Games Criminals Play Book Summary

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to navigate the complex world of prison manipulation? It’s a world where inmates are constantly testing the boundaries, seeking out vulnerabilities, and using subtle tactics to gain an advantage over prison staff. “Games Criminals Play: How You Can Profit By Knowing Them,” written by Bud Allen and Diana Bosta, offers a fascinating glimpse into this unique realm.

This blog post will provide a comprehensive “Games Criminals Play: How You Can Profit By Knowing Them” book summary, outlining the key ideas and arguments presented by the authors. This summary will help you understand the complex dynamics of inmate manipulation, identify potential vulnerabilities in prison staff, and learn valuable strategies for avoiding and mitigating manipulative situations.

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Key Facts

1. Book Title: GAMES CRIMINALS PLAY
2. Author: Bud Allen
3. Year Published: 1981
4. Genres: Law
5. Number of Pages: 230
6. Amazon Ratings: 4.7/5

Main Points

Understanding The Human Mind

The human mind is a complex and malleable organ susceptible to manipulation. The vulnerability arises from idealized goals and a desire for information, making individuals susceptible to the manipulation of others.

The Prison Environment

The prison environment presents a unique challenge for individuals. The book describes the prison environment as a place where the conflict between keepers and the kept is a constant. The primary duty of prison staff is protecting society by keeping felons confined. Inmates are not only physically confined, but mentally as well. The prison system, the book argues, can be seen as a complex system of deception and manipulation.

The Set-Up

The set-up process, a primary focus of the book, describes how inmates manipulate prison staff for their own benefit. The authors provide a step-by-step guide to the set-up process, outlining the techniques and methods inmates use to gain control over staff members.

• The Observation Step: This step is crucial in understanding the inmate’s personality and predicting their actions.
• Selection of a Victim: Inmates utilize various techniques to identify a suitable victim.
• The Support System: This system allows inmates to gain trust and build a network of support.
• The Rumor Clinic: This strategy involves spreading rumors and information to influence staff perceptions.
• The Shopping List: Inmates often exploit the need for basic necessities to gain favors.
• The Lever: The lever utilizes pressure and force to push staff into compliance.
• The Sting: The sting is a deliberate attempt to cause harm and exposing the manipulative pattern.
• The Touch System: The touch system uses physical contact to establish a bond with staff.
• The We/They Syndrome: This strategy involves the inmate forming a bond with staff, creating an “us versus them” mentality.
• The Offer of Protection: This tactic involves offering protection to create dependence.
• The Plea For Help: Inmates use the plea for help as a way to gain sympathy and favors.
• The Pigeon Set-Up Approach: The pigeon set-up involves creating a dependent relationship with the victim.
• The Flesh Peddler Set-Up Program: This strategy involves exploiting vulnerable individuals for sexual favors.

Recognizing and Avoiding Manipulation

The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing the subtle signals of manipulation. The book provides a comprehensive questionnaire and analysis of susceptibility traits. The authors also stress the importance of building a strong professional foundation based on principles of integrity, honesty, and self-confidence.

The Impact of Manipulation

The book details the consequences of manipulation on both staff members and the prison environment. It highlights the potential for corruption, decreased morale, and increased tension within the prison. The book also discusses the detrimental effects of manipulation on inmate rehabilitation.

Tools of a Set-Up

The authors discuss the various “tools” inmates use to set up a staff member for manipulation. These tools include:

• Body language: Inmates pay close attention to body language to assess their victim’s vulnerability.
• Verbal observation: Inmates pay close attention to the content and tone of conversations to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.
• Action observation: Inmates will test the boundaries of rules and regulations to see how the staff member reacts.
• Intentional selection: Inmates actively seek out individuals who exhibit certain personality traits.
• Accidental selection: Inmates may stumble upon a victim who is already vulnerable.
• Soft, Hard, and Mellow: Inmates use different approaches based on their victim’s personality.
• The Department of Corrections hires people: The book emphasizes the importance of staff members being vigilant and adhering to ethical standards.
• The Support System: This system provides inmates with the backing they need to succeed.

The Importance of Professionalism

The authors argue that a strong foundation of professionalism is essential for prison staff members to effectively combat inmate manipulation. They emphasize the importance of:

• Integrity: Acting with honesty and moral character.
• Honesty: Being truthful and transparent.
• Self-confidence: Maintaining confidence in one’s abilities.
• Command: Setting clear boundaries and expectations.
• Knowledge: Staying informed about the prison environment.
• Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of others.

The Importance of Recognizing and Avoiding Manipulation

The book highlights the importance of recognizing the subtle signals of manipulation. It provides a comprehensive questionnaire and analysis of susceptibility traits. The authors also stress the importance of building a strong professional foundation based on principles of integrity, honesty, and self-confidence.

The Impact of Manipulation

The book details the consequences of manipulation on both staff members and the prison environment. It highlights the potential for corruption, decreased morale, and increased tension within the prison. The book also discusses the detrimental effects of manipulation on inmate rehabilitation.

Case Histories

The book concludes with several case histories to illustrate the principles and techniques discussed throughout the book. These case histories offer real-world examples of how inmates manipulate prison staff and the various outcomes of those interactions.

The book “Games Criminals Play” provides a thorough understanding of the complexities of prison manipulation. The authors offer a unique perspective on inmate psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding their behavior and the need for staff members to develop a strong foundation of professionalism. The book serves as a valuable resource for prison staff, helping them to recognize and avoid manipulation. The book is insightful and thought-provoking, providing a clear and concise guide to navigating the challenges of the prison system.

