It Takes Repetition
Corrections work requires repeated reminders of certain things. These are principles that should be learned by every new employee and brought back to mind regularly by experienced staff.
1. Beware of friendly and overly helpful inmates. No inmate is your friend. Yes, some are helpful, but the first thing you need to think is, “What are they really after?”
2. Pay attention if inmates tell you that you do things better than other staff. If you’re told that, you need to stop and review the way you’re doing things. You’re very likely doing something wrong, and it is in the inmates’ favor.
3. Know the rules. Know what you’re supposed to do. Inmates may know the rules better than you do, and they’ll test you to see how sure you are about policy. The more uncertain you are, the more they’ll be able to set you up for a game. Never take an inmate's word for how things ought to be done. So read and learn the rules and regulations. It can save you a world of problems.
4. Follow the rules. Rules are there for a reason. You are hired to do a job as you have been instructed. Follow procedure. A few weeks in training does not make you an expert in handling inmates.
5. Never discuss personal or family matters within range of inmates' hearing. They don't need hearing boosters to hear you. They can read lips. They are also experts at reading body talk.
6. Never ever complain or tell an inmate that coworkers are picking on you. If you do, they’ll become the kindest person you’ve ever seen and oh, so helpful. Pretty soon they’ll set you up for something.
7. Ask questions. Never be afraid to ask a fellow staff for help or information. Yes, there are grouches who won't give you the time of day, but there is more staff that care and will help. Just watch. They are easy to spot.
8. “The other staff let me do it.” If an inmate tells you that, just say “no” until you can check it out. If they get smart with you, tell them to wait until the other officer gets there.
9. Don’t take work home. Try not to take your bad day home to your loved ones. Sometimes it is true that this can be very hard to do, but do your best. They do not deserve the moodiness or the abuse.
10. Make use of downtime. This is very seriously needed. Take the time and explain this to your families. After work you need time to unwind and to switch from work to home. I know from experience how important this can be. If you don’t have ways to have downtime, you will continue to take work home.
11. Report unusual things. If you think something is not right, report it to a fellow officer or higher up if needed. It may be nothing, but then again it may be something serious.
12. At all times be professional and humane. It’s not your job to punish the inmates. They have already been judged and sentenced. You are there to keep them confined in your facility, and to make sure they obey rules and regulations.
Take care,
The Old Screw
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