Jason Fronczek, an Orlando24 original staff member, found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and is currently doing a five year stretch at Polk Correctional. Everyone who knows him is as confident in his innocence as we are confident that the system is imperfect. He was overjoyed to hear of Orlando24's launch and success and surprised me with an article written on the backs of notes and visitation approval forms. Jay's learned a few things in the three years of his “extended assignment,” and he feels you should benefit from his experience should you find yourself on the wrong side of the fence.

Day One and the 13½%.

So you've bonded out and are awaiting trial. There is a strong possibility you are facing some time. What can you do? For starters, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I've seen a lot of “convicts” with the tattoo “13½%.” What this stands for is 12 jurors, 1 judge and ½ a chance, and if you opt to stand before a jury, expect nothing less.

Needs - I suppose the first thing you do is dress for disposable success. I say disposable because once you get to the department's reception center, odds are your clothes be thrown away. Look nice for the judge in something you don't mind losing should the worst occur.

Some items they let you keep are:

1. A wedding band (value less than $100)

2. A religious charm on a chain (value less than $100)

3. New Balance Sneakers

4. Reading Glasses

5. Paper

6. Velcro Wallet

7. A watch (Value less than $50)

8. A Bible.

Trust me when I say this: all of these items will be useful on many levels. Having this on your person when you go to trial gives you the impression that you understand the game. It also saves you money later which can be spent on better things like a radio, coffee and cigarettes. If you decide to wait, it can take up to two months to get a pair of sneakers (they order them 4 times a year), and even then they might not fit right. God forbid you get the wrong size because you don't get them until you sign for them, and that's it.

Once you get here, one of the first things you should be sure to buy at the canteen is a lock. If you bring in any valuables (watch, ring, etc.) be sure to use it. So many times I have seen and heard of someone literally turning away for two physical seconds from their property, and it grew legs. Remember where you are. This also goes for your whites. (prison issued boxers, socks, t-shirts); odds are if you don't keep them locked up, the new ones especially, they too can walk.

Also I would suggest that you shave your head. This will be done for you once you’re in, and a fresh shaved head while forced to stand in the yard all day in the sun… Yeah, burned scalp sucks, and hats are hard to come by.

Now you need to consider medical needs. If you have any issues, have your medical records ready to be sent in to verify your needs. So many inmates try to abuse this system and ultimately ruin it for those who do need it. If you take meds for psychological problems and can function without them, do yourself a favor – try. A psych rep is one (something missing here) down from the looney-bin, and it's a short step at that.

Friends - If anything, finding yourself in prison will show you who your friends really are. Your friends will keep in contact and offer you moral (and sometimes financial) support. Do not expect to be able to have any communication for the first week, minimum. It takes that long to get phone numbers approved. Bring the addresses of friends and family with you, and be sure they contain all the necessary information. For a number to be approved for you to call, it must be a land line and you have to know the name and address on their phone bill or it will be denied.

Mail - If you remember to bring paper, envelopes and stamps, you'll be allowed to keep them. Otherwise you may have to wait for your money to roll over to buy them. (Whatever funds you have on you at the time of processing will be placed into your prison account.)

Don't expect any visitors for the first month. It takes that long to get your visitor list approved and cleared with security checks. If they are a felon, they must be at least one year without offense to be eligible. Visits are a story in of themselves. Between the budding excitement, the actual visit, gorging on junk food and stuff, the good-byes—prepare to be exhausted and depressed.

On the subject of friends, I may as well say this—you will find no friends here. Associates, yes. People who will look out for you, yes. Friends, no.

You did your crime alone; you do your time alone.

Beware of the scam artist. He is typically the one who, out of the blue, offers his “services.” These services most always have a price tag attached. Yeah, let your imagination roll on that one. Scary stuff. A little dose of discretion and common sense goes a long way there. My best advice here is just to sit back and observe. Nine times out of ten, you'll catch on. It's also a good idea to mind your questions. Unless offered, don't ask. Surface issues are okay--children, family – but most questions about time and crime are best avoided. You could have just told some dude about your crummy five years rap and find out he's not that happy about his three consecutive life sentences. Bad idea to make them aware of it all over again.

On that note, there's an easy way to figure out both how long they've been down and how many times. On your ID card is your department issued prefix with either a zero or an alphabetical character. The zero means this is their first time. “A” is their second, “B” their third and so on... Most likely “A” means they simply violated their parole or probation. I've personally seen letters as high as “M.”

That's 14 times down.

This is what you might call “institutionalized.” If you feel you should stick to the old adage: “When in Rome,” Don't. If you accept this rule, you will not stop doing what it was that got you here. Try with all your worth to get something out of this. I've found that some of the most level headed people in here are the lifers. Most of those you'll meet have come to realize and accept the fact that this is their lot in life and they try to make the best of it, and unless you're sent to a high grade custody or psyche camp, you'll not likely run into the other kind of lifer.

A few common words you'll hear your first time in:

1. Convict – one who knows how to work the system.

2. Inmate – those regarded by the convicts as idiots

3. Jit – anyone under 21 years old.

4. Bug – just that, one who bugs out. Typically loony.

5. Rip – Rolled in prison, a smoke.

6. Buck – homemade brew, smells like a bar after closing and usually just as toxic.

7. Canteen – Inmate store.

In reality, one in nine males in the state of Florida has been to prison at least once. It's not the end of the line. Take advantage of any opportunities available while you are down. Get your GED if you don't have it already. Ask for vocational training courses: Auto Repair (AAMCO certification), Computer Programming Tech & repair, Plumbing, Construction, Welding, Law Clerk, and Small Electronics Repair. Most of these programs offer certification and help you to pass the time more quickly.

If you are considering getting a tattoo while you’re down, then add this to your list of things to consider. Disease runs very rampant here, and AIDS is high on that list. This is not the most sanitary place. That's all.

If nothing else, I hope you simply read this to pass the time. Maybe you found out a few “ice breakers” and can somewhat now knowledgeably approach that new guy at work about his prison experience (remember, one in nine males in Florida?). I can't tell you how many times my girl has told someone where I am, and their response is “Yeah, I got a friend or family member,” and then some. Point is: we all make mistakes. Some just get caught. Hopefully something was gained in the process.

Yeah, and if I ever run into any of you, let it be out there.

Not in here.

Our good friend Jay has another year to go at the time of this writing. Godspeed, Brother.