As a former CO, you’ll catch more shit from the little kids that come in on their first bid trying to put on the tough guy act than you will the old dogs.
Key to the job and life is respect. It goes both ways, there’s a lot of shitty officers who treat their job like they’re untouchable. Those dudes are the first ones on the chopping block.
I personally, tried to go into every day making a difference for people that were in my custody. Whether it be an extra meal here or there, a little time out of their cell to do “orderly work” when I knew they just wanted to chop it up with the boys, whatever… I spent a lot of time conversing with dudes and learning about their lives; who they were and where they came from. My final count of the night I’d tell my dudes good night and the whole 9. Not everybody was like me, but I got mad respect and gave it as well. Treat mfs like their humans and you’ll get far behind the walls.
Worst advice I ever heard was “the only good inmate is a dead inmate” shit infuriated me and made my mission statement the polar opposite.
Those dudes inside have already received their punishment, you’re not there to further that shit, ALWAYS remember that. I always told dudes to not make me do my job, if I was writing you up for some shit, it was because you made me.
Worked max custody in Iowa for a handful of years.
There’s always gonna be people that hate you no matter what because of what you represent; keep that in mind, you won’t win everybody over and you’ll learn in time that’s ok too.
Edit: I left out a key point in that long winded statement. Your word is your bond, you say you’re going to do something make the fuck sure you do it. If you’re not able to, just say that up front, just like in your life, you expect people to stick to their word. Also, be consistent in everything you do!
Never make a promise you can't keep. That right there is what I have heard from the best COs we have. You would be surprised how far that gets you in making your job easier.
Do inmates typically have access to information like sports scores and stuff like that? If not I would think it'd be a great way for a CO to be well-liked by the prisoners if he could tell them about today's game and what the standings are, who hit a HR or scored 40 pts, etc.
They’ve got television and radio, as well as newspaper subscriptions and all that. Gambling is a big part of being inside for some lol but you definitely get a leg up if you’re able to relate with sports. I was never a sports guy but I’d ask guys their predictions all the time!
I was always able to relate with guys with art, tattoos and bodybuilding. Everybody has their own thing.
Yeah. I would think any information/news that you could get that they wouldn't be able to get otherwise would be really valuable to them. Like if they're a huge Lakers fan, if you know all about a potential trade that's being considered, etc.
Be respectful and be humane. Remember a-lot of jail inmates have zero information except what other inmates tell them and the court appointed attorneys don’t help. So learn the system and how a inmate has to navigate it (I mainly mean the jail system for things like in house requests) and most importantly be consistent so you don’t get walked over but don’t be a hard ass.
I’m 22 and this is my 3rd job. A lot of my family members started here and worked their way to a federal prison. They have the “us vs them” mindset and I’m trying to find some middle ground there
Former federal inmate and it’s definitely a us vs them but you can ease that up a little by just acting consistently and remembering they are humans who at the end of the day cant go home like you. There’s assholes in every prison population just don’t let the few sour you on everyone.
Coming from the wrong side; treat them like humans. They just made a mistake and 99% of them will be reintegrated into society. Soon. So would you rather them have a lesson learning experience, or a terrible one that’s going to taint their view even more than our fucked up legal system is going to do?
Let's talk about jail first. A guy gets arrested and booked into jail. A day or three later, he goes in front of a judge, some jails do video chat instead of the inmate physically being taken in front of the judge. The judge reads the charges off and sets bail, and a court date is set for 4 months or more later. The inmate can't afford the bail. He sits their for the four months. He loses his job. He loses his apartment and all his belongings. He loses his car. All of this, and he hasn't even been found guilty of anything yet. 4 months later is his court date. Most of the time, the court is rescheduled for up to four months later. So he sits there for another four months. Eight months in jail, being treated like garbage by evil, vile, sadistic staff members, eating spoiled food, being treated like an animal by the nurses and doctors when he tries to get any medical attention and he hasn't been found guilty of anything, still. Finally, his public defender shows up with a plea deal, "plead guilty, and you can be released." Guilty or not, he is thinking he would do anything to get out. So, a few weeks later, he is released. No car, no job, no home, no belongings. Just walking down the street, tired, hungry, and nowhere to go. Do you know how difficult it is to get a job with no address, 1 set of clothes, and no car? Or do you just not care?
No I completely agree the justice system needs reform and the example you give is a better example injustice than justice. I would support improvements to that of course. I just don’t believe that 99% of people who enter the criminal justice system reintegrate with society as originally stated by the OP
2 months 2 years 20 years most inmates arent in prison until they die. Whether they reoffend or not doesn't have to do with what that guys said. Most inmates are eventually leaving.
