Prison Secrets Exposed By Retired Warden

1. Drones help to fly in drugs, weapons and mobile phones.

Image Source/RedditThese are hard to monitor, and so it has become a massive problem for prison staff because these things can fly all the contraband right through the security and into the hands of the prisoners. They can even be programmed to zoom in and out without a pilot.

2. A makeshift knife using razor blades melted into the handle of a toothbrush.

Image Source/RedditThese are used as weapons and even for protection. Cell searches are often conducted to clear the prison of such offensive weapons but they are easily remade as the prisoners have access to both toothbrushes, lighters and blades for shaving.

3. Dirty protests are becoming more common.

Image Source/RedditYes, to have their demands met, prisoners are resorting to smearing their excrement all over the prison walls and such for others to have to suffer through. This usually means the prison guards who are working near this stuff for 14 hours a day. That's why they sometimes give into these demands to avoid this.

4. Organised crime gangs have people working in these correctional facilities.

Image Source/RedditNow, this starts to sound just like the movies even though, in real life becoming a correctional officer means having background checks and character references. However, once in a while someone slips by who has been placed there as a mole to smuggle contraband into prisons or to gather intelligence on rival gangs.

5. Hot water mixed with sugar can be used as a weapon.

Image Source/RedditThrowing hot water on another prison or a guard is one thing but when you mix this with sugar, then the water sticks to the skin longer and it, therefore, burns more thoroughly. Inmates may engage in various forms of misconduct, and sometimes they may resort to harmful actions against each other or against prison staff. Authorities typically focus on maintaining a secure and controlled environment by implementing strict security measures, conducting regular searches for contraband, and providing appropriate training for staff to handle potential conflicts.

6. Prisoners are trapped in their cells all day due to staff shortages.

Image Source/RedditInsufficient staffing in prisons can lead to limitations on inmate activities and services, impacting their daily lives. Factors such as budget constraints, recruitment challenges, and unforeseen events like staff illnesses contribute to these shortages. When staff quotas aren't met, essential tasks take precedence, potentially restricting access to outdoor time, recreation, and educational programs. This underscores the importance of addressing staffing issues in prisons to ensure a safe and humane environment for both inmates and staff, prompting calls for criminal justice reform to allocate the necessary resources.

7. The food is cooked and prepared by the prisoners.

Image Source/RedditYou can imagine that they feed them the worst food that society can find which is often reused several times over. Also, the prisoners can mess with the food by adding blood into the diet which can infect others with whatever ailment the person who prepares the food has.

8. Hitmen in prison are real.

Image Source/RedditApparently, some prisoners are serving a life sentence and so, therefore, have nothing to lose. So, they are hired by other prisoners to do this task in exchange for tobacco before completing the work. If caught, they are put in solitary confinement or get extra charges on their records.

9. Prison staff and their families are regularly threatened.

Image Source/RedditThe safety concerns faced by prison guards extend beyond the workplace, as some individuals with malicious intent may follow them home, posing a genuine danger. In some instances, guards have reported finding threatening items, such as bricks, left on their doorsteps, indicating that they are targets. This heightened risk underscores the challenging and potentially hazardous nature of their roles, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to ensure the security and well-being of prison staff both inside and outside the facility.

10. Prisons are losing staffing as the years go by.

Image Source/RedditThe challenging environment faced by prison guards is exacerbated by a significant reduction in staffing levels, having been reduced to just one-third of what they were a decade ago. This comes at a time when the inmate population is increasing, leading to a rise in violence within correctional facilities. The imbalance between staffing and the growing number of prisoners contributes to heightened risks for both inmates and staff, making it imperative to address resource allocation and staffing issues in the criminal justice system

11. Sex offenders are segregated from other prisoners.

Image Source/RedditSegregating sex offenders from the general prison population is a common practice aimed at ensuring their safety, as they are often vulnerable to bullying and attacks from fellow inmates. This measure recognizes the potential for harm that sex offenders may face due to the nature of their crimes. The decision to segregate is also influenced by the need to maintain order within correctional facilities and reduce the risk of violence.

