The Consequences of Being Caught Smoking in Prison: Navigating Punishment, Solitary Confinement, and Rehabilitative Measures

Introduction

Smoking in prison, while prohibited, can lead to severe penalties, including solitary confinement and a negative impact on parole eligibility. The consequences of being caught smoking in prison can be detrimental, particularly during the final stages of a sentence when inmates are preparing for release. This article explores the aftermath of such infractions and the various measures employed to help rehabilitate offending inmates.

Immediate Punishments

Upon being caught smoking in prison, several immediate consequences may occur. Inmates may be assigned to 'the Hole' or solitary confinement, where access to basic amenities such as books, television, and radios is severely restricted. The environment in solitary confinement is often harsh and isolating, with limited opportunities for personal interactions.

Administrative Review (IR) proceedings are common following a confirmed storage violation. Inmates may be awarded GCT for any remaining time on their sentence, which can be seen as a punishment, as GCT is not always earned. Furthermore, the inmate may lose accumulated good conduct time, which can significantly impact their overall sentence.

Long-term Effects on Parole Eligibility

The far-reaching implications of being caught smoking in prison can extend to parole eligibility. Parole boards may consider an inmate's behavior leading up to the release date, with smoking incidents often viewed as a lack of reform. Offenders caught multiple times during their incarceration may find themselves less likely to receive parole, as such behavior suggests a continued propensity for rule-breaking.

Many correctional facilities have policies that discourage inmates from engaging in prohibited behaviors, particularly near the end of their sentence. Inmates often earn their freedom through good behavior and demonstrate that they can function without relying on contraband. Thus, the discovery of smoking violations can have a detrimental effect on the inmate's chances of securing parole.

The Jailhouse Experience

The author, who relates his personal experience from 1987, provides a vivid account of being caught smoking with marijuana twice in a short period. The first incident resulted in a 10-day detention period, which was suspended pending abstinence. However, the second incident, which occurred within a few weeks, led to a 10-day detention, which proved to be solitary confinement.

During this period, the inmate was isolated in a cell with minimal access to entertainment or educational resources. The lack of sleep due to the cell light being on from 10 pm to 6 am was compounded by the lack of a switch to control the lighting. Despite the boredom and lack of diversion, the author found solace in the cigarettes passed by a fellow inmate and the opportunity to engage in various rehabilitation programs.

Rehabilitation Efforts

In response to such infractions, correctional facilities often employ rehabilitative measures aimed at encouraging inmates to change their behavior and facilitate their eventual reintegration into society. Once the inmate completes the solitary confinement period, they may be reclassified to a more secure custody level and transferred to a different part of the prison, typically the high side, where they have the opportunity to participate in group meetings, spirituality programs, and various rehabilitative activities.

During the author's time in the high side, a treatment team visited him while he was in lockup and proposed additional treatment options. This led to his placement in the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU), which offered single cell occupancy and a more structured environment. Activities such as weight lifting, attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, joining native American spiritual groups, and cleaning duties provided a positive outlet for the inmate's energy while fostering personal and communal growth.

The author's experience in the ITU and the high side demonstrated that rehabilitation programs can play a significant role in reducing the likelihood of reoffending and improving the overall prospects for reintegration. The availability of such programs can make a substantial difference in an inmate's behavior and future outlook.

Conclusion

The consequences of being caught smoking in prison are multifaceted and can affect an inmate's entire sentence, including their chances of receiving parole. Immediate penalties such as solitary confinement and administrative reviews can have long-lasting negative impacts. However, rehabilitative programs and the opportunity to participate in various activities can help inmates reform and improve their chances of successful reintegration into society.