[billyboy]

Most ask to be placed in "protective custody"...

It is required by law in California, anyways. Segregation and protective custody to protect various inmates from the general population. Molesters, child abusers, wife beaters, handicap abusers, various gangs,snitches/rats, all must be protected/segregated. Movements of these inmates involves a real juggling game. General Population inmates are keenly aware of who the special ones are and they are all anxious to score some points by knocking one off. The inmates have a strange system of what is acceptable behavior amongst themselves. "Respect" is also a big deal with them. I see it like "who is the stinkiest turd in the pot"