This position in the so‑called prisoner self‑government was held by a prisoner whose duties were maintaining order and discipline in the block, distributing food, and keeping records on the prisoners. The block elders had almost unlimited power over the prisoners, which usually took the form of continually hurrying, beating them, and imposing arbitrary punishments. Block elders had their own room that, by camp standards, was “luxuriously” furnished with a single bed, sheets, a pillow, and a duvet, as well as a wardrobe for his clothes and personal effects. Young prisoners known as “Pipels” had to clean for them and, sometimes were also forced to render sexual services. Block elders were distinguished by black coats, high boots, and armbands with the name of their post. In the early days of the camp, block elders were almost always German criminals. Later, Poles and Jews also became block elders. By that point, there were block elders who showed less brutality or even tried to protect their prisoner charges and exercise their power justly.

(Mini dictionary of terms from the history of Auschwitz)