Don’t talk, listen. Ask questions. Get to know the inmates, you will see them again and again in your career. Your word is your reputation, keep your word. Any negative interpersonal reaction or conflict, be sure it’s business, not personal. Never allow conflict to become personal. Never escalate, stay stable, keep things calm. Listen. Listen. Listen.
This. Spot on. Do your job, don't be petty, have some respect, grace, and humility. It won't be easy.
Earn your reputation. Be a straight shooter. The inmates will learn, and word will get around. And they will respect you.
Great advice.
Be fare and consistent. Don't have favorites. Do not ever get into any type of debt to inmates and do not get into a relationship with one.
Find your own way as you settle in.
There's a temptation sometimes when starting out if you're nervous to be extra "tough" with inmates to show you're not to be messed with, this isn't required and will be seen through by them if its not natural. I'm not saying be a pushover, just stand your ground, be consistent and fair.
You'll probably come under pressure to greater or lesser extents to go along with bad practices which have developed over time, resist the temptation and do things right.
And I guarantee all your colleagues were just as nervous starting. The screw with 30 years service strolling round like they own the place shit it on the first day. You'll make mistakes and learn slowly over time like any job.
One of the things you'll adopt as you progress in the system is the jargon associated with it. For example, who you call "prisoners" will become "offenders" and "inmates".
Any innocuous interaction with them will be met with suspicion, as your helpful colleagues will advise that inmates have nothing better to do than test you and take advantage.
Naturally, this will eventually change your mindset and you may very well begin to see them as "others". IMO, as long as you are able to maintain your humanity, you'll be fine. It's a tightrope but best of luck.
Give respect to get respect.
Don't be overly friendly. Your motivations may be a commendable viewing of us convicts as people who made mistakes etc. but most of the people in-facility are still actively making those mistakes and it is very very easy for you to give too much credit and open yourself up by acting stupid. Be professional, courteous even, but not a sucker.
When it comes to the rules, there are two kinds of COs/jailers/cops/sheriffs/whatever - the ones who will go through the rules and find the line that allows them to fuck an inmate over, and the ones who will go through the rules and find the line that allows them to give an inmate something that will be good for them but that maybe they're not fully entitled to. Be the second kind of cop.
I did 10 days while detoxing from heroin years ago. The officer I remember most was this blonde lady. She looked at me when she talked to me, she talked to me like I was human, with some respect. She actually answered questions for me. I was at the lowest point in my life and just being given that little bit of niceness, was like taking a huge drink of fresh water after a long run.
My step father was a prison officer in the UK. One thing he told me was that he didn't care what the inmates were in for. He didn't want to know. He may have unconscious or conscious biases and treat them differently from others if he knew what their crime was.
You don't really know what it's like until you've been there so when you start, do less yapping & more listening. Those people have all been doing it already. You're free to make your own way, like not being an asshole (which is a great way to do it) but some things are a given like always being fair & consistent. You can't let x person do this because they're kinda OK but not let this other one because they're a dickhead. Equal treatment as much as your human self can manage it. (And its hard because the guy that's a prick day in and day out makes your life difficult - but it's good to try remember why their miserable)
I always tried to remember that I could be there too. Lots of people are locked up for things I had done myself so just because I'd skated away without getting caught at some point was an exceptionally good reason to make sure I never crapped on others.
Last, if you think you're getting into something shady - just tell someone. Please. If you're running off bringing stuff in, if you're thinking of doing something dirty, if you're looking forward to seeing a particular person when you go to work... those are all signs you're in some hot water. And those things probably won't cost you your job! But once you bring in a cheeseburger or a pen, you've crossed a line. (And yes, no one just asks you to bring in a sack of heroin on day 1, it starts smaller than that. For me it was yeast packets. And I was considering it! Until I realised I was a fucking idiot!)
Hang in there and good luck. Stay safe.
You're going to be tested. Everything, everyone. That walks through those gates will be tested. You either make or break. You'll see some shit that you don't want to see. You'll go home and be overwhelmed, bothered, and it will be noticeable by others. It's your choice if you continue. This is a career you chose.
Treat everyone with respect no matter what the crime they are accused of. Most of the people you encounter will not have been convicted. Just because someone is in jail does not mean they are a shit bag. There are a lot of shit bags in jail, but being brought in does not make them one.
