Seven Tips for Navigating Prison's Dangerous Waters

New prisoners are referred to as "fish." I've asked around, and nobody I asked seems to know the origin of this label, but there are a couple of likely possibilities. Either new prisoners are like "fish out of water," or they are like fish tossed into a sea of sharks. Either possibility fits. 

New prisoners are often ignorant to the plots of prison life. As a result, they may behave in ways that put themselves in difficult, and sometimes dangerous, situations. Simple things, like accepting food or help from someone else, or even sharing one's own food with others, can put one in a difficult or dangerous situation. This is not to say that prisoners should never share with each other. They can, should, and do. But it's important for new prisoners to know when they're sharing with a friend, and when they're being used or setting up to be used. It takes time, experience, and careful attention to develop this sort of discernment. 

New prisoners are also like fish tossed into a sea of sharks. Sometimes other prisoners are predatory. Like sharks, they circle their prey, looking for weaknesses they can exploit. These weaknesses could involve money, like "borrowing" food or a phone call and never repaying it, or it could involve outright extortion. Prisoners who are socially awkward, have weak personalities, or who have cases that can be exploited are particularly vulnerable to predators. Sometimes predators look for prisoners whom they can use for sex or other favors. Prisoners who have honed their craft of manipulation know just how to set up a prisoner so he has very few options from which to choose to get out of the situation. 

"Fish" can quickly learn how to avoid trouble in prison. Here are seven quick tips for prison "fish" to stay out of trouble:

1. Be assertive, not aggressive or passive. Being aggressive invites people to test your resolve, but being passive also invites trouble. Assertiveness is generally the best approach. Say "no" and mean it, or say "yes" and keep your word (but know what you are really saying yes to). 
2. Loan nothing to anyone. The time may come when you feel comfortable enough to lend something to a friend. When you're new to prison, it's simpler to just not lend. 
3. Don't go where you shouldn't be. Stay in your own lane (as they say), and avoid situations that could put you in danger or could earn you a misconduct ticket. 
4. Mind your own business. See nothing and say nothing is the best approach. This is not good citizenship in the free world, but in prison it means keeping yourself safe. 
5. Leave drugs, alcohol, and gambling alone. These three are the quickest ways to get yourself into trouble you can't find your way out of. Don't hold drugs or alcohol for others or run gambling tickets. These are traps that are difficult to get out of. Join a 12-step program if these are problems for you. 
6. Avoid negative people and troublemakers. Surround yourself with people who are doing positive things, not just those who talk about it. Educate yourself, sign up for voluntary classes, read books, and learn constructive things. 
7. Be respectful of other prisoners and of officers. Be courteous, even when others aren't. A little respect goes a long way. And please, clean up after yourself!

These tips might seem simple, but they make a big difference when navigating dangerous prison waters.