Originally Posted by longbough

I work with maximum security inmates in California, and I must say the tattooing seems relatively tame.

In California the "code" of conduct among prison inmates determine that child molesters (and certain deviant sexual acts) receive a permanent facial scar cut with a shiv deep across the victim's cheek. The facial scar is a permanent brand to identify the person for life. I had assumed this "protocol" was true for other state prisons - not just in California.

Most folks who receive the mark end up in a "sensitive needs" yard where they'd be safer.