{New Rules}

"Break the rules and you go to prison,
break the prison rules and you go to Alcatraz."

I purchased a copy of the Alcatraz Inmate Rules and Regulations at the gift shop. I was wondering if it would be appropriate to adopt a few of them as part of our Farar Family Rules and Regulations. Here are a few of my favorite (think of them in terms of your family and kids!):

1. GOOD CONDUCT means conducting yourself in a quiet and orderly manner and keeping your cell neat, clean and free from contraband. It means obeying the rules of the Institution and displaying a co-operative attitude. It also means obeying orders of Officials, Officers and other employees without delay or argument.

2. GOOD WORK RECORD means the reputation you establish as a willing, capable workman, doing your best at whatever work you are told to do.

3. YOUR GOOD CONDUCT RECORD AND YOUR GOOD WORK RECORD will be reviewed every time you are considered for work assignments, cell changes, and disciplinary action.

5. PRIVILEGES. You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. Anything else that you get is a privilege. You earn your privileges by conducting yourself properly.

6. DISCIPLINARY ACTION may result in loss of some or all of your privileges and/or confinement in the Treatment Unit.

7. TREATMENT UNIT is the segregation section of the Institution where privileges may be restricted to a minimum.

11. TRANSFER TO OTHER FEDERAL INSTITUTIONS will not be recommended unless you can show a better than average good conduct record for several years at this Institution (no less than 18 years).

13. YOUR COMMITTED NAME AND REGISTER NUMBER are used as a means of identification. You will be addressed by your surname (last name) only.

16. CONTRABAND. Anything found on your person, or in your cell, or at your work place, which was not Officially issued to you, or Officially approved and purchased by you, and Officially listed on your property card, will be classed as contraband. Possession of contraband of any sort is a serious offense and will result in disciplinary action. If you steal anything from other inmates or from employees, or from the Institution, you will be punished.

17. ATTEMPTING TO BRIBE EMPLOYEES by giving, or promising to give them anything, is a serious offense. You must not give or sell or receive or buy anything except through the Official channels.

18. THREATENING, RIDICULING, OR ATTEMPTING TO INTIMIDATE OR ASSAULT OFFICERS, OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES OR VISITORS is a very serious offense.

19. TRADING, GAMBLING, SELLING, GIVING, OR LOANING your personal property or your government issue items or services, or contraband of any kind is a serious offense. You are expected to keep the things that are legitimately in your possession. If they are found in another inmate's possession, disciplinary action will result for both parties. If anything is stolen from you, report the loss to the Officials as soon as possible.

21. WORK. You are required to work at whatever you are told to do.

22. LOAFING, LOITERING, VISITING, OR UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE FROM WORK will result in disciplinary action, and may result in loss of your job, and withholding of, or forfeiture of, good time.

23. YOUR CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS OR LEGITIMATE COMPLAINTS if made by you to the proper Officials, will receive careful consideration. However, if you make groundless complaints for the purpose of creating dis-satisfaction and/or stirring up trouble; or if you agitate' or rib' yourself or others into trouble, you will be subject to disciplinary action.

32. CLOTHING: You are not allowed to change or alter any of your issue clothing. Keep your clothing neat, clean and in good repair at all times.

33. DINING ROOM RULES: Meals are served three times a day in the dining room. Do not exceed the ration. Do not waste food. Do not carry food from the dining room.

34. HAIRCUTS AND SHAVES: Haircuts will be of regulation type. You are not permitted to wear your hair in an unusual manner or have any special haircut except as authorized by the Associate Warden.

Maybe it is a little harsh!!
Our poor children!!!




Note: These "Institution Rules & Regulations" were in effect at the United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz, during Warden Paul J. Madigan's administration (1955-1961). They were issued to all inmates in the form of a typewritten booklet to be kept in the cell.