Alcatraz was often referred to as the "prison system's prison." Inmates did not randomly end up on the island; instead, most of them wound up there because they would not follow the rules in other federal penitentiaries. When a prisoner was transferred to the Rock, he was expected to conform and learn to follow rules, making daily life in Alcatraz an austere experience.
After stepping off the boat and onto the solid rock surface of the island, prisoners were greeted by a team of corrections officers who explained the strict rules and regulations of the prison. In the early years of the prison, prisoners were only permitted to talk to one another during weekend recreation time. However, this rule proved difficult to enforce, and over time it was changed, allowing inmates to talk in low voices. Hollering and loud noises were not permitted.
After being briefed on the rules of the prison, the inmates were marched up to the cell house and given their prison garb, which consisted of a blue denim uniform. The inmates were also provided with their essentials — a razor (blades were not allowed in the cells), soap, tooth powder and a toothbrush.
Inmates were assigned to one-man cells to prevent them from plotting escapes or other illegal activities. They were assigned to their cells according to their behavior — the good inmates were in A block, the mediocre inmates were assigned to B block, the "bad" prisoners were put in C block, and the worst prisoners were assigned to D block. Prisoners who were caught for serious infractions would be sent to the "Hole." It was actually a hole in the ground just big enough for one person. Reports vary on the use of the "Hole." Some claim that inmates were assigned there for no less than two weeks, while others claim that some inmates were kept in the "Hole" for several years.
The daily routine for the prisoners was strictly regimented. Their day began at 6:30 a.m. When the morning alarm bell rang, inmates were expected to stand in front of their cells for the first morning count. They were then given time to get dressed and ready for the day. This was also the time for cell cleaning.
At 7:20 a.m., the cell doors were opened, and the inmates were marched down to breakfast.
The warden knew that many prison riots centered on the poor quality of prison food, so in order to avoid this problem at Alcatraz, he authorized fresh fruit, vegetables, varied entrees and dessert to be served at meals. Many inmates claimed that Alcatraz had the best food in the prison system. Inmates were allowed to eat as much as they wanted, but they were required to eat all that they took. Meals were 20 minutes long.
Inmates who were well behaved could earn many privileges at Alcatraz. These privileges included writing and receiving letters, visitation with family, and library, painting, music, and work privileges.