12. Prisoners can sometimes wear their clothes instead of prison clothes.

Image Source/RedditAllowing prisoners to wear their own clothes instead of standard prison attire as a reward for good behavior is a practice employed in some correctional facilities. This incentive system serves as a positive reinforcement strategy, creating a sense of accomplishment and status within the prison community for those who exhibit good conduct.

13. Visitors are sniffed by dogs.

Image Source/RedditThe use of trained dogs to sniff visitors is a security measure implemented in many prisons and correctional facilities. These dogs, often referred to as sniffer dogs or detection dogs, are trained to detect the presence of drugs, weapons, or other contraband. Visitors are subjected to this screening process to enhance security within the prison environment and prevent the introduction of illicit substances or items that could compromise the safety and order of the facility.

14. Any prisoner who exhibits emotional instability is put on constant watch.

Image Source/RedditIn many prison systems, inmates who exhibit signs of emotional instability or pose a risk to themselves or others may be placed on constant watch. This is often referred to as "suicide watch" or "observation status." During constant watch, the inmate is closely monitored around the clock by prison staff, including regular checks and assessments of their well-being. This precaution is taken to prevent self-harm or harm to others, and it involves increased supervision and support, including mental health intervention when necessary.

15. Prisoners have access to free condoms.

Image Source/RedditAccess to free condoms in prisons is not a universal practice, and policies regarding this vary across different correctional facilities and jurisdictions. Some prisons may provide access to free condoms as part of their public health initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promoting safe behavior among inmates. The rationale behind such programs is to address public health concerns and ensure the well-being of the incarcerated population.

16. Prisoners with good behaviour often get televisions in their cells.

Image Source/RedditThe provision of television to prisoners is a common practice in many correctional facilities with the intention of offering a recreational outlet and helping manage inmate behavior. However, as you've pointed out, it's true that items within a prison environment, including televisions, can sometimes be used inappropriately or even as potential weapons.

17. Tobacco is the main currency in prisons.

Image Source/RedditWithin prisons, where conventional currency is prohibited, tobacco has become a prevalent form of currency due to its high demand. In an environment where traditional means of exchange are restricted, inmates utilize tobacco as a valuable commodity for bartering and trading. This practice reflects the makeshift economy that emerges within the constraints of prison life, allowing individuals to acquire goods and services in a system where cash is not a viable option.

18. Staff undergoes training courses on terrorism inside jails.

Image Source/RedditTraining staff on counterterrorism measures within jails is a common practice in many correctional facilities. These courses are designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, prevent, and respond to potential threats or acts of terrorism within the prison environment. The training typically covers various aspects, including recognizing signs of radicalization among inmates, understanding security protocols, and implementing measures to mitigate the risk of terrorist activities inside the jail.

19. Suicide is on the rise and how they do this is shocking.

Image Source/RedditSuicide rates in prisons are generally higher than in the general population, influenced by factors such as incarceration stress, isolation, and limited mental health resources. The challenging prison environment poses increased risks for individuals with mental health issues, and despite suicide prevention measures in place, including mental health assessments and counseling, persistent challenges like overcrowding and stigma around seeking help contribute to the complexity of addressing this issue.

20. Every prisoner has to be physically counted five times a day.

Image Source/RedditThis can be frustrating because prisoners can be at their work duty, in the shower or even sleeping in bed! They are often woken up in the middle of the night just to read their number which is hard on the sleeping prisoner. They often retaliate by hiding from their count just to keep guards working late.

21. Some riot trained staff are trained in pyrotechnics.

Image Source/RedditThere is always a highly trained team of staff on call for large rioting situations, and they are based all around the country. They are trained to use flash and smoke bombs and much more advanced fighting techniques than normal prison staff to get the situation under control.

22. Staff Can Be Overwhelmed And Suffer From Low Morale

Image Source / The GuardianPrison is supposed to be a hard life for the inmates, naturally, but it can also take its toll on those working there. Low morale is commonplace for lots of people who dread going to work in the morning, but for prison officers it can be a real issue when overcrowded prisons and long hours are demanding.

