Based on observations and materials in the 'Walla Walla Union Bulletin,' brief chapters examine the conditions within the facility, as well as the inmates' and staff's reactions to them. Changes in the policies and operations of the prison during the tenure of two wardens cover the period from after World War II to the present. The treatment and special circumstances of death row, mentally ill, and violent inmates are depicted. A variety of prison educational, vocational, occupational, and recreational programs are described. Other material examines the activities of inmates' organizations, such as the lifers' group, the motorcycle club, and Indian, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups. Inmates' grievances are examined with reference to prisoners' rights, and several inmate lawsuits are reviewed. Internal security issues also are covered, including cell searches, contraband, internal drug trafficking, inmate classification, segregation and transfer of inmates, visitor procedures, and escapes.