TTI utilization of the Kapo system
For those of you not aware, the Kapo system is a system the Nazis used in concentration camps.
>The Kapo system or "prisoner functionaries" was an insidious Nazi mechanism of control designed to pit concentration camp inmates against one another, effectively outsourcing the brutality of the SS to victims. By forcing inmates to supervise fellow prisoners, the Nazis maintained control over large populations with minimal staff, creating a "self-sustaining" system. This system allowed the SS to manage large inmate populations with minimal staff, offering Kapos privileges like better food, housing, and survival chances. The Nazis preffered the Kapos to be of the criminal class, but towards the end of the war Jewish and political prisoners were becoming kapos.
In both of my TTI programs, it seemed like their programs were influenced by the Kapo system. There were always kids who were put in "leadership" roles that were treated better and had better accommodations than everyone else. They acted as adjunct staff of the program. Often more strict and brutal compared to actual staff. They usually would be the first to snitch on you. They were the staffs main henchmen.
Did anyone else programs have kapos or a kapo system? When I was court ordered to Teen Challenge they were called "emerging leaders program". At teen challenge they had a hard on for thugs and tough guys. These guys were usually fast tracked as emerging leaders. In my other program which was a bootcamp these guys would be given corporal rank. They also preffered the ghetto tough guys/thugs to give these positions to. You would never see these kapo roles given to a white suburban kid for example. Only the street thug/tough guy types.