MY FIRST TWO WEEKS AT SAN QUENTIN PRISON
by
Gary D. Bingham

Below is a complete summary of my personal observations and information received as a new Correctional Officer at San Quentin State Prison in June of 1973. These were my first two weeks as a California State Prison employee. Before reading this article, it should be understood that his is a historical document reflecting the conditions at San Quentin in 1973. Conditions in California State prisons have overall significantly improved since then in the areas of: Officer training and standards, inmate classification, inmate administrative discipline systems, and newly constructed modern prisons. California State Prisons continue to be very crowded. Because of the improved management in California State prisons, the institutions are significantly better then the dark old days that are described below. Though not designed for it, San Quentin was one of the state prisons in California in the early 1970's used to house violent, disruptive and escape-prone inmates. The correctional staff at San Quentin were charged with supervising angry men who were described as “dangerous,” “volatile,” “manipulative” as gang leaders or “wanna-bes.” The management thinking in those days was to control these inmates by dispersing them throughout the facilities. This was proven to be unsuccessful as the below testimonial will bear witness. These disruptive inmates are now confined to maximum security or “super-max” prisons. Separating these inmates based on their behavior has had the effect of improving the quality of life, operations and safety for the majority of inmates, staff and the public.

Though first impressions are probably misleading, it is appropriate for me to write some of my significant experiences within my first two weeks as a correctional officer (CO) at San Quentin Prison.

Like all paramilitary organizations, the uniform and its appearance, receive due consideration in evaluating a correctional officer at San Quentin. All metal on the uniform should be silver versus gold for the Correctional Lieutenant, Correctional Captain. All other accessories that are not the regulation uniform must be black. A major exception is the wet weather equipment that should be a drab color.

Sergeant P.J. Bruccoleri was our first day indoctrination guide. He led us directly in to see Warden Nelson after we had signed a paper saying that we would follow the rules and regulations of California and support the U.S. Constitution. Warden Nelson did not mince words. He directly read us the laws against giving, asking or communicating with an inmate about anything. After the reading of the laws, he welcomed us and dispatched us on our way.

The Sergeant gave us a fairly good walk through out the prison grounds. The principal advice the Sergeant gave us was to follow the four F’s, be firm, fair, friendly, but not familiar with an inmate. The Sergeant told of one story where a correctional officer became so familiar with an inmate that he brought a pistol into the prison for the inmate. Sergeant Bruccoleri told us that if an inmate asked something, that unless we knew absolutely, to answer no and that we would be correct over ninety percent of the time.

The first week as a correctional officer here is an agonizing time for all three shifts are worked, most of the time with only a few hour’s in-between to rest.

The officer staff used to guide us on orientation at the various watches were generally friendly and some reflecting a “bored” attitude.

One of our significant experiences was in B Section, South Block. Here trouble makers, self-imposed isolationists and members of two opposing Mexican American groups reside. Here these people behave (as the Sergeant stated) like animals. Every evening they burn whatever they can find in a screen in front of their cells. They also (in mass) flood their cells from their toilets with water spewing forth down all four tiers.

Sergeant Bruccoleri claimed that all correctional officers here suffer from paranoia of one degree or another.

There is currently about 2, 400 inmates at San Quentin. The population is increasing and double celling is becoming a common practice. Double celling causes increased problems. As the summer wears on, it is expected that increased heat will cause added problems.

It appears that constant altercations take place between officers and inmates. At yesterdays work formation, our Lieutenant informed us that a correctional officer in B Section, South Block, hand cuffed an inmate with hands in front and the inmate proceeded to almost strangle him.

Another interesting experience was in East block. Here over 800 inmates are housed in one building. An inmate gave me a tour of the alley (an area between the five tiers of cells where the plumbing is) and explained how that any inmate who wanted a shiv (knife) could acquire one.

In the East block the Sergeant explained how to count the inmates. Four counts are made in a twenty-four hour period. These counts are no problem if the inmates are single celled. If double celled, the inmates will play games (like hiding). The rule is to count only live breathing flesh. Dummies have been used before. The responsibility for the count is on the counter. An officer who constantly miscounts is counseled by the Captain.

