The first obstacle to the prison researcher is the inherent correctional emphasis on security and the potential threat to security posed by outsiders. In engaging in prison research, the researcher must be aware of the formal structure of the organization at many levels, and be sensitive to the interpersonal dynamics of key players in the prison environment. This article provides helpful hints to prison researchers that emphasize recognition of the interests and concerns of four groups in the prison, including administrators at the highest level of the bureaucracy, local level bureaucracy at the particular site of research interest, correctional officers at the site, and inmates. The researcher must also have a working knowledge of the specific facility's history in terms of riots, famous incidents, infamous inmates, inmate litigation, and any court interventions. 1 figure and 21 references