23. The Job Is Frightening And Unpredictable For Staff

Image Source / BBCWhen prison systems are so strict and organised, you'd think that every day would be the same for the routine of staff and prisoners alike. Maybe even mundane. But prison offers can wake feeling frightened of what the unpredictable day may bring, based on changing behaviours of prisoners and the state of prisons.

24. Officers Don't Rejoice In Prisoner Deaths

Image Source / Louisiana IlluminatorWith suicides on the rise, and commonplace, in prisons, you might think that prison wardens don't care too much if a prisoner kills themselves - they're in there for horrific crimes, after all. But one prison officer lamented the suicide of a 20 year old, believing it to be such a waste of life.

25. Prison Can Be Described As 'One Big Revolving Door'

Image Source / WIREDThe goal for a lot of prison stays is to rehabilitate prisoners and have them serve their sentence and leave for a better life. But with many prisoners swearing they won't ever be back, an officer described it as 'one big revolving door' with prisoners out and then in again all the time.

26. Officers Can Be Violently Hit By Prisoners

Image Source / How to JusticePrison officers are trained to deal with violence in prisons, and the majority of this is going to be prisoners versus prisoner outbursts. Even if a prisoner goes to strike an officer, you might think they wouldn't be able to make contact without being restrained. But prisoners do manage to lay a punch or two on officers.

27. Prisons Are Filled With Phones - Even If They Aren't Supposed To Be

Image Source / The GuardianMobile phones are banned in prisons. Officers even have to surrender theirs at the gate before beginning work. But that doesn't mean mobile phones aren't used anyway. Even dozens of phones can be found every months, even to the extreme of being hidden inside bodies.

28. Prisoners Are Pooled Together, Regardless Of Race Or Religion

Image Source / The EconomistTension in prisons can already be at an all time high, but throw different religious views into the mix, and you're asking for trouble. Wings can see a mixture of all races and religions, such as Muslims, Indians and Poles. This inevitably causes even more tension when extreme views differ.

29. Gangs Can Be Formed Based On Religion Alone

Image Source / YouTubePrisons are awash with gangs, but it's not just about who's the biggest and meanest, or the old-timers picking on the new guy. Gangs can be formed very specifically because of religion, and some prisoners may even convert to a different religion just to be protected by that religion's gang.

30. Prisoners Can Taunt Wardens Over Religious Views

Image Source / USA TodayAnd the religious view side of things isn't just between prisoners, either. Prisoners with a certain radical religious view can make their feelings known to wardens, too, taunting them or blaming them for certain terrorist or religious attacks.

31. There Might Be Only A Few Officers Responsible For Unlocking 100 Prisoners

Image Source / Christian Science MonitorIt's no surprise that prison staff are underpaid, overworked and prisoners are overcrowded - this alarming ratio means that sometimes it might only be two or three officers unlocking cells of 100 prisoners in the morning.

32. And This Can Mean A Whole Load Of Abuse

Image Source / Talk PovertyThe morning routine of unlocking cell doors can be met with shouting and cursing, but it can get even more dangerous than that. An officer reported they're been spat at, kicked, racially abused and even had faeces thrown in their face.

33. Drug Use Causes Panic and Mayhem In Prisons

Image Source / The GuardianDrugs known as legal highs in prisons can turn a somewhat neutral prison environment into a full scale war. Prisoners become more violent, and can make even well-behaved and quiet prisoners turn to full scale riot. Prisoners have to be taken to hospital time and again.

34. Dogs Patrol The High Fences - But It's Probably Pointless

Image Source / American Kennel ClubOfficers and dogs patrol the perimeter's high fences, checking for inmate behaviour, those wanting to jump over the fences and those deliveries of banned substances. But an officer admits it's usually a lost cause, because prisoners know how to bypass the fences - and use their phones to get the contraband in.

35. The Prisoners Just Might Be Better Fed And Watered Than The Guards

Image Source / People HowStuffWorksDue to staff shortages, guards might be looking even to have a cup of coffee. This is due to the amount they have on their plate (and it's not food) whilst running around the prison. Prisoners therefore are probably better fed than guards when they have their set mealtimes to enjoy.

