Transcription
What can you expect on day one as a correctional officer? The pace of the job can go from sitting at your podium or desk to responding to a serious incident. Behind that door you open is the unknown.
Something that took place on my day one as a correctional officer is something I'll never forget. While conducting that very first security route of my career, I was walking with my FTO. He opened that slider to the first cell, and the unexpected happened right then and there. An inmate had decided to take his own life between security rounds at shift change. I remember that sight to this very day. This is one of the very traumatic incidents that can happen behind the walls.
You are tasked with many duties throughout your shift, and sometimes they tend to take place at the same time. Conducting that head count, "Hey, we need our individuals for court." Medical is calling, "Hey, start recreation and don't get behind schedule." Oh look, my meals are on post, and oh yeah, most importantly, I have security rounds and cell checks to conduct.
While doing all of this, guess what? You're the booking officer. Don't put information in the computer wrong. Don't release the wrong person. Yes, it happens daily. Stay focused, stay alert, and know that everyone is on your time.
Be ready to be judged or tested by the inmates or detainees. You need to look and act the part. Confidence is key when you work in corrections. Now, I'm not saying go in there and be Robocop and look like a robot. Be you, interact, and learn. You will learn from the staff, but believe it or not, you will learn from the inmates. The inmates know the operation better than the staff. They go through the steps every day, all day. They will test you to see if you know the operations of the facility.
Are you ready to experience all types of feelings and emotions? If not, you had better get ready. Let's go back to that suicide that I encountered. I saw that individual for 10 years. Every time I looked into that cell door, the level of alertness was heightened when I approached that cell.
You're going to have a plethora of emotions such as adrenaline rushes, adrenaline dumps, excitement, exhaustion, feeling sad, and feeling mad. Oh yeah, one of the most common feelings in corrections: burnt out. You need to know how to handle these emotions and feelings. Fortunately, I have been through these emotions. I've also been able to assist officers who experience them.
Know when to step out and take that five-minute breather or call a co-worker to respectfully vent. Breaks are important, and making sure you and your fellow officers take care of each other is essential.
Know how to communicate. Look at the individual that you're speaking with in the eyes. You can't be shy in this profession, and you can't have poor communication skills. Practice in the mirror while you're at home. Practice talking on the radio while you're at home. Work on speaking clearly and understanding your agency's 10 codes and plain text talk.
Interpersonal communication skills are vital when working behind the walls. If you can't tell, then you will fail in this career. Remember, anyone can talk to an individual behind a cell door, but not everyone can talk to an individual standing right in front of them.
What is that one word you heard as a kid when you wanted something and you couldn't have it? You guessed it, that word is no. You must know how to say no. Don't give in to the manipulation and the games that the inmates will play. Saying no will save your career and possibly your life.
This must be a consistent word throughout the entire facility. If one officer can't tell an individual no, then it makes it hard on the rest. Inmates will do all they can to get an officer to say yes.
I hope these five tips help you not only on day one but throughout your career in corrections. Apply them every day of your career, and as always, get your team home safe.