Another game the inmates play is fake hangings. They also cause numerous superficial wounds on their bodies to throw off the count. The Sergeant recommended that I ignore these distractions and continue the count and later return to investigate the situation.

The inmate prison society is going strong here. In East block there were inmate vendors walking up and down tiers peddling contraband sandwiches and who knows what. The Sergeant explained that he allowed this and the inmates gave him no major problems.

Another interesting experience was supervising the meal serving line in the dinning hall. The inmates would steal all the food on the serving line if a CO was not constantly observing. Certain food items are considered critical for each meal as priority theft items. The CO brings most of his attention on these items. Inmates use various devices to distract the officer to steal food. It is not uncommon for whole platters of steaks to disappear. In south dinning hall there is a beautiful mural that an inmate painted. It is really a treasured painting of scenes.

San Quentin collects criminals that are problems for other institutions and hard core recidivists. There are various rehabilitative programs at San Quentin. In reality, San Quentin is little more than a warehouse of human flesh. An example is the East block with only six officers supervise (two are on gun walks) over 800 inmates.

Officers only feel secure when in constant sight of each other in the 13 wall gun posts, 8 gun tower posts, and other living area gun posts.

I feel that when I assume duties among the general population that there is a good chance of me being the victim of criminal physical violence.

There is a nine month probationary period in which I must on my own time acquire 53 hours of in-service training. After the probationary period, I must complete 18 hours of training annually. There is also a correctional officer’s academy that lasts two weeks with classes from 8:OO A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Daily.

the only protective device that an officer has with the general population is a whistle, which he is required to wear and blow in case trouble occurs.

An officer who was guarding a knifed inmate was found with his throat cut with his whistle clenched between his lips. Inmates’ Gibson and Justice were recently given three life sentences a piece for his murder. The inmates were trying to finish the job on the knifed inmate so he would not squeal on them.

Other wall posts are armed with a variety of rifles and pistols. As one officer told me, “The inmates allow us to run the place.” A new protective device has recently been installed for the East Block and Hospital. Cigarette box sized devices are carried in the officer’s pocket in these areas. If a problem occurs, they push a button on the device and an outside alarm and light is activated. San Quentin is about 124 years old.

It has been said that inmates enjoy doing time here. I have a lot to learn and will work hard at it.

The policy is to work a new officer in all positions. I have been told that this will take six months. The job is extremely boring at times. This is especially so on the walls and towers in the evenings.

California has a no hostage law. If I am being held, there will be no bargaining for my life.

On June 30, 1973, at approximately 2: P.M., three white inmates who were recently released from the Adjustment Center were knifed in East Block. I participated in a skin search of the inmates in East Block, searching for the culprits. None were found. It is presumed that these knifings were the work of blacks. The next day I volunteered for emergency work for it was anticipated that racial tensions would increase and that there would be trouble.

On July 1, 1973, I was assigned as an extra gun to walk the elevated cat walks throughout the prison in case of emergency. I had just covered the breakfast meal and was out in the big shed over the big yard when a shot was heard fired from the lower yard. I and another gun were dispatched immediately to cover the problem. The lower yard consists of a combination football, baseball, and track area. The blacks were in the bleachers in the Northeast. The whites were across the field to the West and were inching across the field towards the blacks. A white inmate started a dispute and an officer had fired a warning shot. On the field, between the blacks and whites were officers. The officers were trying to keep the groups apart. All groups were aware of the arrival of the extra guns. The only thing that kept the groups apart was the knowledge that the officers on the cat walks with guns would use these weapons to quell a riot. I was then dispatched to the west side of the lower yard. He blacks were arriving in groups of three to take up a strategic position behind the whites. The blacks were jockeying for a better position when I arrived. At this time I would like to note that the blacks dress and manners were that of disciplined troops. They walked in a diamond formation or variations and usually maintained 360 degree security. It reminded me of ancient Roman military formations. After I arrived at my position for a short while, a group of twelve whites arrived as a foray into the vocational garden area where the blacks were. They were led by a person nicknamed Peacock and were called Peacock’s Gang. Peacock is a blond haired young man who has his hair combed back and it rose high above his head. The gang proceeded to taunt me and ask when the movies would start. The blacks in the area became very tense and nervous. Nothing occurred because of the increased gun power in the area.