36. Scores Are Most Likely To Be Settled When Prisoners Are Being Moved

Image Source / The New YorkerWhen prisoners are being moved from their cells, this can be the most dangerous time to anticipate for a guard. This is the time when prisoners are most likely to get violent and go to attack those prisoners with whom they have a score to settle.

37. Guards Admit The Work Is Emotionally Draining

Image Source / Prison and Probation JobsYou might have considered it's physically draining, but all that violence and risk of threat is bound to take its toll emotionally and psychologically, too. Apparently it does just that, according to one prison officer who said the transport of prisoners and violence is emotionally taxing.

38. Officers Eat Stale Sandwiches In Windowless Rooms

Image Source / PinterestAs mentioned, it seemed the prisoners had more time for lunch breaks than the guards do, and this one report from a prisoner just proves it. They have a small, stuffy 'mess' area, without windows, to eat sandwiches, while the prisoners might be enjoying apple pie and custard for dessert.

39. Guards Might Be Hit By Pool Balls

Image Source / Daily ExpressThe recreation area is evidently a dangerous place. Giving inmates things to occupy their time, like books and a pool table, is all well and good until things get thrown. Guards have been pelted by pool balls during riot breakouts.

40. Guards Can Call In Help From Nearby

Image Source / Business InsiderIf prison riots and violence break out and are just too big to deal with, prison guards can call for emergency help from establishments nearby. It might not be too much of a consolation, though, as a lot could happen during the time it takes for the backup to get there.

41. Prisoners Can Watch TV Until Whenever They Like

Image Source / NBC NewsGranted, it's not Sky Movies, but neither is it just one documentary channel either. Prisoners have a fair few channels to browse through until their hearts content. A lot of people outside of prison don't even have the luxury of watching TV however long they like, and not even having to pay for it.

42. Prison Is An Escape For Some People

Image Source / The Council of EuropeBecause of the facilities inside a prison - such as the aforementioned TV binging, as well as the square meals a day - a lot of people might consider this a luxury vacation compared to their life outside prison walls. Some inmates admit they purposefully get thrown in prison as a break from the real world.

43. Some Prisoners May Even Be Allowed A Musical Instrument

Image Source / The CorrespondentRewards are always available for the well-behaved prisoner, and prisoners are allowed certain personal items in their cell, like books and religious material. But they're also allowed a musical instrument, too, if they behave well enough for it.

44. Induction Into A Prison Can Take Several Hours

Image Source / Charlotte ObserverWhen you're a new prisoner being escorted and checked-in to the prison for the first time, it's more than just checking your ID, taking your possessions and booking you in. The thorough process is just that - thorough - including a very detailed strip search, and it can take several hours before you officially arrive in your cell.

45. Food Portions Don't Take Into Account A Person's Weight And Needs

Image Source/ InsiderPrisoners' food might seem more extravagant than a guard's stale sandwich, but that doesn't mean it's enough. For some of the large prisoners who require more calories, the standard meals can leave them dealing with what could be considered a child's portion compared to what they're used to.

46. Some Prisons Have Prisoners Locked Up 23 Hours A Day

Image Source / PinterestThis was the case for one prison in the UK, according to an ex-prisoner. The prisoners would be allowed out to collect their food and have some exercise, but food was eaten in their cell rather than a canteen, and it was usually a 23 hour lock up.

47. Eye Contact Means Trouble

Image Source / IMD Business SchoolIf you're staring for too long at someone, or they're holding your eye for too long, it more than likely means trouble is about to go down. You can be sized up or even just making eye contact with the wrong person can start something.

48. Gambling Is The Focus Of Pretty Much Everything

Image Source / Focus Gaming NewsPutting money on something - anything - can be a norm for prison life. Prisoners might turn a card game, dominoes, or even the result of a reality TV program, into something they could win money on. Gambling just seems to be a huge go-to.

49. Being A Guard Can Be Soul-Destroying

Image Source / MediumAside from the obvious daily threat and the risk associated with the job, it could also be extremely, soul-destroyingly boring. Especially if you're on a wing for minor criminals, you might find as a guard that you're watching TV or internet videos all day every day just to get through the boring shift.

