In contrast to public perceptions of Mexican prisons, the inmates reported no mistreatment in the prison; any harsh or brutal treatment they suffered had been at the hands of law enforcement officers and municipal jailers. While bribery or "mordida" does play an important role in the Mexican criminal justice system, the two priority items for prisoners -- sports activities and contact with friends -- were made available to them without bribes. The inmates reported that those without money are helped by those who do have financial resources. The main concern of the prison authorities is the inmates' behavior and neither money nor political influence will help a disruptive inmate. 18 references (Author abstract modified)