Tattoos have been known as a way to express individuality, culture, and personal stories. However, getting a tattoo in jail is different. Many people are wondering about legality, health risks, and institutional regulations of getting a tattoo in jail. While it may seem like a straightforward procedure, the practice of getting a tattoo within correctional facilities is a complex issue with various considerations.
Tattoos in Jail
Individuals at the correctional facilities usually look similar or the same due to the exact same uniform they wear. Besides, they also don’t have access to makeup or hair products and cannot wear luxurious items, such as designer belts, latest sneakers, or jewelry. It can be very frustrating for some that love freedom or those who want to stand out among crowds. In order to stick out, they usually want to do something to show their status. One of the most popular ways is to have a tattoo.
The ones who practice tattoos in jail usually don’t get paid in cash. Instead, they usually get items such as food, stamps, phone time, cigarettes, canteen items, or favors such as sex or targeted violence.
Can an Inmate Get in Trouble for Getting a Tattoo in Jail?
In a lot of correctional institutions, possessing tattoo equipment or practicing tattooing is strictly prohibited. Most inmates are not allowed to possess needles, ink, or any items related to tattoos due to safety concerns. Aside from that, it is also to prevent the potential for spreading infectious diseases.
In the United States, getting a tattoo in jail is not illegal. However, the institutional rules prohibit it. Hence, it is unregulated.
Motif of Tattoos in Jail
Talking about getting a tattoo in jail, one of the most interesting things to talk about is the motif. The inmates usually request to get one or more tattoos that describe the personalities, their interests, or things that represent them. A lot of them have or want to have tattoos of symbols or numbers that represent multiple gangs or groups. A few images, such as spider webs, are usually used to represent the length of sentences. This image is usually located on the elbow. A tattoo of teardrop can describe that the individual was raped while in jail. Besides, this teardrop tattoo can also mean that the person, especially on the West Coast, has killed someone.
Apparently, tattoos are also used as a method to communicate between inmates. For instance, white supermacists will get prominent tattoos to show their beliefs. Some common prominent tattoos include swastikas, Valknuts, Runic insignia of the Schutzstaffel or lightning bolts. In some cases, these things are given to members of white gangs as a reward for assigned assaults on other races.
Inmates in Mexico may want to get three dots on their skin. These dots are usually arranged as a triangle (∴). This symbol means “mi vida loca” or “my crazy life” in English. Those with a tattoo of this sign are usually linked to the Mexican Mafia. Besides, there are also four dots (∷). For those who are wondering about the meaning of this symbol, it is the same as three dots. What sets it apart from three dots is that it is usually found on Mexican gang members that are associated with the Nuestra Familia. In the United Kingdom, four dots tattoos describe All Cops Are Bastards or ACAB. There is also a dot on each hand in between the thumb and forefinger with the meaning of going into prison and they have completed their sentence respectively. In Ireland, a simple dot placed under the eye is known as a jail dot. Not everyone may know but a Borstal dot or a dot under an eye also meant doing time. However, this tattoo is now lesser known due to the abolishment of Borstals. Additionally, there is a five dots tattoo. This one is usually placed on the hand. As for its meaning, it varies, depending on the culture.
Process of Getting a Tattoo in Jail
As it is hard for the inmates who live behind the bar to have the proper equipment for the practice of tattooing, they usually create their own tattooing devices made from items or materials that they already have. They keep getting creative day by day. They can create such tattooing devices from items such as magnets, mechanical pencils, staples, paper clips, radio transistors, and guitar strings. Just like the tattooing devices, they also improve the ink. The ink that is used to tattoo someone in jail is usually taken from pens, melted plastic, the combination of soot and shampoo, and melted styrofoam. It is known to be made by saving soot in a cup or in a carton of liquid and burning the soot over a fire. When the ashes melt, they will make a liquid by mixing it with water, urine, or alcohol. From this, it can be seen that everything is messy. However, they have no choice but to do it, even though it is pretty risky.
Health Risk
Getting a tattoo is very risky, especially for inmates in jail where the items are limited. There have been health concerns of getting a tattoo in jail due to sharing the same needle. Apart from that, there are some other dangerous factors. As inmates don’t have access to a sterilized tattoo shop, they make their own devices and ink themselves. As stated before, they can turn some items such as CD players, pen casings, and guitar strings, into the mechanics of the needle movement. The machine is usually made from the broken spoons and deodorant labels. In order to use this machine, it is connected to a piece of metal such as paper clips, razor, or scissors.
As the tools that they use for the practice of tattoos are unsterile plus the unsanitary environment, it is really risky to get a tattoo in jail. The health risks include allergic reactions, infections and bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, getting a tattoo in jail can lead to trouble. It is not only about disciplinary actions and extended legal consequences but also can be dangerous and pose serious health risks. Everyone in a correctional facility must understand and follow the rules and regulations in place because there are potential risks and implications of such actions. In order to prevent these things, it is better to avoid getting a tattoo while in jail.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
