are in prison. When walking in prison, always look ahead and do not look at others, otherwise you may be misunderstood.

      • Do not look at others, but do not walk around with your eyes on the floor, as you can bump into someone, which may cause new problems.
      • Usually, when one prisoner looks at another prisoner, it means two things: sexual interest and hostility. As you can already understand, none of this will end well in prison.

   4. Don't knock. If you enjoy being downright miserable, then tell the guard about another inmate's transgressions. This will almost certainly result in you being beaten half to death. If you see or hear something, leave and don't say anything.

      • If the guards begin to interrogate you about what happened, come up with an excuse and never answer their questions.
      • Be careful where and how you talk to the guards. If you talk to them in a secret or too friendly way, it will almost certainly be mistaken for snitching. In this case, it is better not to speak to the prison staff at all.
      • Snitches are hated not only by prisoners, but also by the guards themselves. If you somehow upset the guard, your name will be associated with snitching, whether it's true or not.

   5. Treat guards with respect. Guards and other prison staff should not be treated otherwise than with respect and reverence. They control everything and they have the final say. If you find yourself on bad terms with a guard, then he can become your worst enemy.

      • The prison has its own economic system. This system includes guards who will use you as collateral without hesitation.
      • See who and what you are talking about. Even the most insignificant and innocent information can be used by the guards to harm, manipulate and betray you.
      • Do not discuss religion, politics, race, or personal feelings. There are topics that can quickly escalate into an argument if the conversation is steered in the wrong direction.
   • Try to make it easy to talk to your spouse and children, and talk as much as possible about family life during phone calls and letters.
   • Trust your family. Don't let the mistakes of others affect your relationship with family members.
   • Ignore the little things and focus on the big things. If you get upset and don't talk to your spouse, then this silence can last forever.
   • If you have children, then let them unite your family, not divide it. Do not let them take sides and do everything in your power to support them in everything.
   • Be polite and don't be afraid to apologize if you were wrong. The fact that you are in jail is already playing against you.

5. Get the most out of your visits. Family visits can be a great time to reunite and talk about Everyday life. They can also become a complete disappointment if you let small things get in your way.

   • Don't forget the sacrifices your family makes while you're in prison. If your prison is far from home, your family will have to drive, stay overnight in some hotel and buy food just to see you.
   • Your family will also have to go through checks, long lines, bad treatment from prison officers and other humiliating procedures. Be sure to show them how much you appreciate what they do for you.
   • Although you suffer a lot in prison, understand that your family is also having a hard time right now and that they probably don't want to hear you complain about your problems. During visits, focus on your family and their problems.
   • Stay connected with your kids. They grow up fast, their interests change and they are under a lot of stress because their parent is in prison. Try to find common interests and keep in touch with them all the time.
   • Be aware of what your child is doing and give him advice, ask him to send you drawings and share his triumphs and his failures with him. Do everything a normal parent would do.

When we hear about natural disasters occurring in different parts of the globe, we always feel sympathy and compassion for the affected people. When a plane crashes, as a sign of mourning, people gather near the boards with announcements of the dead, bring photographs, light lamps ... However, there is a disaster that passes unnoticed, as if it does not exist - a prison.

According to last year's statistics, there were 650,000 people in places of deprivation of liberty. More than half a million people in need, whose suffering goes unnoticed by us. “But why are they poor? - you ask - because they receive a well-deserved reward. Indeed, people do not sit in prisons just like that, and all of them were sentenced by the court to punishment for any atrocities.

It should be said that the psychology of the criminal prevails over everyone. How many times have we ourselves broken the law, or encouraged others to commit crimes? Did not follow the rules of the road, maybe gave or took bribes? We justify ourselves that we are not criminals. After all, we were not condemned, which means we did nothing wrong. “Not caught - not a thief,” says our folk wisdom, but many interpret it differently - “I will steal until they are caught.” Therefore, the presence in our social environment of people capable of crime suggests that this is a problem not only for criminals, but for the whole society. The psychological boundary that defines the line of the law is blurred. How many of us are familiar with the criminal code? We determine what is legal and what is not intuitively, based on the upbringing, traditions and ideals of the society in which we are.