50. Not Showering Could Get You Beat Up

Image Source / Wikimedia CommonsApparently a prison in California saw beat-ups for prisoners who skipped shower day and were inevitably a little stinky. Other inmates might not take kindly to you not making cells less smelly, or doing your part to avoid spreading dirt and germs.

51. Prisoners May Be Given Jobs To Help Other Prisoners

Image Source / Encyclopaedia BritannicaIt's no secret that convicts are assigned prison jobs to keep them busy, and one of these can actually be responsibility over other prisoners. Some prisoners can be assigned to suicide watch with other prisoners in suicide cells, where it's there job to sit with them and talk with them.

52. Bathrooms Can Be Shared By At Least 48 Other Prisoners

Image Source / FrankeSharing bathrooms in prison is a well known fact, but maybe you thought it was a handful of people at a time. But imagine trying to have your shower with about 50 other people around you. Apparently that's how crowded it can get - and some prisons might even be more so.

53. Only A Few Appliances Might Be Shared By 100 Convicts

Image Source / For the Lives of Prison WivesPrisoners only get a set amount of time for things like recreation and mealtime, which can make it all the more difficult when you have close to 100 prisoners fighting over two microwaves. But apparently that's the case in one prison in America.

54. 'Count' Procedure Can Take A Lifetime

Image Source / Verywell MindIn prison, convicts have to be regularly headcounted at certain intervals throughout the day, no matter what they're doing. While these counts have designated start times, there's no telling how long it might take or go on for - especially if prisoners are making it difficult.

55. Prisoners Might Have Freedom To Choose Slot Times For Yard Time

Image Source / The GuardianYou might have thought all prisoners are herded for exercise time at exact same time, but in some prisons, convicts may be able to pick their preferred slot. Some convicts choose a quieter slot (when everyone is having lunch, for example) to avoid the crowds.

56. A Prisoner Could Get Killed So Easily In A Crowd Before The Guards Even Realise

Image Source / OrganizeForDuring 'mass movement' of prisoners (such as everyone flocking to the yard for exercise time) the closeness of the crowd means someone could get killed in the blink of an eye before the guards even know what's going on. This is the most dangerous time for prisoners moving around the prison.

57. Some Prisons Take Appearance Very Seriously

Image Source / RankerIn some prisons where convicts have to wear a uniform, guards can be very strict on everyone looking presentable. Convicts may be ordered to tuck in their shirts before heading for meal times. You would think it doesn't matter in such a confined space... but it does!

58. It Can Cost $3 For A 15 Minute Phone Call

Image Source / RedefyPrisoners earn their pay in prison, but phone calls are expensive. $3 might not sound that much, but for only 15 minutes and equating to almost twice a prisoner's daily pay depending on the prison, that's one expensive phone call.

59. Contraband Gets Smuggled In: Mail

image source: reddit

So, you thought sending your incarcerated buddy a care package was all sunshine and rainbows, huh? Think again! Turns out, the mailroom is like a secret nightclub for contraband. From tiny shivs hidden in the folds of letters to a hidden stash of instant coffee in a seemingly innocent birthday card, inmates have turned mail smuggling into an art form.

60. Hollowed-Out Books

image source: reddit

Forget literary masterpieces; they're more interested in the architectural wonder of a hollowed-out book. These literary engineers carve out secret compartments to stash everything from snacks to, you guessed it, more contraband. Just remember, that copy of "War and Peace" might be hiding a chocolate bar and not just deep philosophical insights.

61. Inside Their Own Bodies!

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Now, I'm not suggesting inmates are turning into walking contraband suitcases, but close enough. Believe it or not, some folks take the whole 'hide it under your shirt' thing to a whole new level. From tiny packages of who-knows-what to small gadgets, inmates have been known to smuggle contraband inside their own bodies.

62. Prisoners Can Make Makeshift Electronics

image source: reddit

Forget fancy gadgets; these guys can fashion radios out of spare parts like they're building a spaceship. It's a true marvel of engineering. Who knew a few wires, a couple of batteries, and some creative thinking could turn a dreary cell into a makeshift tech haven? Move over Silicon Valley; there's a new player in town.

