As Officer Smith was doing the final tour of his assigned housing unit, which includes ensuring all locks are secured and all inmates are accounted for, he noticed Inmate Jackson waving his hand up and down in an effort to grab his attention.
Officer Smith walked over to Inmate Jackson to ascertain his concern.
“What’s up, Jackson? Why are you waving at me like a maniac?” he asked.
“I am done, Smith,” Jackson replied. “Today is my last day. So, I just wanted to say thank you! You are a great officer, and I just wanted you to know I appreciate your professionalism.”
| CORRECTIONS1 READERS RESPOND: Read what your peers have to say about shaking an inmate’s hand
“That’s great news,” Officer Smith replied with a skeptical look. “Hopefully, you don’t return.”
Inmate Jackson reassured Officer Smith that this will be his first and only time in prison. He then reached out his hand to Officer Smith.
“What are you doing?” Officer Smith asked.
“I am just looking to shake your hand as we part ways,” Inmate Jackson replied.
Officer Smith, looking bewildered, quickly said, “I don’t shake hands with inmates. I mean, I wish you the best and all, but don’t expect me to shake your hand.”
Inmate Jackson was taken aback. “I don’t get it,” he said. “I am showing you a gesture of appreciation. I just wanted to say thanks. No other officer had an issue with me shaking their hand. Why are you being so cold?”
Frustrated, Officer Smith responded, “I don’t care about what the other officers did. I am not shaking your hand. To be honest with you, they shouldn’t have either. It sends the wrong message and is inappropriate. Again, I wish you good luck, but I don’t shake hands!”
What are your thoughts? Is Officer Smith being a bit paranoid? In this scenario, is it okay for him to shake Inmate Jackson’s hand? Or is Officer Smith correct? Does shaking Inmate Jackson’s hand send the wrong message? Share your thoughts below.
Corrections1 readers respond
Based on my experience as a correctional officer, I would say that a handshake is a good gesture and shows a sign of respect. Boundaries are a must at a jail or prison. There is always someone looking — both inmates and higher-ranking officers — and it just doesn’t look professional. I’ve had several inmates try to shake my hand, both at work and outside. I keep it professional every time. They address me by my last name, and I address them by theirs, without the slightest hint of disrespect.
My approach to corrections is as follows: when starting my month at a new pod, I try to measure the room on my first shift by pinpointing the most problematic inmates. Once I’m able to find them, I keep them in sight at all times and make them accountable for every rule violation. Once those inmates get their first write-up, all other inmates get a clear idea of how you are willing to run your program. When inmates notice that you are willing to enforce the rules upon those who usually get away with everything, they get a clear understanding of how you run things. It’s always easier to come in strong and then ease off a little toward the end.
A benefit of running your pod like this is that any new inmate arriving will get checked by other inmates immediately to avoid undesired attention. As long as you are not violating Title 15, enforcing rules should always be part of your daily routine. Upper management is always keeping tabs on their staff, so if they are strict about keeping inmates accountable to rules, you as a CO better make sure you’re doing your job. I understand that safety is our number one priority — bills aren’t going to get paid by themselves. Thanks.
