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Prison Inmates' Code (1958-00-00)
About this film
The special guest this episode is John H. Gagnon. Mr. Gagnon is the chief classification officer for the Cook County Jail in Chicago. The clandestine system of communication and standards operating in many penal institutions is examined by criminologist Joseph D. Lohman, and is illustrated with film clips of inmates passing information to each other without the administration's knowledge. One inmate describes how the prisoners' credo is established and maintained. Lohman and Gagnon discuss the "Grapevine," the verbal contact of prisoners, and explain "kangaroo court," used by the prisoners to maintain "law and order," as they see it. Lohman points out that these things must be recognized as existing if administrators are to operate efficiently. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
Directors & creators
WTTW (Television station : Chicago, Ill.)
Subjects
public broadcasting, AAPB, Prisons, Inmate subculture, Joseph D. Lohman, Criminology, Sociology, Prison discipline, Criminal justice, Penal institutions, Inmate relations, Cook County Jail, Social codes, Clandestine communication, Jail administration, 1950s history, Prisoner behavior, Social control, Penology, San Quentin State Prison, Non-verbal communication, Institutional life, Law enforcement, Prison guards, Community of the Condemned, Educational television, John H. Gagnon
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