63. Inmates Have Their Own Language

image source: reddit

From coded messages in letters to intricate hand signals, inmates have crafted a linguistic masterpiece that would make even Shakespeare scratch his head. Just remember, if you think they're speaking gibberish, you're probably right... and also probably safer.

64. There's A Black Market

image source: the denver post

Inmates have their own version of Amazon, where everything from snacks and hygiene products to handmade crafts and contraband is up for grabs. Forget the official commissary; the real deals go down in the clandestine aisles of the prison black market. It's like a twisted game of Monopoly, where the currency is instant noodles and the properties are prime real estate in the cell block.

65. Inmates Cook In The Cells

image source: reddit

With just a few items from the commissary and some ingenuity, prisoners turn their cells into makeshift kitchens. Forget about Michelin stars; these guys are aiming for the ultimate culinary badge of honor in the prison cookbook. I don't know how well the food turns out but they enjoy it!

66. There Are Contraband Tunnels

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Inmates are the real architects, digging secret passages like they're plotting a prison escape. From smuggling goods to avoiding unwanted attention, these tunnels are the underground highways of the incarcerated world. Just watch your step; you might be walking over someone's secret shortcut to contraband paradise.

67. Inmate Politics

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Move over, Capitol Hill; there's a new political arena in town, and it's inside prison walls. Inmates have their own version of democracy, complete with power struggles, alliances, and political maneuvering. From behind bars, they're crafting their own version of House of Cards, and you better believe it's just as ruthless.

68. Gambling In Prison

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Who needs a trip to Vegas when you've got the prison yard? Inmates are rolling the dice, playing cards, and betting on just about anything that moves. Forget about high stakes; these guys are gambling with their snacks, personal belongings, and, yes, even their precious contraband. It's like a casino, but with a lot more bars and a lot less glamour.

69. They Give Eachother Tattoos

image source: reddit

Move over, professional tattoo artists; inmates are turning the cell block into their own personal ink studios. With makeshift tattoo guns and a steady hand, they're creating a gallery of body art that rivals any trendy tattoo parlor. Just hope they've got a good eye for design, because a misspelled word or wonky line might be there for life.

70. They Fake Illnesses

image source: new york times

Ever heard of the saying, "Fake it till you make it"? Well, inmates take that to heart when it comes to illnesses. Need a break from the daily grind? Fake an illness and enjoy some downtime in the infirmary. It's like a sick day, but with more drama and possibly fewer actual symptoms. Who said hypochondria was reserved for the outside world?

71. They Make There Own Booze

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Forget your local liquor store; inmates have their own in-house brewing operation. Using creativity that would make a moonshiner proud, prisoners mix up concoctions known as "pruno" or "prison wine." It might not be a fine Bordeaux, but in the world of prison beverages, it's the toast of the cell block.

72. They Form Religious Groups

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In the diverse landscape of prison life, inmates often seek solace in religious groups. From Bible study sessions to Islamic prayer circles, these groups provide a sense of community and spiritual connection. It's not just about finding faith; it's about finding a supportive family within the prison walls.

73. There's No Secrets

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You know that friend who can't keep a secret? Well, multiply that by a hundred, and you've got prison life. In an environment where privacy is a rare commodity, there's no hiding anything. Gossip spreads like wildfire, turning every piece of news into a headline for the entire inmate population.

74. They Can Protest

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Who says activism is confined to the streets? In prison, inmates have found their voice, staging protests to address issues ranging from living conditions to treatment by guards. It's a form of advocacy that proves even behind bars, the fight for justice doesn't take a day off.

75. Escape In Laundry Bags

image source: reddit

It sounds like something out of a Hollywood script, but inmates have tried escaping in the most inconspicuous way possible, laundry bags. Picture a daring escape wrapped up in yesterday's dirty clothes. It's the kind of creativity you'd expect from a blockbuster heist film, but in prison, reality can be just as dramatic.

76. Some Have Used Fake ID

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Move over, Jason Bourne; prisoners are giving the spy game a go with fake IDs. Whether it's for a little extra freedom within the prison or to create a new identity, some inmates are proving that, in the world of fake IDs, prison is the ultimate training ground.