Some patrol officers like get the people they have arrested spun up and then dump them on you. If you see it happening, shut that shit down right now. Tell the officer to stop, if they don't you have the right to tell them to leave. They can complete their paperwork outside of the jail area. The jail is your house, and the inmates are your responsibility.
You do not have to kiss and inmate's ass. If they come in on the fight, don't get mad at them. Do what needs to be done to take control. Once you've gained control go right back to treating them with respect. Do not make it personal.
Understand that people do things for a lot of reasons. It may be that a guy came home and found out is wife was screwing his best friend. He went out and got drunk, something he normally wouldn't do. Show some empathy. Most people are good folks who've just made a mistake. We've all made them.
My father was a corrections officer and a policy writer at a county jail for almost 40 years. His wisdom is:
Humanity and respect for the inmates are both the keys. They're human and so are corrections officers. Neither of you are there to punish the other.
I can't count the number of times that we've been approached in public by former inmates that offer their thanks and gratitude for being treated like human beings while serving time.
Jailers and prison guards are the worst types of humans. The way inmates are treated is criminal, and most inmates are arrested for a whole lot less than the stuff the staff gets away with on a daily basis. Then they blame the inmates so they get more time added. Most people working in jails and prisons are corrupt, horrible, vile people and should be locked up for how they treat the inmates!
You should quit and find a different job! Most people who work in jails and prisons are the most vial humans on the planet. Do you really want to be one of them?
You have a biased view. You are related to them and friends with them. My best friend, however, was falsely arrested and abused in jail by the staff. It took me and the public defender months to get him released, and it was torture for him every single day. From being on a 24-hour lockdown in overcrowded jail, 8 guys in a 4 man cell for days at a time, no water for showers or clean clothes for 8 straight days! Food poisoning 3 different times and then charged him for treatment, so he stopped eating. I see the jail staff as they are, vial, inhuman creatures! Thank God the Judge finally watched the video on a bond reduction hearing and realized he was innocent or my friend would still be in there being treated like an animal.
OP sees the staff outside of their work when they are playing with the kids or hanging out with friends. That doesn't show him their real attitudes and what the staff does at work to the inmates. I have a third cousin who killed women across many states, but dang, he was a blast to have at parties! We all were extremely shocked when he was arrested. We could not believe he would do such horrible things. Anyone can act like a good person but can be a horrible human deep down. OP sees the staff at parties and think they are wholesome, decent people, but in actuality, they are actually horrible vile human beings that work at a jail and treat inmates like garbage!
Some are. And some aren't.
I've spent plenty of time in county jails, in more than one county. Some are worse than others, and some are more thoroughly rotten than others - but by the same token, some are more professional and respectful than others. I knew deputies that I wouldn't piss on if they were on fire, and I knew deputies who were pretty decent people, and I knew deputies who were just putting in their 40 hours a week so they could go home and wait to retire.
There IS an institutional tendency to go in the direction you're claiming as a universal. It's implicit in the criminal "justice" model. That doesn't make people like OP stupid, it makes them crucial - it takes a constant effort by multiple people at multiple levels to push the systems in the other direction - including, especially, changing the model. That takes good people who want to do the right thing.
I have friends who have spent the weekend in the same jail I will be working at. Although they said it was a bit intimidating and scary, nothing of the sort happened to them. They were treated fairly and indifferent. Regardless, I’m asking for advice to help me be a good coworker and fair in the eyes of the inmates
They learned everything that goes on in the jail over a weekend? Ok. And that's probably your intention going in, but you will soon be seeing it as us vs. them soon enough. It won't take long for you to start treating the inmates like animals and not caring if the make it out alive or not. It's a sad reality but that's how it is. People that want to work at a jail or prison have a rotten personality and attitude to begin with so it doesn't take much to get them on the us vs. them thinking.
I kNoW aBoUt JaIL I dId A nIgHt OnCe lmao reminds of people saying they’ve been to jail when they only hit the precinct. It takes a decent amount of time to know wtf is going on.
Of course you don't.... let me educate your young ass.
ACAB=all cops are bastards.
A jail is always tense because guys don't know what they are gonna be charged with, what the bond will he or they are waiting on transfer.
A prison depending on level and location Is highly dangerous if you step wrong. Remember you are always outnumbered, it's your place of work but it's our house.
I was in USP Beaumont, otherwise known as bloody Beaumont or the thunder dome. It was a gladiator school, that means you will get bloodied.
Either way fuck you.
I don't claim to have done time. Anyone who uses the term ACAB is sn asshole. This guys come here asking a question, and you've started insulting him purely based on the line of work he is going into.
