What is the term used to describe the head inmate who acts as a leader in prison?

The term "shot caller" is commonly used in correctional settings to describe the head inmate who exercises control, influence, or leadership over other inmates. This individual often has significant authority within the prison's social hierarchy and can impact decisions, such as how certain groups of inmates interact or respond to various situations within the facility.

The role of a shot caller can be crucial in maintaining order and influence among the inmate population, often dictating actions and behavior in alignment with the unwritten rules of prison culture. This position is generally not affiliated with formal prison authority, but rather arises from respect, fear, or a combination of both among the inmates.

Other terms provided, such as soldier, warrior, or ninja, do not carry the same recognized meaning in the context of inmate leadership. Soldiers typically refer to members of a gang or group who carry out the shot caller’s directives, while warriors might imply a broader notion of conflict or battle, lacking the specific context of leadership within the prison environment. The term ninja is not commonly associated with prison dynamics and does not reflect the leadership role that a shot caller embodies.