Tattoos have been a part of prison culture for some time. Prison tattoos are most often obtained to identify allegiance to a particular gang. Tattoos (called Tats or Ink) can also identify skills, specialties, or convictions. Tattooing is usually forbidden in the prison system, making it a daring task, as well as making it a potentially dangerous one.
Dangers of Prison Tattooing
The major danger of prison tattooing is blood-born pathogen (BBP) transmission. Typical methods for tattooing include use of common ball-point pen ink and crude make-shift needles. Sterilization is not performed between uses. Although most incarcerated persons fear HIV transmission, they should also be concerned about contracting Hepatitis B and C during this process. Skin infection is also a risk with the use of make-shift tattoo equipment and dirty conditions.
Other complications from prison tattooing are allergic reactions to the pigment, aggravation of existing skin diseases, and keloid scarring. You may see these conditions during a sick call visit.
Interestingly, Minnesota DOC is attempting to bring tattooing into its facilities as an apprentice skill program. Thus, tattooing would be regulated within the system so good technique and sterilized equipment would be used, which in turn would decrease BBP transmission and infection. In addition, the tattooing skills learned through the apprentice program would be the foundation for potential job opportunities in the community.
Educational Opportunity
Consider adding disease transmission information about prison tattooing during the intake process, especially if your facility has a known problem with behind the walls tattooing. Let incoming persons know about the dangers of engaging in tattooing during their stay at the facility. Other educational opportunities may come during sick call or cell-side rounds. Add tattoo information to regular infection control education and information materials.
Nursing Care Dilemma
As a correctional nurse at a correctional facility, you may find yourself in the middle of an ethical dilemma if you are asked to assess a tattoo for age. Correctional nurses have been asked to determine if a tattoo is recent (and therefore ‘illegal’), which places the nurse in a position to be part of a punitive action. Since correctional nurses must maintain a therapeutic relationship with their patients, an alternative method is needed at the facility for assessing and staging tattoos.
How are prison tattoos handled in your workplace? Share your story in the comment section for this post.
Amy says
In our facilities, we are taught never assume how old/ fresh a tat is. We just look at the tat to assess for possible infection and document factual information. Most nurses and other providers ,whether tatted or not, can’t easily ascertain the age of an tat. Nurses just need to document what they see and NOT “wing it”. Our state prison system, requires each offender to have all tats photographed upon their incarceration intake process have all tattoos photographed on day one.
. I am thrilled that a prison is starting an apprenticeship to learn the art of tattooing properly. When they are released they could have a great career learning these techniques. Benefit #2 it could decrease the cost of treating infections and other problems as your article stated.
Lori Roscoe says
Thanks Amy!