Of course, most prisoners are imprisoned for their crimes. But among them there are those who got there because of an absurd incident, an accident. A classic example: a guy walking with a girl. The girl heard, or it seemed to her, that she was insulted. The guy stood up, hit another person, a fight broke out, and the result was an accidental murder. Our boyfriend is now a criminal whose life will change forever, and that girl may forget him after a while - why does she need a criminal? ... Another example: a woman lives with an alcoholic cohabitant who regularly beats, rapes and robs her. No one cares about an unhappy life - let her get out on her own. Out of impotence and despondency, in a state of extreme despair, she grabs a knife and in her madness hits the sadist countless times ... The result - the woman became a convict. Her life was already devoid of joy, and now it will be “decorated” with a prison term and subsequent conviction. And with a criminal record, they will no longer be hired for any normal job - who needs a criminal convict? ... “But these are all rare cases,” we console ourselves, “and the majority are in jail for the cause and in truth.” That's probably how it is. But it should be remembered that a merciful attitude towards prisoners is commanded by the Lord himself. But to our shame, many Christians do not even think about it.

On the other hand, it is important to remember that the consequences of the crime of one person fall on the whole society. There is an instructive story of St. John Mosch about a woman named Mary. Once a certain passenger ship had to cross the Mediterranean Sea. But having gone out into open water, the ship could not move, and so it stood for 15 days. In a state of despondency, the owner of the ship turned to God for help, to which he received the following answer: “Throw Mary into the sea, and you will be saved.” The owner of the ship was very surprised and began to ask among the passengers which of them was Maria, finding her, he asked to tell what had happened to her. It turned out that Maria killed two of her children in order to get married, and now she is on the run. The owner of the ship landed her in a lifeboat, which, by itself, immediately disappeared under the water. After that, the ship reached its harbor without hindrance. Let's think about it, aren't there such Marys in our environment who commit repeated murders of children by abortion in order to achieve the desired benefits? ..

This article is addressed to those who are undergoing imprisonment for the first time, as well as to those who are threatened with it. Although, to tell the truth, it can threaten anyone. As the saying goes, "Do not renounce the bag and the prison." In this article, you will not find a way to “quietly” sit out and “quietly” exit without consequences, and this is impossible. To survive in prison means not to lose human dignity (if, of course, it is present at all initially), to re-educate, correct and recreate one's personality.

A prison in Russia is more than a prison. The pages of our recent history remember that not only criminals, but also worthy, great people, including the holy ascetics of Orthodoxy, sat and died in prison. The Russian prison has always been not only a place of deprivation of liberty, but also a tough school of survival.

If prison only threatens you

Regardless of whether you committed a crime or not, if you face jail time, then there is someone interested in you going to jail. And you will definitely sit down if you have committed a serious crime. In any case, it is important not to be idle. At this stage, it is necessary to try to resolve the situation by negotiation. You can negotiate with the victim about compensation, and thus avoid imprisonment or reduce the term.

Find the courage to come to the victims and ask for their forgiveness, offer them your help or financial compensation. “Make peace with your opponent quickly, while you are still on the way with him, so that the opponent does not give you to the judge, and the judge does not give you to a servant, and plunge you into prison; Truly, I say to you, you will not get out of there until you have given up to the last kodrant ”(). Christian humility and prudence can be your deliverer from prison. St. John Chrysostom says: “Having reconciled, you will give up your property, but your body will be free; and when you subject yourself to the sentence of the judge, you will be bound and suffer the most severe punishment.

Some people begin to deceive the victims, promise them "mountains of gold", and as soon as the charges are dropped, everyone forgets. But we must remember that if the court did not punish, God can punish, and it is already impossible to escape from this punishment.

