I am currently in the training academy at Texas Department of Criminal Justice in West Texas and want to know if anyone has experience working inside a prison and give me pointers about how to effectively do my job and keep myself safe from potential violent offenders?
2006-07-04 16:29:46 · 9 answers · asked by toddjr84 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Just recapping a bit
-Never promise anything to an inmate. If you do they'll expect it and always remind you of that.
-Never do special favors for inmates or be buddy buddy with them. You're gonna find all the lowest scum of the earth in there and regardless of what they've done, you have to treat them all equally.
-Never underestimate them. People have this misconception that because they're inmates, they have no brains. Some of those inmates are far more intelligent than you can ever imagine. While in jail they spend every minute of everyday thinking of ways to get by. Some of them are McGuyver and can turn a AA battery and a piece of copper wire into a lighter.
-Watch out for crooked guards. If you see it, report it because they're endangering your life more than you can believe. Remember you're a team and have to work together like a well oiled machine.
-Be able to see situations before they happen. Study body language and eye stares and all the other little things just to get a taste of what is norm and what is off norm. After you work for a while you can see what situations start to escalate.
-Just be the same. Go into work everyday with the same attitude and work ethic. You can't be an asshole one day and a laxed guy the next. It'll bite you in the ***.
2006-07-07 04:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by Bill B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your biggest asset is common sense. If you've got some, use it. When you start, watch the seasoned Officers. Some are good and some not so good. If you use your common sense you'll be able to tell who's doing the right thing and not cutting corners. Ask questions and don't be a know it all. Nothing will irk a seasoned Officer more than a rookie who knows everything. And they are not potential violent offenders - they are already violent! Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. Be alert for changes in behavior of an individual or group. Look for the obvious and not so obvious. If a con tries to let you walk through a door ahead of him by holding it, decline. Don't let them get in behind you. Don't get into conversations with them, divulge personal info with them, do them favors, give them anything - they have nothing to do for 24/7 except try to get over on you, or whoever else they can. They're con men, and they will play you, hurt you, or possibly worse if you let them. Be careful, and be alert!! Good Luck!!
2006-07-04 16:45:21 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Boof 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Brother is a guard at Old Max in Canon City. Most of those he went into training with (95%) never made it past the first month. It is another world in there, one you will Think you are in control off till u get there. HE is not allowed to carry a gun in the prison cuz it could get taken away from him. He was one of 3 men over seeing 300 prisoners in the lunchroom and a terrible fight broke out and before he could get to the one who was being "shanked" It was too late. IT took him 5 years to stop calling me in the middle of the night to shook up to sleep with horror stories. It is another world in there. Keep up with your self defense classes Monthly, work out every day and grow eyes in the back of your head or open your mind to your 6th sense. This is no joke my friend. You need to develop a keen sense and NEVER NEVER let your guard done. It will change you in ways you do not understand right now. You will wonder just who really is in charge in there. They have a pecking order in there and rape in common.. Divorce rates are high among law enforcement people. My brother was very happy till the job changed him so much he became another person, he seldom smiles and will sit in a restaurant unless his back is to a wall.
2006-07-04 16:46:44 · answer #3 · answered by rubystandingdeer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never worked in a prison, but I have worked in a local jail with a popluation around 300 for 7 years.
1) Don't ever lie or promise anything.
2) Don't ever accept a favor or trust a toad.
3) Don't ever turn your back on a toad.
4) Know where all toads are, where your back-up is and how long it will take them to get to you.
5) Stay in good enough shape to be able to fight long enough for your back-up to get to you.
6) Don't be an A## unless you have to be, but don't be a toad's friend.
7) Know your equipment! Be able to reach everything on your belt without looking at it (pepper spay, PR-24, handcuffs ect). Practice in the dark.
8) Know how to exit if you have to run.
9) Never underestimate your toad's. They may all look dumb, but it only takes one paying attention to you to ruin your day.
10) Talk to the Vets and make them your best friends, you can never know too much about your facility and the toads in it.
11) Train, Train, Train!
Email me if you ever want more advice.
2006-07-04 16:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by rc570 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always be: Firm Fair and Consistent. That is what I was taught in the academy and worked for me for 7 years as a correctional officer.
2006-07-05 05:35:14 · answer #5 · answered by sunlovin76 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be honest with the people, don't try to act bigger and badder than you really are. DOn't get chummy with them, because they aren't your friends, they will try to do things if they see opportunity present itself. Know the policies and procedures of the facility you are working. Try to enforce them as best as possible. Be firm, fair, and consistant. Don't show favoritism. Don't tell too much about you and yours. Be who you are, and you should do fine, if this is the intended job for you. Good luck!
2006-07-04 21:02:50 · answer #6 · answered by ~Katie~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't beleive anything any inmate tells you ever.
Don't ever talk to them about any perosnal info.
don't ever do anything for them ( they will use it to blackmail you latter)
expect them to try you, to see how for you will allow them.
And listen to the old hands, the ones there for over 5 years, and do it like they tell you.
At the end of the day, it is the "officers" and the "inmate" and you have to remember that.
And if all else fails, whatever you have to do, to go home is what you have to do.
2006-07-04 16:42:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
once you get a job, ask one of the guards there. they will have the best advise
2006-07-05 06:03:09 · answer #8 · answered by mike g 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put your faith in God and show them that you are really for their good. Show your kindness everywhere.
2006-07-04 16:34:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