The Pros And Cons Of Alcatraz

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Each prisoner had their own cell and the ratio of guards to prisoners was one guard for every three prisoners. Alcatraz usually held 260 to 275 prisoners, never reaching its capacity of 336. Each cell was five by nine feet and had a small sink, small sleeping cot, and a toilet. Some prisoners have stated that having their own cell was a great advantage over other federal prisons. It decreased the chances of being sexually violated and they had more privacy. It was also said that, for the majority of the time, staff treated inmates respectfully and vice versa. Although there were advantages, James A. Johnston had a strict rule of silence. Prisoners were not allowed to talk to each other except during meals and recreational times. Some inmates