77.  Some Can Host Radio Shows

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Who needs a fancy studio when you can broadcast from behind bars? Some prisons allow inmates to host radio shows, providing entertainment and information to the entire facility. It's like having your own DJ, but with a captive audience.

78. Inmates and Guards CAN Get On

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Contrary to popular belief, not every interaction between inmates and guards resembles a scene from a prison movie. Surprisingly, some inmates and guards manage to get along. Whether it's through shared interests or a mutual understanding, these relationships show that even in a tense environment, human connections can prevail.

79. They Learn From One Another

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Prison may not have the traditional classroom setup, but inmates are still learning – just not from textbooks. In a system where survival often depends on adaptability, inmates share knowledge, skills, and life lessons with each other. It's a unique form of education that goes beyond the conventional.

80. They Have Sports Games

image source: JSTOR

In the concrete jungle of prison, sports become a release valve for pent-up energy and a way to foster camaraderie. Inmates organize their own sports games, from makeshift basketball tournaments to intense soccer matches. The prison yard transforms into a sports arena, providing a brief escape from the harsh realities of confinement.

Here Are Some Of The Most Daring Prison Escapes! 81. Alcatraz Escape (1962)

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Back in '62, Alcatraz was the Big Kahuna of maximum security, and Frank Morris, along with the Anglin brothers, decided they had enough of the rock. Crafting life vests and a makeshift raft from raincoats, they vanished into the chilly waters of the San Francisco Bay during the night. The big question? Did they make it to freedom or become a midnight snack for sharks?

82. El Chapo (2015)

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El Chapo, the notorious drug lord, didn't earn his reputation by playing it safe. In 2015, he turned the Altiplano Federal Prison into his own personal sandbox. His associates dug a mile-long tunnel leading directly to his shower stall. Picture that—a shower with a secret escape hatch!

83. The Texas Seven (2000)

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The Texas Seven were like modern-day outlaws, pulling off a jaw-dropping escape from the John B. Connally Unit. Overpowering guards and civilian workers, they embarked on a crime spree that included robberies and a murder. These Lone Star State fugitives turned Texas upside down until the long arm of the law caught up with them one by one.

84. DB Cooper (1971)

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After hijacking a plane and securing a $200,000 ransom, Cooper parachuted into the wild unknown, disappearing without a trace. No one knows who he really was, where he landed, or if he survived. The man with the plan, DB Cooper, remains one of the great enigmas in criminal history, leaving us to wonder if he's sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere.

85. Benjamin Hudon-Barbeau (2013)

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In 2013, Benjamin Hudon-Barbeau and his partner in crime orchestrated a Hollywood-worthy escape from a Quebec detention center. A helicopter swooped down into the prison yard, lifting them to freedom. But the fairy tale didn't last long. Within hours, authorities had tracked them down, proving that even a helicopter escape doesn't guarantee a permanent getaway.

86. Gladbeck Bank Robbers (1988)

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The robbers, along with hostages, commandeered a public bus to evade the police. The media coverage of the chase was extensive, with journalists reporting live from the scene. The intense pursuit eventually ended in a standoff at a gas station, where the perpetrators continued to hold hostages.

87. Florida Transport Hijacking (2019)

image source: FSGU

In 2019, two inmates decided a standard prison transport van wasn't their style. During a routine transfer in Florida, they overpowered the guards, stole the van, and embarked on a wild cross-state chase. The daring escape unfolded on the open road, bringing a taste of Hollywood car chases to the Florida highways before their eventual capture.

88. Alfred Hinds (1953)

image source: Nottinghamshire live

Back in 1953, Alfred Hinds made the great escape from England's Nottingham prison after he climbed the 20 foot prison wall! He then made a SECOND escape after he was re-captured when he managed to trick his guards into his washroom where he managed to lock them away and get out!

89. IRA Maze Escape (1983)

image source: BBC

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) wasn't one to shy away from bold moves, and in 1983, they pulled off an audacious escape from HMP Maze in Northern Ireland. Using smuggled firearms, they overpowered guards, commandeered a food delivery truck, and drove straight through the prison gates. It was a daring breakout that left the British authorities scratching their heads. 38 inmates escaped!!