If you are a Christian, devote your time to serving God. Practice fasting and virtue, start praying.

pre-trial

If it was not possible to resolve the issue peacefully, or if the crime you are charged with is quite serious, then the pre-trial procedure will begin. It can take place in different ways, but one question will be decisive for you: will they close you in a cell or let you go.

You need to come to terms with the fact that employees of the internal affairs bodies will be constantly interested in you. Therefore, immediately decide what you will tell them and what you will not. What is your fault and what is not. Also, think in advance what you will say in the cell and what not. As long as the court has not found you guilty, you can generally say nothing to the rest of the prisoners about all the circumstances of your case. Remember the two basic rules - “... from your words you will be justified, and from your words you will be condemned” () “... let your word be: yes, yes; no no; and what is more than this, it is from the evil one ”().

During this period, law enforcement officials are preparing your case for submission to court. Therefore, their goal is to make a picture of your crime as detailed and complete as possible. At this stage, certain problems may arise, because according to the logic of law enforcement agencies, if they detained you, then not without a reason - no one likes to make mistakes. Depending on the severity of the crime, the attitude towards you will be different. Nobody likes people who have committed atrocious crimes, neither law enforcement officers, nor those with whom you may have to sit.

Another factor affecting the quality of your stay under investigation is the personal morale of the police officers. If the goal of employees is to bring you to prison at all costs, and maybe hang some other crimes on you, they will achieve this by all means - from psychological to physical impact. If you withstand the onslaught, gain respect, if not, then everyone will understand what you are afraid of and how you can be influenced.

A lot depends on you. If you immediately start insulting everyone around, behave inappropriately, or, on the contrary, fall into the other extreme - you start to fawn, lose self-respect, then nothing good will come of it. Behave with dignity and respect for all people, on both sides of the bars.

Once in the cell, you need to immediately learn the most important principle - do not be afraid. There are many things that scare me in prison - they can beat, rape, kill. All this, perhaps, can happen to you, but so far these are only fantasies, and you can and must learn to control them. There is no need to fantasize about anything: neither that you will be miraculously released, nor that you will be cruelly dealt with. You have to learn to live in the moment you are in right now. Misbehavior in the cell can backfire much later, when you find yourself in the zone.

Try to find a way to inform your loved ones about yourself. Reassure and support them as much as possible. It may not be easier for them now than it is for you.

The court found you guilty

So, you are a criminal, so the court decided and sentenced you to imprisonment. It doesn’t matter anymore whether you committed a crime, were just going to, or you were slandered. Now you are a convict or, as they usually say, a convict. Bite your elbows and shed tears no longer makes sense. You need to decide who you are. Yes, it is clear that a person who, by the will of fate, ended up in this terrible place. You will be surprised, but people of honor, words, character and upbringing are respected in prison. Rotten, two-faced and traitors are not loved even there. If your goal is simply to survive, to reach liberation, if you are driven by animal fear and you are ready for anything, so that they only beat you and touch you less, feed you more, then this is the path to hell. It is likely that you will succeed in surviving until release - the police officers will not let you die in prison, although it happens that they are also powerless to protect the prisoner. In any case, such a path can hardly be called life. Choose the path of faith. Make the law of God the foundation of your whole life, and follow it diligently. “Behold, I command you,” God says to Joshua, “be strong and courageous, do not be afraid and do not be horrified; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8-9).

First steps - landing in the camera

Once you have entered the cell and its door has closed, the first thing to do is to greet everyone. This is done in the same way as in ordinary life, you can say “hello” or “good afternoon” - depending on the time of day. It is very important to ensure that your words do not offend anyone, swearing, even jokingly addressed to prisoners, can have very serious consequences. There is no need to show that you are a "hardened convict" who knows the "thieves' alignment" if you have no idea what you are talking about. You will be easily figured out, and your behavior can be regarded as sycophancy or fawning. The surest way is not to talk anything related to what you got for, to speak dryly and briefly. Do not respond to stupid jokes, especially provocations in the form of jokes. However, there is no need to remain silent. The interest of cellmates in your person is caused by a desire to find out with whom they are dealing.

