By Justin Chapura
The State
COLUMBIA, S.C. — David Emasie has worked at the South Carolina Department of Corrections for 16 years. He spoke with the Columbia Business Journal about the job of a corrections officer.
What’s the job?
“You’re basically doing security, custodian work and controlling inmate behavior. It’s different from a police officer, the difference being these individuals have been tried and convicted by the state. So there are more rules and guidelines for the inmates. I work at the Campbell Pre-Release Center (on Broad River Road), and we hold nonviolent offenders with three years of jail time or less, and no disciplinary problems in the system. They’re entitled to go to work in the public to pay for any restitution. We’re responsible for all movement in the building. I see SCDC (the corrections department) as a city within a city. You have the wardens who govern the policies of the institution and the officers who make sure everyone follows the rules.”
What’s the pay?
Between $25,000 and $30,000
What are the pluses?
“It’s not the same routine. You meet a lot of different people. And it’s a good thing to be walking down the street and seeing an ex-inmate doing well outside (prison). You also get to talk to inmates, acting sort of like a social worker. You don’t have to necessarily relate, but you can be someone who they can talk to.”
What’s the downside?
“You do have to keep on your toes, know who’s doing what. There are people that require extra protection when they are moved from their cells. The worst thing that can happen is a fight. I’ve been through a riot. In some institutions, you’re locked in with hundreds of inmates with two other officers in a dorm. Where I am at, though, the most that happens is usually drugs and alcohol getting in.”
What are the demands?
“You’re on call 24 hours a day. You’re an essential employee. Even if the schools are closed, the weather’s bad, you’re still coming to work. You get your days off, but in the event of an emergency, you have to come in. You have to have good communication skills. You have to be able to see SCDC as a career more than a job.” Emasie also said officers need to be in somewhat good shape and know how to defend themselves. “We go through a six-week training course, we go through defense tactics. It’s not as intense as a what a police officer goes through. But every year, we go back to class.”
Who would suceed in this job?
“Everybody has a possibility to succeed, if the person is willing to read and understand our policies, what the job entails. Our promotion system is geared up to experience and knowledge.”
What are the hours?
“Day starts at 6 a.m., runs 12 hours. A typical day, we’re divided along the shift to different posts, the control room, the dorm rooms, etc.”
What education do you need?
Emasie said a high school education or GED equivalent is required.
How did you get started?
“My father and my mother were both within SCDC. My father was a retired associate warden and my mother retired from human resources. I went straight out of a high school. Came down here in 1980. They have a cadet program for 18-year-olds, because you have to be 21 to be an officer. I’ve been at a couple of facilities. I left the agency for a little while, then came back.”
Is there room for advancement?
“The more educated you are, the more you can get promotions and raises. We have a rank system, like the military. Classes are offered for promoted officers to keep furthering their education.”
Copyright 2008 The Columbia State