Ask a Correctional Officer anything

454 Questions

Last Answer on February 10, 2022

How do you help prisoners come to terms with serving a life senntence?

Asked by sofibour almost 7 years ago

Basically that is not a custody function. Also, virtually NOBODY goes to prison the first time. They have probation, diversion, court ordered therapy, restitution, etc. Many are "state raised." The only people who go to prison the first time are murderers and (now) child molesters. Also, by the time they go thru the court process and jail they have adequate time to come to terms with their situation. But, as I opened with, that is not a custody function.

628 Votes

I know an educated man, wrongfully convicted. One particular CO is harassing him at every opportunity. Can this inmate do anything to improve relations? The inmate does not flaunt the rules and does not know why he has been targeted.

Asked by in Boston almost 7 years ago

My first response would to be that you are being jerked around by this "educated, wrongfully convicted" man. As far as I know every modern penal system has a system where an inmate can complain about treatment by staff, and many have an Inspector General that can accept complaints that will be anonymous, at least to those the complaint is made against. My GUESS, based on inadequate information, is that you are being manipulated by the prisoner. I could be wrong. I find it hard to understand WHY a prison staffer would deliberately harass an inmate who does not break the rules and does behave himself. It is not impossible, but I find the premise to be highly questionable. (Admittedly I may be prejudiced.)

626 Votes

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Why did they choose corrections for a field of employment?

Asked by K Roar over 6 years ago

Who is "they?"

624 Votes

I'm a small 5' women and I was wondering if It would be appropriate for me to become a CO

Asked by Rose over 6 years ago

Don't see why not. There were several small women where I worked. There are issues. One is that most of the prisons are designed for someone about 5-7 or taller. being able to shoot out of a tower can be a challenge (not that you do much of that). Also, doing something like count can be challenging because the cell windows are designed for someone taller. I know one small woman who had a milk crate on a dog leash. At count time she pulled it around with her like a foot stool. Stop. Step up on crate. Count the cell. step down. go to next cell. repeat 132 times. it worked. GO FOR IT.

621 Votes

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Did you work with mostly male or female inmates

Asked by Ali over 6 years ago

Personally I worked exclusively with male prisoners.

619 Votes

I was interested in doing this sort of job at a juvi detention center. What kind of emotional mind frame do you go to work with? How do you set the boundaries between being stern yet compassionate?

Asked by Becky about 6 years ago

It used to be easier to answer when people in juvenile deterntion were actually young, minor offenders. Now they are mostly violent, serious criminals who happened to have been under age when they committed their crimes. The helpful-rehabilitative model is dead and stinking.

615 Votes

Have you ever seen mistreatment or even abuse by staff to inmates?

Asked by Cain almost 7 years ago

Inappropriate treatment, yes. Abuse, no. I wrote two people up over the years for it. I am sure it happens more than that, but people who are going to beat on prisoners tend to do it when nobody is looking.

615 Votes