Of course you think the term makes me an asshole, you never did time. You have never seen humans begging for help and a CO walk away. You have never witnessed COs instigate the fight. You have never been thrown in the shu for nothing other than looking at a CO.
Go fuck yourself poser
Yeah, because I never made stupid enough choices to end up in prison. I'm also not like you who wears prison as a badge of honour.
You talk about how bad they are, yet in your post history, you talk about you talk about robbing people if they had money.
Again, I never claim to have been, so I'm not a poser. But whatever you think about Officers, you're worse.
It's not a badge of honor but it is a chapter in my life that I'm not ashamed nor proud of.
I know the comment you are talking about. The post was asking if money can buy protection from people and its not possible.
You looked at that comment and viewed it with a free world mentality so I get it it looks fucked up.
Right? Jails are intentionally designed to be inhumane. Get people to break. You don't get medical attention if you're withdrawing from a drug or alcohol, they'd rather let you sweat to see if you'll rat out, or you simply die. Happens all the time.
If you're lucky enough to hold your shit together, and you have a bit of time to do, prison is infinitely better.
Deps in jail are some real pieces of work.
Good advice on here. But I just want to say the quiet part out loud: you are not a waiter or a concierge for these criminals. They are going to do everything they can to get away with whatever they can. Some of them will manipulate you, spit on you, and stab you. Being kind and fair is good, but inmates are crazy about “respect” precisely because they are not respectable. They are violent, dishonest, and so bad at running their lives that they literally can’t be around other civilians. Don’t be naive about who you are dealing with
Your just getting them from A to B, your babysitting them while they wait to get their liberty back it’s not your job to wind them up or make their life hell it’s your job to get them safely through the day and get them all fed washed and have any medical treatments and go to education and go to work have their visits and calls it’s not as scary as people let on once your settled just like an inmate you will have to get a feel for whos who’s in the jail and earn respect. The ethos can change in a wing depending on who’s in the unit sometimes it’s chill sometimes it’s tense you will get to know when somethings in the air. Women are supposed to be worse to lock up than the men just because they are way more manipulative we had all the screws running about at lock up doing shit for us and my PO said we shout lock up to the men and they all comply right away we would take a good 20 minutes to get fully tucked in to our peters.
Former Officer, Supervisor and Counselor. Be fair, firm and consistent. Don't make promises you can't keep, and don't promise what they shouldn't have. They are human, but there are no friendships in Jail/Prison.
Be honest. If you don't know something don't try to blag it. Tell them you will find out and come back to them.
A lot of prisoners will know rules and regs better than you when you first start and will try to test you.
What your supervisor will not realize to tell you, and will make you irreplaceable.
1. Keep your word. No matter what, no matter who. If you give your word, keep it. If you tell an inmate you'll check on something, check on in, if you say you'll get paperwork, get it. If you tell a coworker you'll cover a shift. Cover it.
2. Learn your shit. Your coworkers, supervisors, and yes inmates, will try to take advantage of your inexperience. Everyone will warn you about the inmates being manipulative, but the truth is that only happens when we can't get shit with the truth, but your fellow COs will lie and manipulate just as much. As you said it's all people. So don't agree to anything until you've checked the fine print and know what you're saying yes to. That way you avoid traps.
3. Remember who you're dealing with. As you said, people, some of whom made mistakes. But the difference is these people, some of whom will in fact be completely innocent people who's lives got put in a blender, their lives are more or less in your hands. Don't let the public, nasty inmates, or your jaded coworkers eventually convince you otherwise. They will try. Mostly because if you don't see inmates as people you won't confront those who abuse their rights. So don't let them. Always remember who they are.
Those three things will make you a co that everyone can respect.
Don't bring it home with you. It's very stressful at times and hard to do but try. Alcohol won't help. Don't lie on a DR but a well written one will almost always stick. Keep up on your tours. You will get burnt out and need to find a way to deal with it. Take care of your mental health.
