Some of the best insights into the world of corrections come straight from you guys, and to celebrate your wisdom and wit, we’ve compiled the greatest Corrections1 member comments from 2010. Some are funny, and some are harsh, but each one reflects the wisdom gained by working in the challenging world of corrections. All the comments have been edited for grammar and spelling, but are otherwise unchanged. --Drew Johnson, Corrections1 Editor
Ala. inmate dies after attacking corrections officer
It’s a shame whatever brought the kid to prison in the first place. It’s a shame that whatever in his young life brought him to have the mind set (not knowing the facts) to attack another. It’s a shame that the incident couldn’t have turned out differently. It’s a shame that the officers, if they responded appropriately, will now have to endure the wrath of a career of second guessing, by command, their peers, the plaintiff’s attorney’s, the media, the ACLU, themselves, and even their own family, friends and neighbors. It is a shame that the officers may or may not have had the tools or training, or used the tools and training, to have been able to avoid the ultimate outcome. I am not condemning or defending the actions of the officers or the victims/suspects, as that would obviously be impossible, not being privy to the investigative facts. However, just realize that regardless of the outcome, it still is not going to be anything more that a damn shame. I wish the family of the victim peace, and the aid and comfort to the officers and their families as this (as with all use of force, especially officer involved deaths) is now a lifelong incident for everyone. Not one that began and ended on August 4th.
--mrcoffee
Playboy photos prompt investigation of corrections officer
Instead of bashing this lady, why don’t we try to support her, guide her and provide positive mentorship? The last thing she needs right now is for her Brothers and Sisters in Arms to turn their backs on her.
--tcasella
Dirty deeds: How to catch corrupted staff members
I learned a long time ago. If you are involved in an embarrassing situation or a screw up around an inmate, let a supervisor know about it and document it.
We all screw up. And there’s nothing more satisfying than having an inmate come to you and attempt to use what he thinks is a lever, only to find out you have already told on yourself and will document his attempt to influence you.
Been there, done that.
--Centurion1950
Ohio officer suspended for hitting inmate on video
I try to encourage my crew to act professionally, and only when necessary to meet force with force. However, no matter how effective our training, we are all subject to one flaw -- being human – and sometimes being human is not a good thing in our line of work. I am the lead commander on my shift. Most of the use-of-force incidents involve me directly. I have slammed a dozen drunks and meth heads this month already -- all on camera. The trick to a “clean investigation” is to make damn sure the use is warranted. I have no problem with slamming a drunk, or any other noncompliant, but my county’s protocols allows for physical use of force as it does not allow the use Tasers, batons, flashlights, or any other potential weapon, in our facility. No matter the situation at my facility, I’m going to back my boys and girls with the badges and boots, not the guy with an inmate id # after his name. Sure, he screwed up, but I bet everyone who has made a post on this thread has done the same at least once in their career and were lucky enough for the incident to go unnoticed. Glass houses, people, glass houses.
--hubbard703
Iowa inmate attacks and stuffs clothing in officer’s mouth
Everyone in corrections should know that most departments are reactive instead of proactive. Here in the state of Ohio, they used to mandate everyday. It wasn’t until an officer fell asleep at the wheel and died on the way from work. They determined that this officer had worked about 21 days straight, and except for her days off, had not had a break in the routine. Now they try to at least have one day in between mandations. This is mostly possible due to folks signing up for overtime. It is not contractual, so if they need to, due to staffing levels, mandate folks out of turn in order to fill posts. At the last institution I worked at they staffed one CO in a dorm with anywhere from 145 to 212 inmates. It was difficult, but if you were firm, fair, and consistent, as I was, there were very few problems.
--AJ67
Las Vegas jail: Of course we treated Paris Hilton differently
[Having dealt with a similar situation], I understand the nightmare that comes with having a high risk person in the area. We would have to lock the department down to bring her out to get her booking done, to be seen by medical, to be fingerprinted, and to be put on the phone, then again when she is out to see the magistrate for release, and then to be released. I’m not saying she should have been rushed right through, but I am saying to get her out ASAP, was paramount. She was not there to serve time, but to be held until she could make bond. Wake up people, especially those of you who are supervisors. We always complain about making command decisions and then having someone second guess them. That’s what’s being done here.
--cplbos
NJ teacher gets jail for pulling kid from class by ear
Perhaps the “child” in question who shot off his mouth should attend those anger management classes. Bring back the old days. Heck, I dealt with ruler carrying nuns and I’ve lived to tell about it!
--GMWolfie
Fla. inmate hid up to 100 bags of heroin in her vagina
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW............
--rodzilla11b10
At 90, what does 17 years in prison mean?
He won’t be the first man to die in prison and he won’t be the last.
--shanew2807
Ky. man claims caffeine insanity in killing of wife
The LACK of caffeine in the morning might cause me to strangle someone, not the other way around.
--beri