Many claim the title of “Convict,” but few live up to the Convict Code of Conduct. Convicts are not made, they are born a breed apart.
- A true convict is incapable of snitching.
- No convict is ever a bully.
- The convict’s word is more binding than any contract.
- It is a convict’s nature to seek out peaceful compromises whenever possible.
- A convict would rather die fighting than live running.
- Convicts stand by their friends unto death.
- You’ll never see a convict trying to impress anyone; he just does.
- Never does a convict choose to lead, others just choose to follow.
- Convicts buy what they need before they buy what they want — and what they don’t have, they do without.
- All convicts are polite and courteous. They have nothing to prove to anyone.
Anyone who can’t honestly claim to live by this simple code of conduct will never be a convict. He may be a damn good fella and a stand up guy, but he’s not a convict.
Editor’s Note: For the uninitiated, prisoners use the words “Inmate” and “Convict” to describe two very different types of incarcerated personalities. Read “Convict or Inmate?” for a better understanding of the differences.
If you’d like to write Daniel directly, please write to:
Daniel H. Harris #00622851
MICHAEL Unit
2664 FM 2054
Tennessee Colony, TX 75886
6 Comments
Bob mc master, you are wrong. What the gentleman wrote is 100% true. A true convict is no bully and doesn’t take what he wants. If he wants something he earns it. Never does a convict just take shit. Yes, he is a true killer not saying he has murdered someone but saying he would without question if called for. I have served a total of 28 yrs in Ohio with 17 of them being done All at once. Was an acting captain of the Aryan Brotherhood, and a true convict. Only a handful of us left now. Times has changed. And for the worse if you incarcerated in this day and time. A lot of youngsters doing buck Rogers time and with no respect. Been home since 2007 and still to this day I miss the camaraderie of brotherhood and knowing that I can 100% count on someone if I need to. That when I’m told something I know without a shadow of doubt it is 100% real and true. Can’t find that sort of truth and respect anymore. Inside or out. To the brothers and sisters who are down. Keep your head up better days are coming. Love and respect. 1488, PEETY. #370-345
A convict is way different than an inmate. An inmate will snitch. A convict wont snitch for any reason. Somebody attacks you then you dont know what happened and take care of it yourself later. An inmate will back down when disrespected. A convict has no brakes. You never cooperate in any way with authorities. You don’t befriend the guards or any other staff member. You mind your business. You don’t cry. You don’t show weakness. Basically like Dave said you are a true outlaw when you’re a convict.
As an ex con I have been out since 12-18-88. I suffer from still possessing the convict mentality. It never goes away! At present it almost destroyed my 20 year marriage! But my Savior stepped in and now I’m so glad to know I have to always be aware of my attitude & emotions. That not giving a rats ass about anyone or anything attitude is vital in prison, but out here it will destroy you.
My name is Dave. 18 years in & out of California prisons & youth authorities in the late 60’summer & 70’set. Last term was 2 years in Arenal Prison in 87-88. I don’t know where you came up with those Convict code rules you posted. Probably good reading for those never “down” but in reality, I was a Nazi gang member, AB affiliated because white boys interacted with each other that way. Those code rules sound like living in juvenile all rules! In my experience, convict rules are much harder & difficult. You failed to elaborate on the “respect” issue. It isn’t respect as the dictionary defines it, it is living by the rules of prisoners established by the prisoners. A convict will take what he wants from whoever he so pleases, and stands on his or her own in the thick of things. They are constantly in the thick of things stirring up the pot of discord. There is no good thing about a conviction. They are cold, calculating, ruthless, fearless & most definitely killers! Whoever wrote the convict rules at the beginning of this thread is wrong and isn’t telling it “strai b there up!”
I enjoyed this immensely. You’re certainly a competent writer.
Can you write more about the distinction between convicts and inmates? Maybe provide some examples from your own time? I don’t mean to pry, but there is a lot of reading material on government web sites about prison life, but very little written by the people who actually live it. I’m getting a lot out of these stories. Thanks.
Bob, there is definitely a difference between inmate & convict! Inmates will follow the rules, don’t want any trouble, will rat your ass off in a heartbeat. A convict does not conform or follow the rules! He or she is the epitome of the true definition of an outlaw.