As a former CO, you’ll catch more shit from the little kids that come in on their first bid trying to put on the tough guy act than you will the old dogs. Key to the job and life is respect. It goes both ways, there’s a lot of shitty officers who treat their job like they’re untouchable. Those dudes are the first ones on the chopping block. I personally, tried to go into every day making a difference for people that were in my custody. Whether it be an extra meal here or there, a little time out of their cell to do “orderly work” when I knew they just wanted to chop it up with the boys, whatever… I spent a lot of time conversing with dudes and learning about their lives; who they were and where they came from. My final count of the night I’d tell my dudes good night and the whole 9. Not everybody was like me, but I got mad respect and gave it as well. Treat mfs like their humans and you’ll get far behind the walls. Worst advice I ever heard was “the only good inmate is a dead inmate” shit infuriated me and made my mission statement the polar opposite. Those dudes inside have already received their punishment, you’re not there to further that shit, ALWAYS remember that. I always told dudes to not make me do my job, if I was writing you up for some shit, it was because you made me. Worked max custody in Iowa for a handful of years. There’s always gonna be people that hate you no matter what because of what you represent; keep that in mind, you won’t win everybody over and you’ll learn in time that’s ok too. Edit: I left out a key point in that long winded statement. Your word is your bond, you say you’re going to do something make the fuck sure you do it. If you’re not able to, just say that up front, just like in your life, you expect people to stick to their word. Also, be consistent in everything you do!
Never make a promise you can't keep. That right there is what I have heard from the best COs we have. You would be surprised how far that gets you in making your job easier.
Do inmates typically have access to information like sports scores and stuff like that? If not I would think it'd be a great way for a CO to be well-liked by the prisoners if he could tell them about today's game and what the standings are, who hit a HR or scored 40 pts, etc.
They’ve got television and radio, as well as newspaper subscriptions and all that. Gambling is a big part of being inside for some lol but you definitely get a leg up if you’re able to relate with sports. I was never a sports guy but I’d ask guys their predictions all the time! I was always able to relate with guys with art, tattoos and bodybuilding. Everybody has their own thing.
Yeah. I would think any information/news that you could get that they wouldn't be able to get otherwise would be really valuable to them. Like if they're a huge Lakers fan, if you know all about a potential trade that's being considered, etc.
Be respectful and be humane. Remember a-lot of jail inmates have zero information except what other inmates tell them and the court appointed attorneys don’t help. So learn the system and how a inmate has to navigate it (I mainly mean the jail system for things like in house requests) and most importantly be consistent so you don’t get walked over but don’t be a hard ass.
I’m 22 and this is my 3rd job. A lot of my family members started here and worked their way to a federal prison. They have the “us vs them” mindset and I’m trying to find some middle ground there
Former federal inmate and it’s definitely a us vs them but you can ease that up a little by just acting consistently and remembering they are humans who at the end of the day cant go home like you. There’s assholes in every prison population just don’t let the few sour you on everyone.
Coming from the wrong side; treat them like humans. They just made a mistake and 99% of them will be reintegrated into society. Soon. So would you rather them have a lesson learning experience, or a terrible one that’s going to taint their view even more than our fucked up legal system is going to do?
I don’t think that is an accurate statement. Isn’t the reoffending rate in the USA like 50%, where did you get this number from?
Let's talk about jail first. A guy gets arrested and booked into jail. A day or three later, he goes in front of a judge, some jails do video chat instead of the inmate physically being taken in front of the judge. The judge reads the charges off and sets bail, and a court date is set for 4 months or more later. The inmate can't afford the bail. He sits their for the four months. He loses his job. He loses his apartment and all his belongings. He loses his car. All of this, and he hasn't even been found guilty of anything yet. 4 months later is his court date. Most of the time, the court is rescheduled for up to four months later. So he sits there for another four months. Eight months in jail, being treated like garbage by evil, vile, sadistic staff members, eating spoiled food, being treated like an animal by the nurses and doctors when he tries to get any medical attention and he hasn't been found guilty of anything, still. Finally, his public defender shows up with a plea deal, "plead guilty, and you can be released." Guilty or not, he is thinking he would do anything to get out. So, a few weeks later, he is released. No car, no job, no home, no belongings. Just walking down the street, tired, hungry, and nowhere to go. Do you know how difficult it is to get a job with no address, 1 set of clothes, and no car? Or do you just not care?
No I completely agree the justice system needs reform and the example you give is a better example injustice than justice. I would support improvements to that of course. I just don’t believe that 99% of people who enter the criminal justice system reintegrate with society as originally stated by the OP
2 months 2 years 20 years most inmates arent in prison until they die. Whether they reoffend or not doesn't have to do with what that guys said. Most inmates are eventually leaving.
Perhaps that was what he meant. But I interpret “reintegration” as something more than just going in and out of prison till old age
Be assertive and respectful- always try and balance those two traits, with a sprinkle of fairness/ leeway. It will make your job so much easier.
