Prison Politics: Inmate vs. Convict

There's a Difference?

by Jennifer Waite, Yahoo Contributor  -  May 15, 2009

Having worked within the walls of an American prison, I can tell you many things you may not know about life behind bars; the ins and outs of navigating such a place every day, if you will. In previous articles, I have reported on food inside prisons, as well as common slang used by inmates. Today I would like to discuss a fairly obscure issue among male (and less often, female) prisoners that is likely unrecognized by much of free society.

Most people don't realize that (among inmates) the very term "inmate" is an offensive label. I will use the term throughout this article in a generalized sense of the word as is used by prison staff, who are not held to the same 'rules' and 'codes' as inmates hold each other to. For one inmate to refer to another as "inmate" would be considered disrespectful.

Within this self-imposed system, inmates rank each other, respect each other and so forth according to each man's individual conduct. There is a very real difference between the term "inmate" and "convict" in the eyes of these men. A convict is someone who has made his bones, so to speak. He has proven himself, either through violence or some other show of power, and is respected by those in his own race, and possibly even by the "esteemed" members of other races.

A "convict" will not kick off a disturbance without a good reason, or very good planning. The exception would be if he was ordered to do so by a leader in the race, and in this case all members of the race physically able to participate and fight must do so. Whereas a "youngster" may cause a scene and talk a lot of trash to authorities just for kicks, getting themselves disciplinary tickets, time in "the hole" or loss of privileges, an older, wiser "convict" will think before he acts.

Even among prison staff, "convicts" are preferred. These are men who have been down long enough to know the ropes, and generally want to do their time and be done with it. I have known men facing life sentences for murder who have seemingly learned to cope and productively exist within the walls, and they often cause less trouble and pose less threat than a young man locked up for sixteen months on a burglary charge.

An "inmate", in other words, is an unruly, disrespectful, obnoxious, manipulative, untrustworthy individual who loves to cause trouble and stir up commotion. Old timers, "convicts", are far more likely to simply sit back and shake their heads at the young kids they see before them, making a fool of themselves. These young kids, foolish as they are, represent the race as a whole, and they will often be taken under the wing of an older, more experienced inmate. This elder, this "convict", will strive to keep the younger inmate out of trouble, but if there are violations against the "convict code" or rules, the younger inmate will be "checked", and/or placed on "restriction".

To be "checked" in prison means loosely to be put in one's place, either physically or with a stern talking to. It is usually some combination of the two, and usually administered by the older guy looking out for the foolish, brash young kid. However, some young inmates don't want the help, and others get mixed up with the wrong people who don't help them at all, and usually hurt them. These inmates also sometimes turn to staff for guidance and comfort, which is a huge no-no among inmates.

For an inmate to be talking with staff on a regular basis and keep to himself on the recreation yard and at meals makes him a threat. An inmate is expected to "fall in" with his own race, learn the ropes and do as he's told. Or be a loner. But to talk to staff without the presence of another inmate is seen as highly suspicious, and can actually get someone hurt. This is a typical "inmate", or "fish", move. New people on the yards (or units) haven't earned trust yet, and are given little leeway. If someone suspects another inmate of "snitching" to the authorities, that label will stick and they will never be considered a "convict" by their peers.

The label "convict" is worn like a badge of honor by many, whereas the term "inmate" conveys little else than "property of the state". These men have very little behind the walls; and often times, rightly so. And so what little they have is of great importance to them, and perhaps the most important is their pride and integrity. An "inmate" commands little respect; a seasoned "con" will not only command it, but occasionally actually deserve it.