Currency in Prisons An overview of how money and other goods are used as currencies in prisons By Erik Anderson

Objective What makes a good prison currency What things are used as currencies in prisons Do prisoners have money of their own to spend Explain how the circulation of money gets in and out of prisons What do prisoners use money for

Personal money Can have money from outside source High restitutions May get paid for work done inside Money from work release programs Able to use personal accounts

What makes a good prison currency? Should be legal so you can pass it easier and not get you in more trouble –i.e cards and noodles Should store well for a long time Has an real value Can’t be counterfeited Has to be in demand

Typical items used for trade Alcohol Playing cards Stamps Protection Tattoos Drugs Cigarettes Ramen noodles

Dried soups are replacing cigarettes Dried Soup It has worth It’s transportable Can’t be counterfeited Stored easily Last long Cigarettes Bad for you Damage easily Not always allowed in prison VS.

The Prison Bartering System Bartering moves prison currency Facilitates an economy within prison Rates on commodities differ from prison to prison

Circulation of Money through prisoners Comes in from family, friends, jobs in prison Use it to buy contraband or services within prison Lost or won through gambling Leaves in the form of reparations, child support, housing and food, and to families

What do Prisoners use money for? Purchase different forms of currency –Prison store –Hygiene products –Extra food –Stationery Gambling

Questions?