What Is a Shank in Prison

Prison shank definition and materials

• Improvised weapon: A shank is an improvised weapon crafted by inmates, designed for stabbing or cutting
• Common materials: Prison shanks are often made from:
  • Metal objects
  • Plastic items (e.g., melted-down styrofoam, Saran wrap)
  • Wood
  • Toothbrushes
  • Pencils
  • Chicken bones
• Sharpening technique: Inmates often sharpen their homemade prison weapons using simple friction on concrete surfaces over time to avoid detection

Construction methods for homemade prison weapons

• Toothbrush modification: A common method involves attaching razor blades to toothbrush handles by partially melting the plastic
• Plastic shaping: Some inmates melt down plastic, shape it to a point, and sharpen it on rough concrete to create a prison shank
• Workshop crafting: In prisons with workshops, inmates may craft metal shanks with an attack power of 9 HP

Concealment and detection of prison shanks

• Hiding spots: Shanks are often hidden in secret locations such as:
  • Inside books
  • Under mattresses
  • In cells
• Detection methods:
  • Metal detectors are used, especially for metallic homemade prison weapons
  • Dogs can detect some substances, but not all materials used in shanks
  • Regular cell searches and pat-downs are conducted
• Detection challenges: 100% detection is not guaranteed, and effectiveness depends on staff morale

Legal consequences of possessing a shank in prison

• Additional charges: Possession of a shank can result in:
  • Felony charges for bringing contraband into a penal institution
  • Substantial sentence increases, potentially classifying the inmate as a career offender
• Specific sentences: Examples of sentences for prison shank possession:
  • 37 months additional prison time
  • 24 months consecutive sentence
• Long-term monitoring: Inmates with a history of shank possession are often monitored differently than others

Prison slang related to shanks

• Alternative terms:
  • "Shiv": Common slang term for a homemade knife, thought to be of Romany origins
  • "Steel": Often refers to a knife with a cutting edge rather than a stabbing implement
• Usage: "Shank" can be used as both a noun (the weapon itself) and a verb (the act of using it) in prison contexts

FAQ

What is a shank in prison?

A shank in prison is a homemade weapon, typically a sharp, pointed object made from everyday items like toothbrushes, metal, or plastic. It's designed for stabbing or cutting and is crafted by inmates using materials available to them within the prison environment.

How are prison shanks made?

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

What are the consequences of possessing a shank in prison?

Possessing a shank in prison can result in severe legal consequences, including additional felony charges, substantial sentence increases, and potentially being classified as a career offender. Sentences can range from 24 to 37 months of additional prison time, and inmates may face long-term monitoring.

How do prison officials detect shanks?

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

What are some alternative terms for prison shanks?

Alternative terms for prison shanks include "shiv," which is thought to be of Romany origin and commonly refers to a homemade knife. "Steel" is another term, often used to describe a knife with a cutting edge rather than a stabbing implement. The term "shank" can be used as both a noun (the weapon itself) and a verb (the act of using it) in prison contexts.