Inmates Learn To Do Time In Crowded State Prisons

Tuesday, August 14th 2007, 1:24 pm

By: News On 6

WAURIKA, Okla. (AP) -- With about 60% of Oklahoma's estimated 25,000 prison inmates convicted of non-violent crimes those inmates say they learn how to do their time without causing trouble.

Jeff Hadfield has served three-and-a-half years of a five year sentence on a drug conviction and says there is pressure to join racial gangs. And as a minimum-security inmate allowed to work outside the prison he says there is pressure from other inmates to bring illegal items back into the prison.

Hadfield says he's had to fight a few times but he says other inmates eventually respect those who stand up and refuse to do things that will get them in more trouble.

Hadfield has been recommended for parole and is waiting for the governor's signature on his parole documents.