Rule Breaker?
I got pulled over by the C.O. (corrections officer) while I was working out on the Rec yard. I was doing pull-ups on a bar that was attached to the bleachers. This activity was apparently in violation of the compound safety rules. I had no idea that the compound had safety rules. I apologized to the C.O. and I did not receive any type of punishment for my activities. He let me off with a warning which was kind of him. After I left the Rec yard, I reviewed the Handbook they gave Me when I arrived. The handbook provides as follows; IT IS A VIOLATION IF AN INMATE DOES THE FOLLOWING;
" FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY OR SANITATION REGULATIONS ( INCLUDING SAFETY REGULATIONS, CHEMICAL INSTRUCTIONS, TOOLS, MSDS SHEETS, OSHA STANDARDS). "
I now know that there are extensive regulations (such as OSHA standards) that I have to comply with. The problem is I do not have a copy of the regulations.
The point of all of this is to emphasize that you can get in trouble in prison and not know why. There are numerous rules and regulations that I am not aware of. There are also unwritten rules in prison that I need to know. For example, I cannot walk on the grass next to the sidewalk. ( It is out of bounds ). I learned about this rule when I observed two prisoners get in trouble for walking on the grass.
Sanctions for violating the rules include going to the SHU ( special housing unit ), forfeiture of good time credits, loss of telephone and email privileges, etc.
I obviously want to avoid these sanctions so I am staying on my toes. I am still trying to learn all of the rules even though I have been here for over a year.
Ken Flaska
