the meaning of "gen pop"
“ We get Gen_Pop locked down for a day， you'll have all the time you need .”

This is a line from Prison Break. Can you tell me the meaning of "Gen Pop" in this sentence？ Thanks a lot!!

Question

the meaning of "gen pop"
“ We get Gen_Pop locked down for a day， you'll have all the time you need .”

This is a line from Prison Break. Can you tell me the meaning of "Gen Pop" in this sentence？ Thanks a lot!!

Answer

This is slang and is short for "general population".  It originates from American prisons, where it refers to a yard in the prison where all prisoners mingle, from murderers to minor crimes.  In prison, it can be a dangerous place.
It is also used by teenagers to mean a return to normal family or school situation after some time away for some reason.
"I was in detention for talking in class."
"Welcome to back to gen pop."