The Big House: Life Inside a Supermax Security Prison

by Warden James H. Bruton

The warden tells all! "The Big House" is a frightening insiders look at life in a world-famous, maximum-security prison and the first to be told from the wardens perspective. Let Warden James H. Bruton lead you beyond the massive coils of razor ribbon and into the cell blocks of some of Americas most dangerous prisoners. Experience the shocking reality of working everyday with murderers, robbers, rapists, and thieves. Meet the inmates who have killed or maimed and who would take human life in a heartbeat. Who are they, and what are they all about? Walk inside with the Warden to this world of unimaginable ferocity and numbing reality. Experience in graphic detail the grim and sinister realities of prison existence as you come face-to-face with child molesters, predators, drug smugglers, and gang members. Learn the management techniques of controlling the most violent and difficult-to-manage offenders as well as why the staffs approach to treating inmates has made Oak Park Heights supermax prison one of the safest and most secure prisons in existence. About the Author: Jim Bruton was the warden at Oak Park Heights for five years, from 1996-2001. He worked in correctional facilities for 14 years and has 35 years of experience in the field of corrections. He is an adjunct faculty member in Criminal Justice/Sociology at five Twin Cities colleges/universities.

Genres: True Crime

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The insight that is shared on behalf of this former warden regarding the importance of treating inmates with respect is extremely valuable in my opinion. If you're the type of person who believes in "an eye for an eye" and creating terrible living conditions for inmates, I would highly recommend that you read this book to get an insider's perspective on why that is not beneficial for anyone. Bruton also briefly gives reasons why he does not support the death penalty; I wish he had spent even more time on this, but I wholeheartedly agree with all of the points he made. Good solid informative book.

[Javier HG · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿Cómo se gestiona una cárcel de máxima seguridad? ¿Cuáles son los principales problemas a los que tiene que enfrentarse un alcaide? Este libro ofrece un punto de vista privilegiado, ya que está escrito por el alcaide de una de las más modernas cárceles de máxima seguridad de los EE.UU. (en Minnesota).

En los últimos años se han producido bastantes documentales sobre la vida en las cárceles, por lo que parte de lo que describe "ya lo sabemos". Lo que sorprende es cuando habla de los presos más conflictivos: no son ni miembros de bandas, ni los asesinos en serie, sino que a veces son criminales condenados "sólo" por un homicidio. Precisamente lo que dice James H. Bruton es que los asesinos en serie son probablemente los que menos problemas le dieron durante su carrera. Van a los suyo y son poco conflictivos. Muy curioso.

Otro aspecto que sorprende es que el autor no es nada partidario de la brutalidad ni de la pena de muerte. Aboga por gestionar las cárceles con un régimen estricto, con castigos y premios bien conocidos, en el que la higiene y la limpieza se lleven a rajatabla pero en el que no se pierda la humanidad. "Si creas un entorno inhumano, al final tendrás problemas".

Recomendable para los que les gusten las películas y reportajes carcelarios, y también para los "frikis" de la gestión, ya que hay pocos entornos que presenten un reto mayor que el llevar de manera eficiente un cárcel.

[Claire Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but what the hell was with the baseball & football team similes! Felt padded out with stories from other law enforcement officers.

[Katie Burg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting view of the inside of a supermax prison. I loved it!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never visited or entered and obviously, never lived in a super-max prison. I have been in a Max prison though, and found what Warden Bruton had to share informative. Some of this book would not be for the lightweight reader, but the chapter on treating those with dignity and respect is FABULOUS. If I could re-quote the entire chapter in this space I would....every politician, prison guard, and prison warden needs to heed his words:

"95% of offenders that serve prison time in this country are eventually released. It makes sense that rehabilitation be a strong focus. Offenders simply cannot be mistreated on the inside and at the same time be prepared to live a productive lifestyle on the outside...It is the responsibility of the state, via the warden of a correctional facility, to provide an environment for change" (Bruton, p. 143).

For those interested in learning a bit more about the prison system today, this is an accessible and educational book.

[Debra Barstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for week 25 with a main character is in a profession that interests me. the main character in this book was a warden at a super max correctional facility. I can relate to everything he discussed in this book as I too work behind the walls of concrete and barbed wire fences. My goal is to one day be a warden of a prison and I am starting my career now working inside one. If the workings of a prison interest you than I would recommend this book. The inside of a prison is a whole different type of world and this book describes some of the differences.

[Tony Castaneda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the experiences James Bruton had as Warden at Oak Park Heights prison are harrowing. This is a good book for an inside perspective of daily goings on at a Supermax Prison. Thankfully no one I know was mentioned in this book.

[Mary Ellen Baisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Changed my views on incarceration.

[Jimmy Uldbjerg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kedelig og alt for selv forherligende fortælling fra den kære warden.

[Insanity47 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the story

I live about 10 mins
from the Florence CO supermax prision. Very interesting to read the conditions .
So sad people chose that life