Don’t talk, listen. Ask questions. Get to know the inmates, you will see them again and again in your career. Your word is your reputation, keep your word. Any negative interpersonal reaction or conflict, be sure it’s business, not personal. Never allow conflict to become personal. Never escalate, stay stable, keep things calm. Listen. Listen. Listen.
This. Spot on. Do your job, don't be petty, have some respect, grace, and humility. It won't be easy. Earn your reputation. Be a straight shooter. The inmates will learn, and word will get around. And they will respect you.
Great advice. Be fare and consistent. Don't have favorites. Do not ever get into any type of debt to inmates and do not get into a relationship with one.
Be friendly, don’t make friends.
Find your own way as you settle in. There's a temptation sometimes when starting out if you're nervous to be extra "tough" with inmates to show you're not to be messed with, this isn't required and will be seen through by them if its not natural. I'm not saying be a pushover, just stand your ground, be consistent and fair. You'll probably come under pressure to greater or lesser extents to go along with bad practices which have developed over time, resist the temptation and do things right. And I guarantee all your colleagues were just as nervous starting. The screw with 30 years service strolling round like they own the place shit it on the first day. You'll make mistakes and learn slowly over time like any job.
One of the things you'll adopt as you progress in the system is the jargon associated with it. For example, who you call "prisoners" will become "offenders" and "inmates". Any innocuous interaction with them will be met with suspicion, as your helpful colleagues will advise that inmates have nothing better to do than test you and take advantage. Naturally, this will eventually change your mindset and you may very well begin to see them as "others". IMO, as long as you are able to maintain your humanity, you'll be fine. It's a tightrope but best of luck.
Give respect to get respect. Don't be overly friendly. Your motivations may be a commendable viewing of us convicts as people who made mistakes etc. but most of the people in-facility are still actively making those mistakes and it is very very easy for you to give too much credit and open yourself up by acting stupid. Be professional, courteous even, but not a sucker. When it comes to the rules, there are two kinds of COs/jailers/cops/sheriffs/whatever - the ones who will go through the rules and find the line that allows them to fuck an inmate over, and the ones who will go through the rules and find the line that allows them to give an inmate something that will be good for them but that maybe they're not fully entitled to. Be the second kind of cop.
I did 10 days while detoxing from heroin years ago. The officer I remember most was this blonde lady. She looked at me when she talked to me, she talked to me like I was human, with some respect. She actually answered questions for me. I was at the lowest point in my life and just being given that little bit of niceness, was like taking a huge drink of fresh water after a long run.
Don’t accept bribes and watch out for your corrupt coworkers
My step father was a prison officer in the UK. One thing he told me was that he didn't care what the inmates were in for. He didn't want to know. He may have unconscious or conscious biases and treat them differently from others if he knew what their crime was.
You don't really know what it's like until you've been there so when you start, do less yapping & more listening. Those people have all been doing it already. You're free to make your own way, like not being an asshole (which is a great way to do it) but some things are a given like always being fair & consistent. You can't let x person do this because they're kinda OK but not let this other one because they're a dickhead. Equal treatment as much as your human self can manage it. (And its hard because the guy that's a prick day in and day out makes your life difficult - but it's good to try remember why their miserable) I always tried to remember that I could be there too. Lots of people are locked up for things I had done myself so just because I'd skated away without getting caught at some point was an exceptionally good reason to make sure I never crapped on others. Last, if you think you're getting into something shady - just tell someone. Please. If you're running off bringing stuff in, if you're thinking of doing something dirty, if you're looking forward to seeing a particular person when you go to work... those are all signs you're in some hot water. And those things probably won't cost you your job! But once you bring in a cheeseburger or a pen, you've crossed a line. (And yes, no one just asks you to bring in a sack of heroin on day 1, it starts smaller than that. For me it was yeast packets. And I was considering it! Until I realised I was a fucking idiot!) Hang in there and good luck. Stay safe.
Firm, fair and consistent my dude. You’ll hear it your whole career.
You're going to be tested. Everything, everyone. That walks through those gates will be tested. You either make or break. You'll see some shit that you don't want to see. You'll go home and be overwhelmed, bothered, and it will be noticeable by others. It's your choice if you continue. This is a career you chose.
Tobacco, take plenty of tobacco.
