Corrections officers are perhaps the most misunderstood portion of law enforcement out there; we asked our readers, what would you put in a presentation meant to educate the public about COs? Here are the best responses from our Facebook page, add your own in the comments.
Owen Lawson Monkeys at the zoo throwing poop at people would be the only right way to start it
Jean Glidewell Porter I’m tired of the correctional officers being portrayed as corrupt! The criminals are the crimials. Always have been. Staff have checks and balances. Have some respect. How would you feel if someone kept calling you unworthy or corrupt, when in fact it’s a hugely difficult and dangerous job!
Dale Bowen My presentation would have to start with a thank you to all of my brothers and sisters who do this job. To go to work knowingly,to be around the people that the country deemed high risk. Then to show how most of the job has to do with respecting those same people, without prejudice as to what they have done. Understanding that the job we do is helping to keep the community safer for our neighbors. Some would say wannabe cops, but cops can defend themselves with weapons, our weapons are our demeanor towards those we watch. We as a whole don’t get recognized for the good we do. Programs that if nothing more than keep the offenders minds working towards some project that helps them disconnect from the time they must stay locked up.
Shannon M Carrell I would include information on how to be the family of a CO; on how when your husband/wife/brother/sister doesn’t have the energy or tolerance for every day stresses to please step back and remember their long hours and stressful job conditions. I would include the information on how to add tolerances as much as possible and be supportive as much as possible. CO’s aren’t average, everyday men and women. They deserve respect!
David Yonker The importance of not bringing your job home with you, getting involved in non work related activites like a hobby of some kind and or spending time with your family. When I get off after a single or double I go from officer to David. When im off duty I play guitar in a band, paint, take pics and do things which make me happy. you cannot let this negative environment rule your life, by doing so we become prisoners ourselves. Peace and Happy 2014.
Cristy Schaffran The proper use of IPC skills! Amazing how far saying please and thank you with get you!
Sara Helton The actual truth behind a CO job and not just what people think they do. And the reality behind the dangers they face every day they walk in to their job.
Julie Davis-Moreland Always be fair, firm, & consistant. If you lack the ability to work together within a group of other individuals, this is definitely not the job for you. We are family. If you’re easily persuaded or offended, this definitely isnt the job for you. You have to have a strong mindset, desire to be an overachiever, trustworthy, and most importantly be aware of your surroundings at all times -- no exceptions! Physical and mental wellness are important. You’re a direct representation of your facility -- you’re more than an “average joe” in the public eye. That does not give you any specific entitlement to being “holier than thou” though. respect goes both ways. Kudos to all the men and women that are in this specific type employment.
Chris King I’d start with gangs in the street and move to gangs in the prison. Then I’d go back to mental hospitals and move to mentally ill prisoners. And of course some poop throwing would have to be in there. I’d hire Clint Eastwood to play me but mostly because he has great one liners.
Justa Ceeoh Talk about how important it is to invest training in new COs. At my facility, the Lt’s would assign new officers to work with other new officers with only a month or two on the job. Recipe for disaster. Put some thought into the assignment rosters.