At lunch time I was called back to cover the mess hall. The lunch was conspicuous for the noticeable absence of blacks. That afternoon, I was assigned back to the upper yard. The upper yard is an area 100 yards by 100 yards. It is surrounded by the North Block, East Block, South Block, and dinning hall. The increased tension could be felt. At approximately 2:00 P.M., strategic maneuvering began again on the upper yard. The lines that formed for entrance into the East Block 4:30 P.M. count had all blacks in front. It appeared that the plan was to have whites fall in behind these blacks and then another group of blacks closes in from the rear. This was not successful because of the increased amount of officers with guns on the cat walk.

It was noteworthy that during these increased tensions on the big yard, Black Muslims formed a series of circles within circles with their religious leader in the center. It is presumed that this tension will continue until everyone is satisfied that enough blood has been expended.

On Sunday night, July 1, 1973, I was assigned as B Section, South Block gun. B Section is where discipline problems and self isolationists are placed. The section is composed of five tiers of cells, fifty cells to a tier. In front of the cells is a walkway. Next to the walkway is hand railing which is completely wired fenced to keep things from going over the tier to the main floor. The walkways up the tiers are also fenced in and locked at the ends. The officers who work in the section are also completely fenced in towards the entrance of the section. This is truly a prison within a prison. No inmate is let out of his cell unless he is handcuffed with hands behind his back and at least two officers are present.

The inmates behaved as they were treated. They called me assorted names. After I ignored them for a time, they quit doing this. The inmates throw their trash outside their cells. Trash was everywhere. I counted four mice at different times in the section. The inmates had a fairly elaborate communication system. Outside their cells was a long spliced cloth string that ran the length of the tiers. Messages or letters were written and attached to the string. This system was quite functional as a I witnessed many messages and packages being passed in front of the cells in this fashion.

The Correctional Officers in this section appeared quite scared. The preceding week two cell bars were found sawed. Plans were rumored for an uprising in this section. It is believed that any uprising in East Block or B Section would result in the death of the officers.

Because of the time required B Section staff rarely had the inmates shower themselves. There is much animosity in this section and only a very small number inmates shower at any given time.

The responsibility of the B Section gun is to cover the officers always in all dealings with the inmates. I almost fired my weapon while in this job because an officer slipped and fell in a cell. It appeared that inmate had dragged him in. The officers rely heavily on the gun officer in this section for their personal security.

I was informed that in 1966, an Officer Walter had brought a pistol, rounds of ammunition, and a knife into the prison for inmates. Walters had a degree in psychology and had a reputation for being a sharp officer. This story was told to me as an example on why not to become too familiar with inmates.
The rifle that I carried in B Section was not the normal rifle carried in the prison. It is a 30/30 lever action with no safety. It is definitely meant for very fast action to save an inmate or officer.

Witnessing B Section, it can be truly understood what the theory of “Less Eligibility” (people in prison deserve less than the lowest member of society) is all about.

While I was in B Section, an inmate placed numerous objects in front of his cell door and then flooded it by clogging his commode and sink. After a period of time, the inmate was able to swim in his cell because the water was that high. The inmates in this section are constantly flooding their cells and water drips down the tiers. The inmates there also throw paper in front of their cells and light it. I saw over four fires in the cell block at one time. The officers let them burn for the lack of man power to accomplish their job and play games like this with the inmates.

It is now probably the best time to put a few words on paper about the advice that I have received here from my fellow officers. Each officer has varied in the way that he has recommenced that I deal with inmates. Some have told me to say no to questions or to leave the institution now. Others have told me to say that I am busy now and will try to satisfy the inmates request later. The point that is given as predominate advice is to be consistent. The inmates will never know whether an officer is in a bad or a good mood because he is so unpredictable. This type of officer has great difficulties with inmates and will be labeled by the inmates for his character. Other advice is that a promise should never be made that can not or will not be kept.