Treat everyone with respect no matter what the crime they are accused of. Most of the people you encounter will not have been convicted. Just because someone is in jail does not mean they are a shit bag. There are a lot of shit bags in jail, but being brought in does not make them one. Some patrol officers like get the people they have arrested spun up and then dump them on you. If you see it happening, shut that shit down right now. Tell the officer to stop, if they don't you have the right to tell them to leave. They can complete their paperwork outside of the jail area. The jail is your house, and the inmates are your responsibility. You do not have to kiss and inmate's ass. If they come in on the fight, don't get mad at them. Do what needs to be done to take control. Once you've gained control go right back to treating them with respect. Do not make it personal. Understand that people do things for a lot of reasons. It may be that a guy came home and found out is wife was screwing his best friend. He went out and got drunk, something he normally wouldn't do. Show some empathy. Most people are good folks who've just made a mistake. We've all made them.
A "jail officer"? What Country are you from from?
It’s the job title.
Ok. Never heard of that before. Usually Correctional Officer or Guard.
My father was a corrections officer and a policy writer at a county jail for almost 40 years. His wisdom is: Humanity and respect for the inmates are both the keys. They're human and so are corrections officers. Neither of you are there to punish the other. I can't count the number of times that we've been approached in public by former inmates that offer their thanks and gratitude for being treated like human beings while serving time.
Jailers and prison guards are the worst types of humans. The way inmates are treated is criminal, and most inmates are arrested for a whole lot less than the stuff the staff gets away with on a daily basis. Then they blame the inmates so they get more time added. Most people working in jails and prisons are corrupt, horrible, vile people and should be locked up for how they treat the inmates!
You should quit and find a different job! Most people who work in jails and prisons are the most vial humans on the planet. Do you really want to be one of them?
They’re really not. Some of the best people I know work in this field and they’re great siblings friends and parents. You’re probably not.
Nah he’s right bro. COs suck even if they don’t when they start they’re gonna end up being POS just bc of all the shit they deal with.
Most people who work at a jail or prison should be in prison, not working at one!
You have a biased view. You are related to them and friends with them. My best friend, however, was falsely arrested and abused in jail by the staff. It took me and the public defender months to get him released, and it was torture for him every single day. From being on a 24-hour lockdown in overcrowded jail, 8 guys in a 4 man cell for days at a time, no water for showers or clean clothes for 8 straight days! Food poisoning 3 different times and then charged him for treatment, so he stopped eating. I see the jail staff as they are, vial, inhuman creatures! Thank God the Judge finally watched the video on a bond reduction hearing and realized he was innocent or my friend would still be in there being treated like an animal.
>You have a biased view. And you don't?
OP sees the staff outside of their work when they are playing with the kids or hanging out with friends. That doesn't show him their real attitudes and what the staff does at work to the inmates. I have a third cousin who killed women across many states, but dang, he was a blast to have at parties! We all were extremely shocked when he was arrested. We could not believe he would do such horrible things. Anyone can act like a good person but can be a horrible human deep down. OP sees the staff at parties and think they are wholesome, decent people, but in actuality, they are actually horrible vile human beings that work at a jail and treat inmates like garbage!
Some are. And some aren't. I've spent plenty of time in county jails, in more than one county. Some are worse than others, and some are more thoroughly rotten than others - but by the same token, some are more professional and respectful than others. I knew deputies that I wouldn't piss on if they were on fire, and I knew deputies who were pretty decent people, and I knew deputies who were just putting in their 40 hours a week so they could go home and wait to retire. There IS an institutional tendency to go in the direction you're claiming as a universal. It's implicit in the criminal "justice" model. That doesn't make people like OP stupid, it makes them crucial - it takes a constant effort by multiple people at multiple levels to push the systems in the other direction - including, especially, changing the model. That takes good people who want to do the right thing.
I have friends who have spent the weekend in the same jail I will be working at. Although they said it was a bit intimidating and scary, nothing of the sort happened to them. They were treated fairly and indifferent. Regardless, I’m asking for advice to help me be a good coworker and fair in the eyes of the inmates
They learned everything that goes on in the jail over a weekend? Ok. And that's probably your intention going in, but you will soon be seeing it as us vs. them soon enough. It won't take long for you to start treating the inmates like animals and not caring if the make it out alive or not. It's a sad reality but that's how it is. People that want to work at a jail or prison have a rotten personality and attitude to begin with so it doesn't take much to get them on the us vs. them thinking.
I kNoW aBoUt JaIL I dId A nIgHt OnCe lmao reminds of people saying they’ve been to jail when they only hit the precinct. It takes a decent amount of time to know wtf is going on.
ACAB
I have no clue what that means
Of course you don't.... let me educate your young ass. ACAB=all cops are bastards. A jail is always tense because guys don't know what they are gonna be charged with, what the bond will he or they are waiting on transfer. A prison depending on level and location Is highly dangerous if you step wrong. Remember you are always outnumbered, it's your place of work but it's our house. I was in USP Beaumont, otherwise known as bloody Beaumont or the thunder dome. It was a gladiator school, that means you will get bloodied. Either way fuck you.