Quotes

1. “The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing the subtle signals of manipulation. The book provides a comprehensive questionnaire and analysis of susceptibility traits.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of developing self-awareness and recognizing the subtle signs of manipulation. You will learn that manipulation can be very subtle and requires a deep understanding of inmate psychology. The authors provide practical tools to help you identify and understand the tactics that inmates use.

2. “The prison system, the book argues, can be seen as a complex system of deception and manipulation.” This quote highlights a major theme of the book, which is the importance of understanding the prison environment as a system of manipulation. It’s not just about the physical confinement of inmates, but also the mental confinement, the way the system is structured to exploit vulnerabilities and create power imbalances.

3. “The human mind is a complex and malleable organ susceptible to manipulation.”

This quote underscores the vulnerability of the human mind to manipulation. The authors emphasize that people can be easily manipulated if they have idealistic goals or a strong desire for information. You will come to understand how inmates can exploit these weaknesses to their advantage.

4. “Don’t trust prisoners with inmates, suffer personal pressure, become too friendly. Like other prison personnel who say, ‘Don’t trust prisoners’ and a host of inner information that says they are called ‘ducks’ or ‘convicts’ with illegal contraband.”

This quote highlights a major challenge that prison staff face: balancing safety and security with human connection. You learn that the prison environment often fosters mistrust and a fear of “going native,” leading to a reliance on stereotypes and assumptions about inmates. The pressure to maintain distance and avoid personal connections can be immense, but the authors suggest that the key to effective rehabilitation is a different approach, one that builds trust and understanding.

5. “In the second case, the inmate in charge of a work process became suspicious when their prisoners politely, in the normal pattern, accepted their compliments and their supervision. He was accepting a rate inconsistent with his position, and a mission of rewarding his crew with his own funds, acquired from hope of inducing continued effort, beloved sweets. When the snack bar which he purchased with the trust fund, is approved, the reward he mentioned permission to do so had been sealed.”

This quote highlights the ever-changing nature of inmate manipulation. The authors warn that inmates can be very adept at playing the game and acting in ways that seem consistent with their roles, making it difficult to differentiate true intentions from strategic manipulation. You must pay close attention to subtle cues and recognize the complex dynamic between the two, ensuring you are not manipulated into giving away your authority and resources.

Games Criminals Play Book Review

This book dives into the psychology of inmate manipulation within the prison system, offering a fresh perspective on how inmates can exploit staff vulnerabilities.

Strengths

The book’s strength lies in its detailed approach to understanding the dynamics of manipulation. It explores the various techniques inmates use to gain an advantage and the vulnerabilities of staff members that make them susceptible. It provides a wealth of information and strategies that are applicable to anyone working in the prison environment, making it an incredibly valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of inmate behavior. You’ll also find a clear and concise writing style that makes the book easy to read and digest.

Weaknesses

While the book provides a comprehensive look at the subject matter, it could benefit from a few improvements. The book could benefit from a more robust section on how to effectively address and de-escalate manipulative situations. The information provided on this topic is somewhat limited, making it difficult to apply these insights to real-world situations. While the author provides several case studies to illustrate the points made, a broader range of case studies might add to the book’s impact.

Best Format

This book would be best enjoyed as a physical book. You’ll appreciate the detailed information and explanations the book offers, making it easier to reference and review specific sections. However, an ebook format would be convenient for quick reference and searching for specific information. You can easily highlight and annotate the text.

Recommendation

“Games Criminals Play” is highly recommended for prison staff, especially those who are new to the system. It’s also an excellent resource for those who are interested in learning more about criminal psychology and human behavior. The insights provided can be applied to a wide range of situations, giving you a deeper understanding of how people manipulate others and how to mitigate those risks.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. You’ve just taken a journey into the intriguing world of prison manipulation. It’s a world where inmates are constantly seeking ways to gain an advantage. You’ve learned about the intricate steps of the set-up process, explored the various tools inmates use to manipulate staff, and discovered the importance of recognizing those subtle signals.

The book reminds you that the prison environment is a unique system of manipulation, and by understanding it, you can build a strong foundation of professionalism. Always be mindful of the complex dynamics that underlie inmate behavior and use the insights provided to help you avoid becoming a victim.

This book will help you see the world with a new perspective and equip you to navigate a challenging environment with a greater sense of awareness and confidence. You can’t let them play you; instead, you’ll learn to play the game smarter.

FAQs

1. What is the main purpose of the book “Games Criminals Play”?

The primary goal of “Games Criminals Play” is to help prison staff understand the psychology of inmates and recognize their manipulative tactics. It aims to provide you with a clear understanding of how inmates manipulate and exploit prison staff, offering practical strategies for avoiding and managing these situations.

2. What are the “tools” inmates use to manipulate staff members?

Inmates utilize a variety of tools to gain an advantage, including body language, verbal observation, action observation, intentional selection, and accidental selection. They also learn to master different techniques based on a victim’s personality. Remember, you can’t fall for the “Soft, Hard, and Mellow” classification because inmates can quickly change their strategy if they know you are aware.

3. Why is professionalism so important in the prison environment?

A strong foundation of professionalism is key to counteracting inmate manipulation. It involves maintaining a strong moral character, being honest and truthful, and building self-confidence. This helps you set clear boundaries, stay informed, and maintain empathy without compromising your authority.

4. What are some of the major consequences of inmate manipulation?

Inmate manipulation can have significant consequences, both for staff and the prison environment. The consequences include increased tension, a decline in morale, a rise in corruption, and a negative impact on inmate rehabilitation.

5. How can I apply the information from “Games Criminals Play” to my work in the prison system?

The book offers numerous practical applications. It provides a detailed step-by-step guide to the set-up process, offering insights into how to identify potential victims, develop a support system, and effectively manage manipulative situations. Pay close attention to the subtle signs of manipulation and use the tools provided to protect yourself and your colleagues.

Leon Blake

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