coldbeeronsunday

I'm a lawyer who has been inside a prison on a few occasions (for work) and has studied corrections and civil rights issues in prison for a few years now.

Gangs are quite prevalent in prison, even in small prisons and in places that are not necessarily largely populated. For example, here in Mississippi we have our fair share of prison gangs, and we are one of the least populated states in the nation.

Yes, there is always a guy who can "get you stuff." The most popular item requested in such situations? In my experience, cell phones. Hands down, cell phones and related accessories (mainly chargers) are the #1 requested item. Cell phones are contraband and their possession is very heavily prosecuted due to their ties with gang activity and operations both inside and outside the prison.

Are the guards in on it? Yes. How else would you be able to smuggle cell phones in there so frequently? I was in court once and saw a pregnant woman - who was formerly a prison guard - sentenced to actual prison time (despite being very pregnant...carted her off to prison that very day) because she was smuggling phones in there for inmates. Also, at least here, consensual sexual relationships between guards (female) and inmates are quite common. We have an abundance of female guards here, especially in our main state penitentiary which is located in the Delta region, an area largely populated by African-Americans. Statistically, males living in that region are ineligible for employment as guards because most 21-year-old (age req. for guards) Black males in the area have some sort of criminal record, albeit only for drug possession or something like that. Imagine how much shit those inmates convince these female guards they've been boning to smuggle in for them on a regular basis.

Currency? Cigarettes and snack food items from the canteen, because prison food is disgusting.

EDIT: Thanks for all the upvotes. For those interested, here is a 2010 assessment of Mississippi gang activity, including profiles on Mississippi's most prevalent gangs, all of which also operate on the inside. Simon City Royals was the one I heard most about when I was working most closely with inmates a couple years back.

Not yet. About to, though. Oktoberfest brews are out nowadays.

It's the same here. The Medicaid requirements for adults aged 19-65 are as same as the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) requirements. So I could only make about $250 per month to qualify for Medicaid myself, and that's with a child in tow.

The federal poverty line has not been readjusted since it's inception in the 1960s, so that's part of the problem.

Hiya Sven! My daughter is 6 and we love to watch your show together on Saturday nights. We live in Mississippi, btw.

Our question is: Do you ever dress up for Halloween as anyone other than Svengoolie? If so, what are your best/favorite costumes?

I can definitely see you as all of those things, especially The Penguin! Also, this is for you. Thanks for answering!