“They call me a Gray Belly, because we wear gray uniforms.”
A prison guard talks about his experiences behind prison walls
Prague 2007: Common Ground
There are many Indians in Montana State Prison. James Bailey is one of the few who is there by choice. After seven years as a prison guard, Bailey gives his perspective on Indians in the state’s correctional system.
Does it seem to you that everyone is treated pretty equally or you think there is some kind of racism?
The inmates get along pretty well. We used to have racial issues here sometimes.
Do you have some image of how many people here are Native Americans?
17 percent, maybe.
Why do you think this is so?
I don’t know, I can’t tell you. We have always had a high rate of Natives here.
Do you think they relate to you better, that you have a better relationship with them?
Well, I suppose. I do the sweat house on Saturdays, so I’m with them. Being Native myself, I know the culture better, and I respect it. I don’t disrespect them. But they still have a line there, you know, I’m the security, they are the inmates. They still call me a Gray Belly, because we wear gray uniforms.
Does it ever get difficult for you to keep that line?
No. We treat everybody the same. They know what to expect. When they want me to bring them a pack of cigarettes, I say ‘Why would I do it for you, I don’t smoke myself?’”
How did you become a guard and why?
I used to be a security guard for the State of Montana for fifteen years. And then I just came here. You know, it is something to do, it is a job.
Do you like it or do you find it sometimes depressing?
No. There is a reason for everything. I am here for a reason.
Has it changed your view of your own culture at all; does it ever make you frustrated with Natives?
Sometimes it is depressing to watch the young kids who don’t have any culture at all. I watch people come and go and I watch people come back again.
What do you think would improve the conditions on reservations, and prevent Natives from coming back here again and again?
There are no jobs on reservation, that’s like half of the problem. I mean – no jobs so what are they gonna’ do? They turn to drugs and to alcohol. That is where it starts, it goes from there. Most of them don’t even stay in school and then they wind up in trouble.
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