Kapos (Capos)

The Kapo System

In every camp one could find Kapos. These were fellow prisoners who were chosen by the SS to supervise their fellow inmates whilst they were in the barracks or within work details. For their service, they would receive better food rations and clothes, they also were given their own room within the barrack block and could take on a servant, this usually was a young boy known as a 'pipel', who would receive special favours from the Kapo in exchange for doing his bidding, which included sexual favours.

If a Kapo failed to supervise or discipline their charges properly, they would simply be replaced, and this loss of power over their fellow inmates, could lead to their own violent deaths at the hands of these inmates. To keep their lofty position, many Kapos would use extreme violence on their fellow inmates, and because of this abuse of power and privilege, they were generally despised by their fellow prisoners. The SS would generally choose a Kapo from the criminal [Green Triangles] elements, especially if they were known murderers or have a history violence.

Lagerältester: The most powerful Kapo within the camps were known as the Lagerältester (camp leader or camp senior). They were answerable to the camp commandant and had to ensure that everything was running smoothly within the camp. 

Blockältester: Lagerältester was followed by the Blockältester (Barrack room leader) who ensured that the rules and discipline were maintained within each barrack block. 

Stubenälteste: Also, within the barracks, there was a Stubenälteste who was directly responsible for ensuring that the barrack room was kept as clean and tidy, which was difficult because of barracks were generally infested with lice which carried typhus.

Blockschreiber/Rapportschreiber: These people kept records of all the prisoners within each barrack which was then used during roll calls. 

Oberkapo/Kapo/Vorarbeiter: Work parties were generally supervised by the Oberkapo (senior Kapo), or lower Kapos as well as the Vorarbeiter (foreman). Their primary responsibilities were to ensure that their work details arrived at their designated workplaces on time, and to ensure each work prisoner was doing what was expected of them, they were expected to maintain discipline within each detail and to escort the work parties back to the barracks after each day's toil and sweat. Prisoners would be beaten regularly by the Kapos, and sometimes even killed.

Prisoners who fell out with a Kapo could have their life expectancy cut short, but if they were liked by the Kapo they could be protected or even helped into a better and safer work detail. 

Corruption was extremely rife within the Kapo system and this corruption could also act as a lifeline for some prisoners, who could barter with them for some special privileges or access to more food or what little medicines were available on the black market, thus prolonging their chances of survival.