A SUPERB Book for ALL Persons Working in Institutional Environments!
Allen & Bosta's GAMES CRIMINALS PLAY, originally published in 1981, has become an all-time classic. I will not add to the praise already given the tome here at Amazon, but I will provide a (short) synopsis of the book's key argument/thesis:
In any type of institutional setting, you have those in positions of authority (Prison guards, teachers, and military officers) and those in their charge (Prisoners, students, and enlisted personnel). Invariably, the two are at fundamental odds: One side is trying to maintain its authority, while the other camp is trying to subvert that authority...
In particular, Allen & Bosta focus upon the strange power game played between Guards and Convicts.
According to the authors, the ultimate power game between the two is called "the Set-Up." Here, the prisoners will try - incessantly - innumerable means of ensnaring those above them by creating a one-sided relationship of leverage based upon one party being obligated to the other. In other words, a prisoner in a penitentiary will gain power over a guard by making the Guard become obligated to the Convict.
How is this accomplished?
Most cons - working individually or in teams -- will try and focus upon an individual guard they refer to as "the Duck." A Duck is a guard who will be sucked into a relationship whereby the Con will very, very slowly......but gradually........have more and more (and yes, more) power over the Guard/Duck. This ruse is carried-out by Cons who are forever testing a potential victim by engaging in tiny, even microscopic, rule infractions: If the Guard ignores these initial infractions, the Con knows they have a future Victim, i.e. a `Duck-in-the-Making.' While a guard may blow-off a minor rule violation by a convict to be "nice" or "compassionate" or "empathetic," the Con will view such acquiescence as both PERMISSION -- and a personal WEAKNESS. In short, the more rules/infractions the guard allows, the more power the Con achieves over his Victim. The Guard will become trapped by their own kindness and compassion (like a fly in a spider's web) to such an extent that, eventually, the Con will begin to threaten the Guard on the latter's superiors for the all Guard's indiscretions. The Guard, fearing for his/her job, ends up giving-in more and more to the wishes and demands of the Con to the point where.........the Guard is engaged in open criminality. Clever, eh? The Duck will find themselves bending and ignoring all kinds of official rules and regulations in a constant attempt to pacify the Con, which can range from smuggling contraband into prison to giving into sexual advances. If the Guard attempts to withdraw from the relationship, the Con may be threaten his Victim with bodily harm. In short, the Guard finds their hands tied by a Con with a second grade education - but a Ph.D. in `street psychology.'
The Con will use any (Repeat: ANY) ruse possible to gain the Duck's initial cooperation, playing-off the Guard's natural sense of compassion, friendship, empathy, urgency, and/or guilt. Once a Guard gives in - even in the slightest way -- the Cons have their Duck! Remember: ACQUIESCENCE = PERMISSION. Sociopaths have no conscience, but their Victims do.......
So, how is a person in position of authority to avoid becoming a Duck? Some VITAL points: 1) Always be firm but fair in dealing with those in your charge: Never tolerate a breaking of a rule (no matter how small or seemingly `insignificant'). Always call the infraction. Do NOT be harsh, however, but do call the violator's attention to it; 2) ALWAYS avoid the formation/creation of a "You/Me" relationship. In other words, NEVER allow yourself to form a personal relationship with the person underneath you; 3) If a Con does violate a rule, immediately bring in a third party (Boss or supervisor) into the situation - and tell the Con of your intention to do just that. Put everything in writing. File a report. In other words, get the situation "out into the open." The introduction of an outside party immediately breaks any potential possibility of a Con "isolating" the Guard and then preying upon them.
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Kindle version does not contain the book
Although I can download something, there is no kindle version that appears to be displaying something of any text. I’m not sure what to say other than something it’s been downloaded, but you can’t read it.
Top reviews from other countries
Sylvia G.
The things you never knew about cons...
Reviewed in Canada on January 30, 2019