90. John Dillinger (1934)

image source: FBI

John Dillinger, the infamous bank robber, didn't just make a run for it; he did it with flair. In 1934, he made a wooden gun and used it to escape from the "escape-proof" Crown Point Jail in Indiana. This daring move was just one episode in the thrilling saga of a gangster who made headlines during the Great Depression.

91. Stalag Luft III (1944)

image source: BBC

in 1944, Allied prisoners meticulously crafted three tunnels, known as Tom, Dick, and Harry, with the aim of breaking free. The audacious plan involved digging beneath the camp, and although 76 prisoners made it through, their success was short-lived. The event became immortalized in the movie "The Great Escape," showcasing the resilience and daring spirit of those who refused to be confined.

92. Richard Matt and David Sweat (2015)

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In 2015, two inmates, Richard Matt and David Sweat, took a page out of Shawshank Redemption when they escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility in New York. With the help of civilian employee Joyce Mitchell, they obtained tools and navigated a series of tunnels and catwalks, eventually emerging from a manhole cover outside the prison walls.

93. Russell Cox and Kevin Jones (1979)

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Pentridge Prison in Australia witnessed a daring escape in 1979 when Russell "Mad Dog" Cox and Kevin "George" Jones descended from the prison walls using a makeshift rope. Their descent, which involved jumping from a high wall using a rope of tied bedsheets, was straight out of an action movie. Despite the bravado, both were eventually recaptured, proving that gravity is not always on the side of those seeking freedom.

94. Michigan Telephone Bell Escape (1975)

image source: m.live

In 1975, inmates at Jackson State Prison in Michigan devised an unconventional escape plan. They hid in a shipment of telephone poles bound for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, hoping to blend in and vanish upon arrival. The ingenious plan, reminiscent of a quirky heist movie, aimed to transport the inmates beyond prison walls under the guise of inanimate objects.

95. Pascal Payet (1995)

image source: Midi Libre

Pascal Payet was part of the robbery at Banque de France in 1998 and was arrested following the death of a guard. However in 2001 he escaped via hijacked helicopter and then he broke out 3 of his accomplices 2 years later!  He was eventually recaptured before escaping AGAIN in 2007!

96. Oscar Perez (2018)

image source: sky

Oscar Perez, a former police officer and rebel in Venezuela, made headlines in 2018 with a cinematic escape. Perez hijacked a helicopter, flew over the Venezuelan capital, and dropped grenades on government buildings. While his escape was dramatic, it ended in tragedy as Perez was later killed in a police raid, leaving behind a story that felt like a plot straight out of an action-packed thriller.

97. California Aqueduct Escape (1972)

image source: LA Times

In a scene straight out of a prison movie, inmates at Chino Institute for Men in California made a splashy escape in 1972. They navigated the prison's aqueduct system, swimming through waterways in a bid for freedom. Although some were recaptured, the aquatic adventure demonstrated the lengths to which prisoners would go to break free from the confines of traditional prison life.

98. Nordin Benallal (2009)

image source: HLN

Belgium witnessed another helicopter escape in 2009, orchestrated by Nordin Benallal. The notorious criminal broke out of a prison in Bruges by taking a prison director hostage and forcing a helicopter pilot to fly them to freedom. The escape echoed the audacious helicopter getaways of the past, showcasing Benallal's determination to defy captivity.

99. The Taliban Tunnel (2011)

image source: WIRED

The Mujahadeen started working on a 1000ft tunnel in the hopes that they could free taliban insurgents.This tunnel went through the concrete floor of the prison and helped nearly 500 people escape the prison in less than 30 minutes! Supposedly, many of the guards were actually bribed to help!

100. Arthur Taylor (1989)

image source: newsroom

In 1989, New Zealand's Arthur Taylor orchestrated a daring escape from Paremoremo Prison by cutting through a fence using wire cutters. Taylor's ingenuity and determination to break free demonstrated that even in the serene landscapes of New Zealand, prisons could become the stage for audacious escape attempts.