A random sample of 120 inmates was selected from the Bedford Hills correctional facility, and a sample of 58 was taken from the Riker's Island facility. Forty to forty-four percent of the samples had tattoos, most of which had been acquired while in prison. In comparing the backgrounds of the tattooed subjects with the nontattooed, those tattooed were found to have more extensive criminal backgrounds beginning at an earlier age. Those tattooed were also more likely to be involved in lesbian relationships, usually in the 'butch' role. From interviews with the subjects, it was determined that there are four underlying motives for having tattoos. Persons particularly sensitive to the pressures of prison life sought cathartic relief through tattoos. For others, tattooing was an attempt to gain acceptance in the criminal subculture where tattooing is prevalent. Some used tattoos to memorialize significant others or events in the free world from which prison had separated them. The vast majority, however, used tattoos to express an emotional involvement with significant others in the prison, most often through a tatoo of the initials of the other person. Many of those tattooed had perceived nonacceptance in the heterosexual world outside the prison because of their tattoos, and found being tattooed was a barrier to employment. Ways of reducing the practice of tattooing for women inmates are suggested. The structure used for the interview and statistical analysis methods used are appended. Tabular data, footnotes, and a bibliography of approximately 68 references are included.