Guard Types
While employed at the Hampton Sheriff’s Department I always experienced the different characteristics or attitudes in Correctional Officers. I considered myself as Pollyannas this because I have seen how my colleagues would treat those that were incarcerated with disrespect and disregard to their needs however minor there were. I was the opposite gaining an inmate’s respect was important to me because they would follow my orders.
Hard asses on the other hand were difficult to work with this is because they stirred inmates to be confrontational and or hostile toward those with these attitudes. This usually had long lasting affects which extended over to the next shift. In addition if the Shift Commander for that section is restrict and stern with inmates regarding jail policy and procedures then that same attitude trickles down to their subordinates. I disagree that hard asses are inexperience officers because even those that are experienced display this trait.
More importantly I would always run into one or two correctional officers that are burnout. These individuals are robotic in their actions since they have been doing the job for 10 to 15 years. They avoid confrontation and will flee on the sign of danger. They are not interested in promotion since that is an increase of unwanted responsibility. If called to do anything out of the ordinary will confuse and frustrate them.
Banks, C. (2013). Criminal justice ethics. (3rd ed., pp. 163-164). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE
If I understand your post correctly, to be Pollyannaish is to be irresponsibly optimistic.
ReplyDeleteBy seeing the good in all situations you earn the respect of the prisoners, and are a more effective corrections officer.
I hear what you are saying, but you will command respect just by donning the uniform of a corrections officer. It is understood the moment you are seen by a prisoner.
I agree with you about correction officers that use pessimism on a daily basis, they could be seen as hard and calculating with little regard for understanding a prisoner's situation.
I learned very quickly that all prisoners are individuals and with unique qualities. It is essential for all correction officers to build a professional rapport with prisoners if they want to have a effective presence within the jail or prison.
Everyone has good points in their writing. When I was in corrections I always tried to give and get respect without being a "care bear" not only to make the shift go by easier but more basic than that we are all human beings! They are doing their time as ordered my job was not to judge but to protect. Like Todd no matter what as a Deputy Sheriff they will respect my badge weather it’s the easy way or the hard way I will enforce the policies and the law. In my experience though more often than not when respect is given it is reciprocated and your shift ends without incident.
ReplyDeleteJoel: I enjoyed reading your blog. Your blogs are good to read because you typically include anecdotes from your work experiences as you analyze the ethical issues. Professor Taylor
ReplyDeleteHi Joel, I didn't know there was different types of Guards and found it interesting to learn how some Guards act differently than others. Guards should all be the same; to act the right way all the time because it is unethical for a Guard to overuse his or her power on prisoners and other guards but then expect to be treated with respect. Respect should not be an automatic given for wearing a badge, to gain respect you should earn it by treating everyone fairly on the job.
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