Life in the zone

From the first days of your stay in the zone, you need to get used to the idea that you are one of the prisoners. The people with whom you have to live side by side have characteristics that will not always be pleasant to you. Life in the zone takes place in a very cramped space, therefore, in addition to the administrative rules of the colony, there are also unwritten, “thieves'” rules. They may seem strange and stupid, but the quality of your future prison life depends on their implementation. Of course, if you have never been in prison, you do not know these rules, but this does not relieve you of responsibility for their failure to comply. There is always a senior in the cell, to whom you can turn for clarification. A friend of mine, who previously had extensive experience of life in prison, answered the question of how to survive in prison in this way. According to him, the best way is to be a “man”: “All your actions and words must be worthy of the title of a man. Guys, these are the most crystal clear people who work, want to get home as soon as possible, and never sit down again.

How not to become an outcast

Everyone knows that in prisons sometimes there is violence against prisoners - "lowering". Traditionally in the zone, people of a special caste are considered to be lowered, these are either passive homosexuals or raped prisoners. But at the moment, the concept of omitted has changed somewhat and has become broader. The very process of lowering was originally a sexual abuse, now this is not often practiced. In order to transfer a prisoner to the omitted, quite serious grounds are needed, such as, for example, stealing from other prisoners, betrayal, and others. It doesn't have to be through sexual intercourse. This may be a bowel movement on a prisoner, or other humiliating acts.

But it often happens that people fall into the downtrodden without any act of violence. For example, people who come to the zone having a homosexual experience are automatically equated with omitted ones. There are those who, because of hunger, sell themselves, or for some services. In general, in order not to become lowered, you need to be able to behave wisely and honestly. Try to follow the prison rules, remember the words of an. Paul: "... for those under the law he was as under the law ..." ().

reputation or authority

In the zone, almost all your actions and words will be known to many people. The circumstances of your life before imprisonment, for which you are convicted, how you will behave in various, sometimes difficult situations for you, how you will treat other prisoners and even yourself, all this will affect your reputation. Over time, you can become a respected person among the prisoners, or you can find the contempt of literally everyone. It all depends on your mind, wisdom and strength, and not so much physical as strong-willed. It must be remembered that in the zone respect is achieved by worthy deeds. The highest point of authority in the zone is forgiveness and mercy, but this should not be allowed to be used. They also respect true believers who live by faith, and not just declare it.

Mayhem

Life in prison takes place in a special psychological tension, which is facilitated by both cramped conditions and relationships with other prisoners and the administration. Sometimes the so-called "lawlessness" arises in the zone - a situation comparable to insanity, when a stronger one rapes or brutally beats a weaker one. Lawlessness arises because of the inept actions of the administration, or the authorities of the zone. It is difficult to get out of such a situation with honor, but everything is possible for a believer. We must act wisely and prudently, try not to bring to a boiling point. Well, if the conflict cannot be avoided, and it begins to gain momentum, then there are two ways. The first is to fight like a hunted animal, defending your honor, the second is to try to call the guards. In any case, after everything that happened, there will be a trial, both with the staff of the colony and with respected prisoners. If you fought and injured or even killed someone, there will be a court that will add time to you. If you called the staff of the colony, then the decision will be made on a situational basis, you may lose credibility among the prisoners.

To prevent such a development of events, apply all your best qualities. Here the advice of St. John is appropriate, who says to refrain from insulting words, because with them usually enmity begins, reaching the point of murder. It is necessary to understand that no one will benefit from lawlessness: “... our benefit is also associated with the benefit of our neighbor. He who reconciles with his rival will himself benefit much more, because he will be delivered from the court, prison and all the calamities of imprisonment.

Survive in prison, or make good use of time

When you get comfortable in the zone, you will realize that you have a lot of free time. This time can be put to good use. You can think in detail about how and what you will do after your release. You can get an education, learn a profession or learn a new language. You can just get a job. You finally have time to take care of yourself. When you get out of prison, you may have to rebuild your life. The positive moments of self-education, learned in the zone, can help you in the future.

