Musings from DWCO’s Spring
2009 Conference
On May 7th and 8th 2009, Desert Waters had its Spring Conference. Although
small due to the economy, it was a great session and well represented by
staff from all over the U.S.
One of the nice things during such events is that you get to talk to staff
from different agencies and learn of their problems, progress and hopes.
I am sad to say that I heard about a couple of unpleasant things going on in
some facilities, things I have written about in the past.
1. Some departments think they are more important than others. Get real,
people! We all depend on each other and anyone may save the life of another
staff or give back-up when needed. Staff who cannot see that we all wear the
same uniform, no matter what the color, has a problem. Line staff is
outnumbered all the time and when it hits the fan, everyone coming to your
aid looks good. I don’t remember anyone turning down help because a plumber
or nurse or teacher showed up when times were bad.
2. Some experienced staff do not want to help new staff. I keep hoping this
will change, but it hasn’t yet. Some older staff think, “Why help? They
won’t last long.” Well, if you aren’t there for them, they won’t, and you
may end up losing good people. Yes, it gets old helping over and over just
to see them leave, but the thing is, if you do your best to help them and
they fail, you know it was not because you and other staff didn’t try. We
all know corrections is not for everyone, but wake up people! Female
correctional staff are here to stay. You are a professional! Darn it, be
one! Extend the hand of help. No one says you have to even like the person.
Just ask, “Can I help you?” Or say “You might want to think of doing this in
a different way,” and explain how and why. Most new staff is scared or at
least nervous. Your assistance may calm them down and help keep them.
Don’t get me wrong. I heard some good things too. Upper staff in some
agencies are taking more interest in what works both for their staff and for
the inmates. New programs and methods are making for a safer and more
productive environment for everyone. It helps when staff know they are not
just another warm body and that management cares what they think. To those
agencies that are working more with their staff, I salute you and what you
are doing.
Take care,
The Old Screw
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