Alcatraz Attracted Inmate Transfer Requests

Alcatraz's tough-as-nails reputation was partly a Hollywood creation, and some federal inmates actually requested transfers there. Its one-man-per-cell policy reduced the risk of attacks by fellow prisoners. First warden James A. Johnston believed poor food caused prison riots, so he served good meals and allowed unlimited additional helpings. Well-behaved inmates also received monthly movies and access to a library containing 15,000 books and 75 magazine subscriptions.

Previous Fact Next Fact