An examination of the inmate code in Canadian penitentiaries

Abstract

Scholars researching the development and adoption of an inmate code in penitentiaries have agreed on its basic elements and the influence of the prison environment on its adoption. Yet, the changing climate in Canadian penitentiaries and the fact that the inmate code has yet to be studied in a Canadian context remain of concern. Thus, this study seeks to empirically document current elements of the inmate code in Canadian federal prisons in Ontario and theoretically explain why this code is adopted by prisoners in these penitentiaries. In light of researchers noting the impact of risk, including its assessment and management, on behaviors, I argue that risk – defined here as concern for safety – and unsafe prison environments have reshaped the code. Drawing on data collected from interviews with 56 ex-prisoners, I propose that the inmate code in Ontario penitentiaries is composed of five primary tenets: (1) ‘never rat on a con’ and don't get friendly with the staff; (2) be dependable (not loyal); (3) follow daily behavior rules or else; (4) I won't see you, don't see me, and shut up already; and (5) be fearless or at least act tough. A portrayal of the current unsafe and high risk nature of Canadian penitentiary environments in Ontario and its implications for the prisoners in residence is also provided. Findings are discussed within a risk context with an emphasis on empirical and theoretical implications.

Keywords:

• inmate code
• prison code
• risk
• men
• penitentiaries
• Incarceration
• Canada

 1. For example, Sykes was clear that his findings should not be generalized outside of the New Jersey prison that he studied.

 2. This model inmate includes what Goffman later developed into the concept of impression management and presentation of self.

 3. Sykes did note the link between institutional violence and prison behavior, although not within the context of risk as used in theory today, in his famous writings including The Society of Captives: A Study of A Maximum Security. Prison (1971).

 4. In Canada, if a sentence is served in a federal or provincial facility is determined by the length of sentence, not necessarily the conviction (e.g., there are no felonies in Canada). Respondents explained that federal prisons, because prisoners are there for a longer period of time (e.g., even life), have different atmospheres than provincial prisons. For example, provincial facilities are ‘loud’ and people may act out because they will not have to deal with the consequences. Federal institutions are less loud and actions can have lifelong consequences.

 5. There are 12 federal prisons in Ontario, one for women only, 11 that house male offenders. Of these facilities, three are classified as minimum security, three as maximum, and five as medium.

 6. This is beyond their initial assessment in ‘reception’ or ‘temporary detainment units’ where parolees are sent for parole breaches; both of these are housed in maximum security institutions in Ontario.

 7. In Canada a life sentence is 25 years with the possibility of parole after a pre-determined about of time in prison. Once paroled, a person remains under the custody of the criminal justice system (i.e., has a parole officer, and many restrictions what he or she can and cannot do) for the duration of their life. If a ’lifer’ is found to be a Dangerous Offender they are not eligible for parole.

 8. Irwin (1970) included ‘doing your own time’ as one of three major modes of adaptation: ‘The adaptation of those who still keep their commitment to the outside life and see prison as a suspension of that life but who do not want to make any significant changes in their life patterns will be called “doing time”’. For clarity, the suggestion here is not that Irwin is incorrect rather simply that the predominant underlying desire expressed by these respondents differed that found by Irwin. These respondents kept to themselves in prison, first and foremost, to be safe and avoid threat.

 9. Do note, Sykes has never claimed that most prisoners embodied the code.

10. Specifically the policy change underway with the passing of the omnibus crime Bill C-10 in Canada in early 2012.