It has also been told to me that when making checks to keep a cow bell around my neck. I am most likely to be knifed if I intrude unexpectedly on a homosexual affair, if a convict is shooting up with narcotics or any time I appear without being expected. If I notice bars that have been cut or anything unusual, I should pass by the situation without hesitation and return with suitable reinforcements. I have been told repeatedly that there are no heroes (Correctional Officers) in the prison. This is not covered in our job description and monthly wages. Another officer told me to forget anything physical with the inmates for they push steel (lift weights) every day and no officer is a match for them alone. Sergeant Brown (Watch Sergeant) has told me that during increased inmate tension to keep my back to the wall.

While supervising in the dinning hall, I have been instructed to not allow any inmate to steal any food. Another officer in the dinning hall told me to allow the servers to steal a little bit for it was difficult to get people to serve. Sergeant Brown has told me that I will never catch everyone who steals in the dinning hall and that I should just do the best I can. The predominate advice that I have received in the mess hall is to avoid any major confrontations with inmates there because it is the most sensitive area in the prison for riots. I am instructed to note the troublesome inmate and discuss the situation with him later on the yard.

Many of the older officers have described inmates and many of their fellow officers in one word: “assholes”. I presume this asshole person does not live up to standards.

Lieutenant W. H. Faust has told us to be on our guard when increased tensions occur and to stand to the side of the cell when opening it. This will allow the gun man a good shot if an inmate causes problems.

Probably the most varied advice that I have received is when to fire my weapon. Each officer has told me a different story. It appears that the right action will depend on where a person is located at and the nature of the disturbance. I was told by one officer that Warden Nelson has instructed not to fire even if an officer is involved unless a weapon is seen that can be considered deadly. A warning shot is in order at any time physical violence is suspected, while some have told me to blow my whistle first. The older officer gun man on the big yard has instructed me to fire a warning shot and then shoot the aggressor if the situation has not stopped by then. They also told me to always shoot if an officer is involved. Another officer told me to never shoot an inmate in his cell. Other officers have instructed me not to shoot an inmate attempting to escape unless it is reasonable that he will be successful in his attempt. Ultimately, the decision will be mine and I must be prepared to take the responsibility for this decision. One officer told me that no officer has ever been found guilty in California for shooting an inmate.

Advice on how inmates will deal with me have also varied. Inmates are generally reputed to despise all officers and those in the honor units are the same as those in the worst sections of the prison. They are just slicker at it. Inmates are supposed to continually play games with officers, especially new officers. A officer who has established a good reputation is supposedly better able to get along with inmates. Other officers have told me that if an officer does his job, he will have to be taken away from the general population of prisoners, because they will try to kill him. Disliked officers will have feces and urine thrown at them in the living areas from cells. Inmates will test new officers.

Other stories that I have heard concern the officers who purposely sabotage the custodial effort. Most of these take the form of ammunition that has been tampered with and the powder removed, gum wrappers in the mussels of weapons, etc. I have found a prayer written in one of the position instruction books at wall post number five. I have been told that a theological school is nearby and some the students have been employed here. These students have stated on occasion that they would not fire their weapons.

Many older officers have express dissatisfaction with the hiring of women as officers. These officers feel that the women could not hold their own in a tough physical situation and that they have restricted assignments that are not equitable to the other male officers.

Officers in the institution appear to be qualified for their jobs or at least for the way the jobs are designed (pure custody). Older or new officers and some females are placed on the wall and tower gun posts. The older officers are probably placed in these positions to prevent a heart attack or similar disability. The younger officers are placed there to judge their reliability before being placed with the general inmate population. A number of the older officers who have permanent assignments in the tower have beautified their towers and installed cabinets. One officer on six wall keeps a significant amount of bird feed there and enjoys feeding the birds during the day. He cautioned me to not harm his birds one day when I replaced him. I drank out of a cup he had hanging in his post one day and later discovered that he used it to feed the birds and gagged.