Darius Harris writes that there are several things he’s learned in his time in prison that will help “new fish” acclimate to life inside. If they follow these steps, their transition will go much more smoothly.

1. Your Cellmate or Bunkie and Your New Home

Before you get off the bus on any yard, anxiousness and nervousness will likely set in. Just remember to breath and calm yourself, because the guys you’ll meet are people with feelings, thoughts, and emotions just like you. Don’t make it out to be more than it already is.

Defeat the barrier of what you think this may be. Allow everything to come in at its own pace and develop your understanding of what you’re hearing and seeing.

Another thing before you step off the bus, be who you are and allow yourself to grow from the starting point of who you are and always have been. Don’t reject the true you to live inside someone’s visualization of you or some fraudulent creation of your own.

When you get inside and meet your cellmate or bunkie, introduce yourself with eye contact and a proper handshake or a fist bump. Next, find out what they have issues with. For example, an issue could be slamming the locker too loud at times or singing songs aloud after a certain time. If you can’t agree on things, it may be best to relocate, especially if the person doesn’t ask you the same thing you’ve asked them out of respect.

With your new cellmate or bunkie, if you’re in an open wing like myself, respect their space, because it’s already limited. Tend to your hygiene; that goes for your body and clothes as well. If you have strong underarm odor, purchase proper deodorant. If you have feet issues such as athlete’s foot or fungus of some sort, be sure to see medical or purchase foot cream from the store. If you’re very active, like myself, be sure to wash out shirts, underwear, socks, shorts, etc. This is especially vital when living in a cell with someone where ventilation is minimal. You want to prevent a mildew or sour smell from forming until you’re able to get your clothes to the wash.

Don’t miss another story on cellmates: Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Cellmates

When cleaning a cell or bed area, respect the person’s belongings by giving a heads up if you have to move things such as footwear, coolers, guitar, etc. Also give a heads up before using cleaners of any sort, as well as cologne or prayer oil to freshen up the area. This is vital, because people can have reactions to certain chemicals due to allergies. Just use the basic understanding of who you’re dealing with so things are clear. Soon the word will spread that you’re clean and respectful, and from that foundation just grow into yourself.

You’ll see different types of inmates, but look at it as just different types of people. Your mind is powerful, and words create narratives in our mind that don’t exist. These are all people who were once on the street just like you. Therefore, you’ll see a lot of the same things you saw on the streets inside. Trust your instincts, deal with people on your time, and you’ll be fine.

2. Deal or Don’t Deal With Inmates

The foundation of being clean and respectful is already out, so branch out once you see what area you operate in. I can speak directly to this, because I’m not from the state I’m currently doing time in. If you want to hoop, shoot pool, or work out, it’s all available for you. The basketball court can get hostile at times, and if it becomes too much, let it go. If it goes okay, you can hoop and go about your business afterwards; it’s the same after a workout. There have been days where I’ve hooped, worked out, and rapped with a group of people to a bunch of instrumentals. After I was done, I walked back to the dorm by myself and did my own thing.

I deal with people on my own time and not theirs, and you should do the same. Don’t feel pressured to do anything, Anything forced isn’t natural, and therefore don’t partake in it. It’s okay to set boundaries and stand on them firmly, It’s cool to say, “I’m cool, not today bruh.”

Through a job, class, or vocation, you’ll meet other inmates, and that’ll break the ice to help you get a feel for people. Take your time and decide who you want to deal with and when, because the choice is yours.

3. Safety and Code of Conduct

Take your time when getting to know people, and don’t rush to judge or form opinions. Pay attention to everything moving around. When you go around corners, make a wide turn to be sure to not run into someone. When you are approaching blind spots, take your time and make sure you see the area is clear before walking by.

Next is a crucial one: Mind your own business at all times. If it has nothing to do with you, then you don’t have anything to do with it. Don’t talk about other people’s business. It can backfire quickly, and if you open the door to being a gossip girl, you’ll never close it.

Furthermore, if something gets found out that wasn’t supposed to, you might get blamed for something you not only didn’t repeat but probably didn’t even know.

One narrative that’s out there is don’t accept favors as if everyone in here is a predator. This is a vital part of your bid, but this is where sitting back watching and listening is key. If some random person keeps trying to play ‘save the day’ every time you’re in need of something, stay away from them. Naturally, we lean on one another at times, so, if your cellmate or bunkie is in need, you might provide a noodle or a stamp. A person writing a family member of having some nourishment for the night can be beyond helpful.

If you’re the one in need and you’re comfortable accepting something small like a noodle or stamp., say you’ll give it back even if he says, “You straight, I don’t need it.” Pay it back anyway. The unexpected return of an item, along with you honoring your word when he didn’t expect you to, can go a long way. That just added to you being clean and respectful. Now you’re clean, respectful, and a man of your word. That’s a foundation any man can live with and should be alright with inside these walls.

Darius Harris #241646

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