Q&A for How to Survive a Night in Jail

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What if you're in handcuffs?

Community Answer

You'll probably only be in handcuffs if the officers think you are a threat to yourself, other inmates, or themselves. Typically handcuffs are only used for a limited time -- to calm you down until you're rational and no longer potentially violent. If you are completely calm and rational, and are not charged with a violent crime, politely ask the officer to remove your handcuffs.

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Question

Is there a phone call privilege?

Meow Sudario

Community Answer

Yes. Most police stations may limit the calls to one. You may take more than one call. If you're not listening and call more than allowed, your bail may go up, or your jail time may increase.

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Question

Can I join a gang to survive a night in jail?

Community Answer

No. Joining a gang just gives rival gangs a reason to mess with you. It's best to try to stay invisible and out of any groups, especially if you're only going to be in there for a night.

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Question

If I have to spend a night in jail, will I be searched? If so, what kind of search do they do?

Community Answer

Yes, you will. They will do a strip search. A strip search is when they check your hair, ears, mouth, stomach, legs, butt, and feet for anything smuggled in. You will have to get naked, but they will have someone of your gender do the search.

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Question

Can I have my phone while in jail?

Community Answer

No. If your phone is confiscated by the police and you want to call someone for bail, you may use it for that purpose.

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Question

Should I tell someone if I'm bullied in jail?

Community Answer

Unless you are physically assaulted by a guard or fellow inmate, no. If someone is bothering you, try to ignore them.

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Question

How do I go to the toilet when I'm in a jail cell with other people?

Community Answer

You most likely will be put in a room with people of your gender (if put in a room with others at all) and will just have to suck it up and use the bathroom while others watch.

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Question

What would happen if I fight while in jail?

Community Answer

You risk injury to yourself and will likely worsen your sentence; you may even be sent to administrative segregation (solitary confinement). You may have some privileges taken away or have to spend more time in jail. Try to avoid any fights or confrontations.

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Question

If a jail were to get overcrowded, would I have to stay in jail or leave jail?

Community Answer

It depends––you might still be in jail or you might be transferred to another jail. Or, you might be released but be on probation or have to perform community service to serve your sentence.

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What situation will I create if I went to jail and show fear to them?

Spaceship

Community Answer

If you show fear, it will give your fellow inmates a reason to harass you. Your time behind bars will be easier if you don’t show fear.

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Question

How to escape the jail?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Trying to escape prison is a terrible idea. Most prisons are heavily guarded 24/7, making it nearly impossible to escape. If you are caught, you can have more time put on your sentence and be placed in solitary confinement. If you somehow manage to escape, you will likely be recaptured and sent to a higher security prison. Even if you don't, you'll be on the run the rest of your life, which is an unpleasant way to live.

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