Alcatraz was used as a prison from 1934 to 1963 many prisoners liked the living conditions and would request to be moved there(BOP: Alcatraz). Those in Alcatraz were usually prisoners are extremely violent or were usually prisoners that have escaped from previous prisons. The warden says to not trust these prisoners, especially of the D-Section for if they are out of their cells for even just a moment they won’t hesitate to kill even if it is one of their cellmates (Edwards, Willard).