Penalogists have recognized for centuries that successful institutions rely on self discipline to control the behavior of inmate populations. That goal is usually achieved by rewarding expected behavior. To substitute a system that utilizes domestic intimidation is risky as evidenced by the circumstances that prompted this article.
At one time in Cook Co. Il they were called barn bosses. In the old days the inmates were locked up at night in a barn. The toughest prisoners were left in charge of all the other prisoners without any supervision. A terrible system.