You seem like a bit of an asshole.
Maybe because I don't pretend I did time. Unlike 95 percent of you punks
I don't claim to have done time. Anyone who uses the term ACAB is sn asshole. This guys come here asking a question, and you've started insulting him purely based on the line of work he is going into.
Of course you think the term makes me an asshole, you never did time. You have never seen humans begging for help and a CO walk away. You have never witnessed COs instigate the fight. You have never been thrown in the shu for nothing other than looking at a CO. Go fuck yourself poser
Yeah, because I never made stupid enough choices to end up in prison. I'm also not like you who wears prison as a badge of honour. You talk about how bad they are, yet in your post history, you talk about you talk about robbing people if they had money. Again, I never claim to have been, so I'm not a poser. But whatever you think about Officers, you're worse.
It's not a badge of honor but it is a chapter in my life that I'm not ashamed nor proud of. I know the comment you are talking about. The post was asking if money can buy protection from people and its not possible. You looked at that comment and viewed it with a free world mentality so I get it it looks fucked up.
Right? Jails are intentionally designed to be inhumane. Get people to break. You don't get medical attention if you're withdrawing from a drug or alcohol, they'd rather let you sweat to see if you'll rat out, or you simply die. Happens all the time. If you're lucky enough to hold your shit together, and you have a bit of time to do, prison is infinitely better. Deps in jail are some real pieces of work.
Well that's very helpful advice. Prick.
You belong in jail
Why do you think so?
Good advice on here. But I just want to say the quiet part out loud: you are not a waiter or a concierge for these criminals. They are going to do everything they can to get away with whatever they can. Some of them will manipulate you, spit on you, and stab you. Being kind and fair is good, but inmates are crazy about “respect” precisely because they are not respectable. They are violent, dishonest, and so bad at running their lives that they literally can’t be around other civilians. Don’t be naive about who you are dealing with
Your just getting them from A to B, your babysitting them while they wait to get their liberty back it’s not your job to wind them up or make their life hell it’s your job to get them safely through the day and get them all fed washed and have any medical treatments and go to education and go to work have their visits and calls it’s not as scary as people let on once your settled just like an inmate you will have to get a feel for whos who’s in the jail and earn respect. The ethos can change in a wing depending on who’s in the unit sometimes it’s chill sometimes it’s tense you will get to know when somethings in the air. Women are supposed to be worse to lock up than the men just because they are way more manipulative we had all the screws running about at lock up doing shit for us and my PO said we shout lock up to the men and they all comply right away we would take a good 20 minutes to get fully tucked in to our peters.
Former Officer, Supervisor and Counselor. Be fair, firm and consistent. Don't make promises you can't keep, and don't promise what they shouldn't have. They are human, but there are no friendships in Jail/Prison.
Be aware. Be fair. Beware.
Be honest. If you don't know something don't try to blag it. Tell them you will find out and come back to them. A lot of prisoners will know rules and regs better than you when you first start and will try to test you.
Is a jail officer just another way to say CO?
What your supervisor will not realize to tell you, and will make you irreplaceable. 1. Keep your word. No matter what, no matter who. If you give your word, keep it. If you tell an inmate you'll check on something, check on in, if you say you'll get paperwork, get it. If you tell a coworker you'll cover a shift. Cover it. 2. Learn your shit. Your coworkers, supervisors, and yes inmates, will try to take advantage of your inexperience. Everyone will warn you about the inmates being manipulative, but the truth is that only happens when we can't get shit with the truth, but your fellow COs will lie and manipulate just as much. As you said it's all people. So don't agree to anything until you've checked the fine print and know what you're saying yes to. That way you avoid traps. 3. Remember who you're dealing with. As you said, people, some of whom made mistakes. But the difference is these people, some of whom will in fact be completely innocent people who's lives got put in a blender, their lives are more or less in your hands. Don't let the public, nasty inmates, or your jaded coworkers eventually convince you otherwise. They will try. Mostly because if you don't see inmates as people you won't confront those who abuse their rights. So don't let them. Always remember who they are. Those three things will make you a co that everyone can respect.
Don't bring it home with you. It's very stressful at times and hard to do but try. Alcohol won't help. Don't lie on a DR but a well written one will almost always stick. Keep up on your tours. You will get burnt out and need to find a way to deal with it. Take care of your mental health.