Deck 22: Descent Into Madness: The New Mexico State Prison Riot

Question 1

How many inmates were killed by other inmates during the riot at PNM?

A) 3
B) 12
C) 22
D) 33

Answer 1

D

Question 2

During the PNM riot, most of the inmates ______.

A) took correctional officers hostage
B) stole drugs from the prison pharmacy
C) stabbed or sodomized other inmates
D) wanted to escape the mayhem and violence

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The author was hired by ______ as a principal researcher for the riot investigation.

A) a spouse of one of the correctional officers
B) the Attorney General
C) an inmate who acted heroically
D) the prison warden

Answer 3

B

Question 4

What prompted the PNM's 1976 peaceful protest?

A) The new prison administration dismantled prison programs and reduced inmate privileges.
B) Inmates were being placed in solitary confinement for seemingly minor infractions.
C) There was a change in the food service company at the prison.
D) The "hole" was reopened and used more frequently.

Question 5

Which of the following was a daily occurrence between 1976 and 1979 at PNM?

A) sexual assaults
B) inmate solidarity
C) displays of strong leadership
D) violence toward correctional officers

Question 6

What was the overall effect of the "snitch game?"

A) Inmates were granted early parole.
B) There was an increase in drug use throughout the prison.
C) There was a reduction in the number of hardcore cliques.
D) There was decrease in inmate solidarity.

Question 7

An inmate with the label of ______ would be considered the weakest at PNM in the late 1970s.

A) punk
B) snitch
C) violent fighter
D) homosexual

Question 8

Which of the following was a characteristic of the riot?

A) Inmates ingested massive doses of drugs.
B) Actions were highly organized and coordinated.
C) No inmates were killed until the following afternoon.
D) Several inmates were taken as hostages.

Question 9

Where in PNM did the most horrific killings occur?

A) Dorm E-1
B) the prison pharmacy
C) Cellhouse 6
D) the Protective Custody unit

Question 10

Most of the violence during the 1980 riot at PNM was caused by ______.

A) correctional officers
B) prison gangs
C) national guardsmen
D) inmate cliques

Question 11

Compare and contrast the 1980 New Mexico State Prison riot and the 1971 Attica prison riot.

Question 12

Explain the role that inconsistencies in security and discipline had on life at PNM.

Question 13

Define the "snitch game," including its effect on inmate solidarity.

Question 14

Identify the five points that the two Durans and Candlaria tried to negotiate on the last day of the riot.

Question 15

Describe one act of heroism described in the reading.