Recent incidents in Canadian prisons shed light on the deadly consequences of the inmate code, an unwritten set of rules among inmates that has led to a rise in violent attacks behind bars. Advocates argue that the Canadian courts have been reluctant to address this issue seriously, despite a significant increase in prison violence over the years. The inmate code, also known as the prison code, dictates behaviors within the prison system, often putting inmates at risk if they cooperate with authorities.
Catherine Latimer from the John Howard Society of Canada highlighted a case where a convicted gangland killer refused to testify in court, citing the inmate code that prohibits inmates from “ratting” on fellow gang members. The reluctance to cooperate with authorities, driven by fear of retribution, has led to deadly outcomes in prisons, such as inmates being goaded into fatal fights or targeted for violence.
The enforcement of the inmate code has had severe consequences, even for those imprisoned for minor offenses. Incidents like a deadly fight between two inmates in a Surrey pretrial center illustrate how adherence to this code can lead to tragic outcomes. Former inmates, like Lawrence Da Silva, still grapple with the impact of the inmate code even after their release, demonstrating the lasting influence of prison culture.
Despite the acknowledgment of the inmate code by prison officials, concerns remain about the lack of action taken to address the underlying issues that perpetuate this violent culture. The prevalence of drugs, gang rivalries, and the complexities of inmate hierarchies all contribute to the challenges of managing prison violence. Calls for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of violence in prisons have been made by advocates and legal practitioners, emphasizing the need for a shift in how the justice system and correctional services approach this issue.