What is a Shank in Prison

Prison Definition and Materials

• Improvised weapon: A rod is a improvised weapon made by inmates, designed to stab or cut
• Common materials: Prison benches are often made from:
  • Metal objects
  • Plastic items (e.g. molten polystyrene, Saran wrap)
  • Drink
  • Toothbrushes
  • Pencils
  • Chicken bones
• Sharpening technique: Inmates often sharpen their homemade prison weapons using simple friction on concrete surfaces over time to avoid detection

Methods for building homemade prison weapons

• Modification of the toothbrush: A common method is to attach from razor blades to toothbrush handles by partially melting the plastic
• Plastic shaping: Some inmates melt plastic, shape it into a point and sharpen it on raw concrete to create a prison bench
• Workshop manufacturing: In prisons with workshops, inmates can make metal rods with a 9 HP attack power

Concealment and detection of prison bars

• Hiding places: The stems are often hidden secret places such as:
  • Inside books
  • Below mattress
  • In cells
• Detection methods:
  • Metal detectors are used, in particular for homemade metal prison weapons
  • Dogs can detect some substances, but not all materials used in rods
  • Regular cell research And palpations are carried out
• Detection challenges: 100% detection is not guaranteedand the effectiveness depends on staff morale

Legal consequences of possessing a rod in prison

• Additional fees: Possession of a rod can result in:
  • Misdemeanor charges for introducing contraband into a penitentiary establishment
  • Substantial increases in sentencespotentially classifying the detainee as a career offender
• Specific phrases: Examples of sentences for prison detention:
  • 37 months additional prison time
  • 24 months consecutive sentence
• Long-term monitoring: Inmates with a history of possessing shanks are often monitored differently than others

Prison slang related to shanks

• Alternative terms:
  • “Shiv“: common slang term for a homemade knife, thought to be Roma origins
  • “Steel“: Often refers to a knife with a avant-garde rather than a stabbing tool
• Use: “Shank” can be used both as name (the weapon itself) and a verb (the act of using it) in prison contexts

FAQs

What is a prison rod?

A prison stick is a homemade weapon, usually a sharp, pointed object made from everyday objects like toothbrushes, metal, or plastic. It is designed for stabbing or cutting and is made by inmates using materials available to them in the prison environment.

How are prison sticks made?

Prisons are made using various materials and methods. Common techniques include attaching razor blades to toothbrush handles, melting and shaping plastic into sharp points, or making metal rods in prison workshops. Inmates often sharpen these homemade weapons by rubbing them against rough concrete surfaces.

What are the consequences of possessing a rod in prison?

Possessing a baton in prison can result in serious legal consequences, including additional criminal charges, substantial sentence increases, and potentially being classified as a career offender. Sentences can range from an additional 24 to 37 months in prison, and inmates may be subject to long-term supervision.

How do prison officers detect shanks?

Prison officials use a variety of methods to detect stalking, including metal detectors for metal weapons, regular cell searches, pat-downs and sometimes trained dogs. However, 100% detection is not guaranteed and the effectiveness of these methods may depend on personnel morale and the materials used to create the weapons.

What are alternative terms for prisons?

Alternative terms for prison shanks include “shiv”, which is believed to be of Romani origin and usually refers to a homemade knife. “Steel” is another term, often used to describe a knife with an edge rather than a cutting tool. The term “shock” can be used as both a noun (the weapon itself) and a verb (the act of using it) in prison contexts.