ALCATRAZ FAMILY SECRETS
ALCATRAZ
John arrived at Alcatraz on October 4, 1960. Clarence arrived three months later on January 10, 1961. They met with Warden Blackwell, who told them that escape is impossible. Every inmate who tried had either been caught or killed.
The brothers quickly acclimatized to life at Alcatraz. They were expected to know the rules, the slightest deviation of which would result in punishment.
When Clarence was placed in his cell, he discovered the concrete surrounding the air vent under the sink had softened as a result of time and the salt air. He didn’t know what to do with his discovery yet, but noted it for future consideration. The first phase of the escape had just been initiated.
John often wrote home to his mother from Alcatraz
Guards monitoring the inmates.
Warden Blackwell
Alcatraz existed for one reason―house the most troublesome prisoners in the Federal penitentiary system and keep them from escaping. Prison administrators and staff had discovered the most effective way of achieving this goal was the implementation of strict discipline and structure upon an inmate's arrival. Prisoners were given a copy of the "Institution Rules & Regulations" booklet, which covered every aspect of an inmate's life. Any infraction of the rules brought about immediate punishment by the guards.
Inmates were strictly monitored 24/7. They endured multiple head counts throughout the day. Metal detectors were also set up all over the prison, so stealing silverware and tools was near impossible. When the prisoners slept, the guards patrolled the cellblocks. And on occasion, guards chose a cell at random for a shake down in the hope of finding illegal contraband. In effect, inmates were never alone and every moment was accounted for under the prison's watchful eye. Step out of line, and they'd catch you, so give up any thoughts of escape.
