Prison journalism: My Relationship with the Guards

When I first entered prison, my understanding of the environment was clouded by misconceptions. Most of what I thought I knew about prison life came from television, which, as I quickly realized, did not reflect reality. Adjusting my behavior and mindset became imperative. Adopting a hostile attitude towards the individuals responsible for my well-being was clearly unwise. Conversely, being excessively familiar with them could elicit hostility from fellow inmates, a situation I sought to avoid.

The Progression

As I matured and gained a deeper understanding of the world inside prison, my negative attitude and the urge to prove myself or display fearlessness gradually gave way to a more harmonious “live and let live” approach.

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The Approach

By adopting a friendly demeanor, such as smiling (although it may not come naturally to me) and offering a polite greeting instead of scowling and muttering, I earned the trust of the guards.

I have always pondered why the guards would want to establish a rapport with us. However, with time, I came to recognize that the guards hold the keys to many aspects of our lives within the system. Whether it’s obtaining information about my sentence, requesting assistance, or addressing any other concerns, being courteous to them became essential.

When reflecting on past political climates, it becomes apparent that developing a friendly rapport with security personnel was not always considered safe. In the event that something went awry, which it often did, I could be held accountable by fellow inmates, who were uncertain about the nature of my interactions with the guards.

Nonetheless, the dynamics have since evolved, and there is now a more relaxed atmosphere surrounding our interactions. However, it remains crucial not to become overly familiar. The guards are not our friends, and they are capable of imposing collective punishments in response to the indiscretions of a few factions.

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The Outcome

My choice was to reciprocate their greetings and engage in conversation when spoken to but refrain from extending the interaction beyond that point. I was not willing to endure the wrath of the inmate community, which could be merciless. By this, I mean facing ostracization, a situation that is far from pleasant. Having no allies in prison is a lonely experience, and when everyone decides to ignore you, it becomes exceedingly challenging.

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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