Definitive Psychological Perspective on Prison Systems
The Ten Commandments of the Prison Trainerfor John “Doc” Fuller provides a tremendous public service. There is nothing held back in this stark portrayal of the end point of our criminal justice system. Who would have thought that there were so many rules to learn in order to survive daily prison life? Some of these rules may sound familiar, like “don’t snitch,” but others are quite particular and complex, and not something one would have known before crossing the line. For example, who could have imagined that the mere act of running your hand over someone’s food tray to get out a salt shaker could mark you as disrespectful to the point of serving death? According to the book, “You can be seriously injured or killed for breaking a rule you didn’t even know existed.”
Many of the rules or commandments revolve around showing respect. And as Fuller points out, showing respect isn’t something many of those behind bars excel at. “Most, if not all, of those who enter prison systems do so out of arrogance, greed, and an inability to appreciate what they have in life.” Therefore, it is more common for most new inmates to enter this terrifying environment by feigning bravado against perceived weakness. It is precisely such a haughty attitude that will mark one for a quick attitude adjustment.
It may come as a surprise to some that one of the reasons for the book’s publication was that there are circumstances in which one “turns himself in” to prison. Whether this is the case or an inmate arrives through normal judicial channels, Fuller’s main message about this initial vulnerability can be summed up in his statement that “prison is a jungle filled with nothing but predators. .. You are the equivalent of a newborn, because you have no experience in your new environment, and there is absolutely no one you can trust.”
Fuller suggests that the ten commandments for those new to prison are:
- Do not stare at other inmates
- Don’t trust your fellow prisoners
- Respect your cellmate
- Take care of your own business
- Respect the staff
- Do not steal
- don’t be a snitch
- Avoid prison gangs
- Stay away from drugs
- Do not play
While it is difficult to prove the feasibility of these ideas, Fuller’s record of “11 years in various prisons across the country” is compelling testimony. This alone is probably authority enough, but his psychological insight into the inmates’ motivations is just as definitive.
I hope this book will one day be required reading before anyone can set foot inside a prison. They then need to be tested to ensure complete understanding. This book is not just for “other people.” Strange things happen in this world, and there, but by the grace of God, I go.
Book Review by Carla M. Paton