In most zones today there are temples or prayer rooms in which worship is regularly performed. Visiting the temple, participating in the Sacraments will help you cope with the spiritual and psychological problems of imprisonment, strengthen your faith, and not lose yourself.

What not to do at all

Even in the zone there are drugs, but as in freedom, this is the path to slavery. If you used them before confinement, it's time to quit, if you didn't, it's better not to start at all. The same goes for other habits such as drinking and smoking. It is dangerous to gamble, and indeed any games, we must remember that the game is always played for something. You shouldn't get tattoos. Relations that go beyond the zone must be approached with great caution.

long-awaited freedom

The release of a prisoner is a long-awaited event, but at the same time it is alarming. After spending a long time in prison, many lose the ability to navigate the will. People come out of prison, having very serious consequences for the psyche, living in the wild, they cannot free themselves internally. Man has changed, the world has changed. The prison will leave an indelible mark on the soul. But you shouldn't be disheartened either. You have gained a tremendous amount of experience that you need to use for the benefit of yourself and your loved ones. Whatever happened there, it's all behind. Now we have to learn to live again.

Prison is a place of torment, not only physical, but also spiritual. To get here means to be in the worst place on earth. The whole life of prisoners passes between a rock and a hard place - between thieves' laws and the rules of the prison administration. You can write long and hard about how to survive in prison, but you can’t write everything. Prison is a cruel, cynical, paradoxical, limitless world.

The best way to survive in a prison is to never get into it, and it's not just about the casemates. After all, if you decided to commit a crime, then your soul went to prison long before your arrest. The one who commits iniquity is the slave of sin. And if he is a slave, he is no longer free. The soul of a sinner, like a prisoner of an invisible prison, languishes in the hope of liberation. Only repentance and correction of life can break these terrible bonds. Call the Lord Jesus Christ into your life and He will set you free. No, He will not take you over the prison fence, but He will purify your soul and put it out of its misery. Only the Lord can help the criminal regain his human form.

Priest Alexander Denisov

In the life of every prisoner there comes a moment when everything around turns upside down, you want to scream with happiness and it seems that the worst is behind you - this moment is called liberation. For some, it comes faster, someone has been waiting for it for decades. Today we decided to talk with psychologist Inna Vutkarev about how to mentally prepare for release, what to do after and why 60% of prisoners in our country return to prison.

Inna, it seems to people who have never encountered a prison that the release of a prisoner is such a celebration of life. Please tell me what is happening in the soul of a person who is preparing for liberation and is this stage stressful?

Any major life change comes with stress. Despite the fact that release, in the understanding of people who have not had experience of imprisonment, is perceived as a very positive event, in fact, the convicts themselves call the period before release one of the most difficult for the entire period of detention. This feeling is connected with the understanding of how difficult it will be to start rebuilding your life. After spending even a fairly short period of time in prison, a person realizes that in freedom there are constant changes - social, economic, political, cultural - to which he will have to adapt again. And the worst thing about all this is the uncertainty that is inherent in changes in anyone's life. That is why in 99% of cases a person who is preparing for liberation experiences the greatest stress.

How to relieve this stress yourself and is it worth resorting to the help of professionals?

For guys who are waiting for release, I recommend that they draw up a clear plan of action. To do this, you just need to take a piece of paper and write down on it step by step all the actions that you will carry out on the first day, month, six months after your release. You need to start doing this while still in prison. For example, a person has six months left before his release, which means it’s time to check whether his documents are in order, whether he has any connections at large, whether he knows where to go immediately after his release and what to do. Planning helps a person feel stable, gather himself, not panic, and just act according to a certain plan.

One of my heroines told me that during the first months after her release she always felt that everyone around her was looking at her, what does this mean and how will she cope with it?

