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FORUM on Corrections Research
Snitching in Swedish Prisons
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Swedish researcher Malin Akerstrom of the University of Lund has carried out an interesting study of how
"snitches" or "tattlers" are identified by their prison mates. Akerstrom conducted in-depth interviews
with 104 inmates in nine Swedish prisons and provided an account of how the inmates gather and interpret
information about snitches. The study suggests that identifying snitches represents a preoccupation
among many prisoners in Sweden. The researcher outlined an elaborate system of techniques which inmates
employ to detect those among them who are untrustworthy. The Swedish researcher emphasizes that much of the labeling process is dependent upon the context of snitching. An outsider to the prison environment is regarded as a "witness" rather than a snitch. In addition, snitching may be excused if it involves accusations about a morally repugnant act. An inmate may not be subjected to the labeling process if he provides information on an individual who has a poor reputation among other inmates. A popular view held by inmates was that almost all of their peers had "snitched" at one time or another when they were on the outside. However, only a small proportion of inmates actually were stuck with the label of "snitch" within the prison context. Another finding was that inmates who had incurred drug charges were viewed as particularly untrustworthy by their fellow inmates. Prisoners who return from rehabilitative programs constitute a second group that is very vulnerable to being charged with snitching. Because of the perception that their friends become participants in "open" group therapy sessions, many inmates believe rehabilitation programs are training grounds for snitching. On the other hand, spending time in particularly tough prisons may earn an inmate considerable esteem and protection from allegations of snitching. The study indicated that guards are often an important source of information about inmates who snitch. Mistrusted in most of their dealings with inmates, guards are considered very reliable sources in this respect. Inmates who talk to guards, earn seemingly undeserved privileges, or are voluntarily placed in isolation run the risk of being accused of snitching. Swedish inmates also have access to more formal evidence of snitching in the form of court transcripts and documents from police investigations. The reports name individuals who have provided information to authorities. In some cases, the documents are considered the ultimate evidence for labeling a snitch. It is not uncommon for inmates to carry their own files, and when accused of snitching are able to verify their innocence by reference to official papers. The in-depth interviews highlighted the importance that inmates assign to snitching. Because the researcher was seen as having no formal attachments to the prison environment and could protect the anonymity of his informants, he was able to provide a unique glimpse into an important aspect of prison life. The study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting intensive research on prison culture, and the usefulness of information provided by inmates to outsiders. A question worthy of research in Canada concerns the extent to which Akerstrom's findings on Swedish snitching apply to the experience of inmates in this country. Akerstrom, M. (1988). The Social Construction of Snitches. Deviant Behavior, 9:155-167. |