In fact, this is normal, as far as it can be considered normal. The painful moments that accompany the process of adaptation to freedom are connected with the fact that in prison a person was always under the general gaze. There is a concept that is very clearly observed in prison - loneliness in the crowd. That is, a person is surrounded by a bunch of people, he is always in sight, but in fact he is very lonely. The feeling of always being in the public eye lingers long after release, as do some of the habits that are acquired in prison. Over time, this will pass, so do not condemn yourself or try to drive into some kind of framework.

Inna, in a situation where a person after his release decided to get a job, should he himself say that he was in prison, or is it better to avoid this topic?

There are some vacancies where a certificate of non-conviction is required. As a rule, these are government agencies, security agencies, etc. Here it is impossible to hide your criminal record, the employer requires a certificate and must be shown. But there are some places of work where such a certificate is not needed at all. Therefore, if you have not been asked, do not talk about it. But if you were asked, and you lied, believe me, when the truth is revealed, you may have problems.

For example, a person was asked point-blank if he had been convicted. What should he answer if he really was in prison?

Try to put it this way: yes, it happened in your life, but you paid for it and you hope that you will be given a chance to show your best side. Many economic agents who are ready to hire former prisoners are satisfied with their work. It is very important to understand that a former prisoner, by his behavior at a new place of work, forms the attitude of society towards those like him.

The well-known businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who served 10 years in prison, admitted in one of his interviews that for the first time after his release he did not know at all how to behave with his own children. Question: how is it really?

There is no unequivocal advice in this case, I will only say that the longer the separation was, the more painful the return of the previous relationship with the child will be. A parent who has been released from prison must understand that the child needs time to let him into his personal space. You can not win the love of a child by force, suppressing him with authority, setting conditions. No need to immediately join the educational process, make comments, correct. A child needs to be conquered by love, not by excessive guardianship, but by love. You need to spend a lot of time together, you need to try to get to know your children better, but not to ask them intrusively, but simply to be interested in their life, offer help, go somewhere together, do something, arrange joint holidays, spend weekends together. The child must feel that a parent has reappeared in his life, who needs to be given a place. It is very important for the parent to be patient and not be offended if the child does not immediately accept it.

Inna, consider a situation where a person used drugs before imprisonment, then stopped while in prison. How can he not break free?

In this case, it is very important to find moral support. Very lucky for those who are waiting for freedom relatives, family. After all, once freed, a person becomes very vulnerable, as if without skin, and in any difficult situation, old methods of behavior work for him. Family and relatives are the resource that can help a person return to normal life again. If there is no such resource, it is best to turn to NGOs, churches, social services, communities that can support at first.

Is it worth it for a released person to keep in touch with prisoners who are still serving their sentences?

In this case, a person must decide for himself why he needs these relationships and how they affect his life. If this influence is negative, then it is better to end such a relationship.

Why do some people, after being released, go back to crime?

There is a percentage of people who are born with a propensity for crime, for an anti-social lifestyle. There are people for whom the position they held while in prison is important and for which they are ready to sacrifice their freedom. There are also those who are simply not given the opportunity to adapt and reintegrate socially and professionally, and therefore, they are forced to commit crime again, so that later, when they get to prison, they simply have a roof over their heads and food. In Moldova, now 60% of relapses, that is, out of 100 people who have served a prison term, 60 come back for the second, third time. And it's worth thinking about.

Are we, as a society, to blame?

Definitely. What happens: a person comes out of prison, he has no home, no job, no support, where should he go?

Outside.

Yes, and the street is drugs, alcohol, and a criminal lifestyle. Therefore, each of us should think about the fact that such a category of people exists and they need our support and understanding, and in some cases real help.

From your experience, is it true that the longer the term that a person needs to serve, the more calmly he treats him?

A person gets used to everything, including life in prison. Therefore, when, for example, another 10 years of imprisonment are ahead of him, he tries to live for today. Because you can go crazy knowing how many more days you have to wake up in prison. When a person faces liberation, consciousness begins to work in a different way. Many say that the last two or three months before the release lasted forever, every day - a lifetime. These sensations must be experienced, because after liberation a completely different life begins, and it depends only on the person whether it will be better or worse than the previous one.