Recent Comments
25 comments found
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Apr 20, 2009
Pat
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Article: CCA Seeks Jobs For 400 New Positions |
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Apr 19, 2009
shakey
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Article: Manipulation and Fear Add this information along with the book "con's and the games they play" and you can put together a complete course on this topic. This is information that should be required at all entry level acadamys, and then have refresher courses thru in-service training. My wife was given the book "Con's and the games they play" to read when she started and it was a great eye opener, Departments need to start training their employees with this type of infromation, so that new and seasoned staff alike can get a real life look into this type of Inmate behavior.. |
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Apr 19, 2009
little D
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Article: Manipulation and Fear I found the article informative. I am a training officer at my facility and would appreciate any more information this author may have. is there anyway you could pass on my email address to him. I have a number of questions for him. Thank you. c.delozier tomandcecile@yahoo.com |
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Apr 17, 2009
Kellie
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Article: Women working in Corrections bippieh "women on the same playing field", "I don't think women have the makeup to deal with stress".......Just being a woman is stressful!!! Women do a very good job in Corrections!!! At one point our command staff was almost all female! Your husband appeared the one that cannot deal with the stress and the vularity and the reality of the job. I do not take the job home, I am not my job!! It is a very stressful job that can be very rewarding! I have done this job since I was 23 years old. I am a better person because of it. You have a right to your opinion. However, you need to research and learn before you attempt to make the women that work in my choosen field in such a negative light!!! I would not do any other job. If I can do the job, I should be afforded the oppportunity to do that job. I am sorry your husband did not know how to deal with the stress of the job. I am sorry your husband choose to bring the negative aspects home to you. I am sorry that you feel that women are lesser players. Understand, you are wrong and should do some research and speak with the women that do the job and have done the job for over 20 years. I thing you will be surprized! |
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Apr 16, 2009
spartigus
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Article: Crossing the line There are some officers, male and female that are not in a healthy relationshp ouside of the job; and true to the nature of an inmates, they will pick up on the emotions of officer, and then try to find some common interest just to get close. One of the things that I think all officers should not do is work in the same units or areas for long periods of time. And limit your time at work, meaning overtime pay is good, but too much time with inmates is not good. Develope relationships outside of the job, play golf, tennis, do something with your off time so that when you come back to work you can remain focused on doing your job; and will not fall prey to inmate con games. |
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Apr 15, 2009
anotherCO
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Article: Women working in Corrections bippieh....You are not offending me, however, you seem so ignorant about the DOC especially considering you're paying someone to educate yourself!! I have been a CO for 6 yrs, & yes I am all woman. I started at a womens level I & II, and have worked up through their acute unit level V for the criminally insane- not responsible for their own actions. I have since moved and have worked all levels of men, currently in a close custody maximum security, still all men. The prisoner population outnumbers the officers in an overwhelming ratio. We carry no weapons, just cuffs, keys, and a PPD. A panic button, if you will. Yes we are at risk, just as the men are. Again, Just as the men are. Most of the prisoners do not care if you are a guy or girl, I have seen both attacked seriously. In case of a riot, all officers are in danger. Just because a man works in a prison does not make him immortal, and the prisoners have a lot less to lose and if they want to hurt you, trust and believe, they will. I am a facility trainer for prisoner management. I train the officers how to defend themselves and when and how to use force, and how much force to use. I weigh 125 lbs. soak and wet. Don't you dare underestimate what a woman can do, just because you don't see yourself capable to handle the job, and YES.. Correction Officers ARE HEROES! If everyone had your attitude, we would not have a prison system to house the criminals who cannot function in society, and the people like yourself who have been terrorized by rapists and get beaten would have to face that every single day. We work with the rejects of society. |
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Apr 14, 2009
ahma_daeus
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Article: Prison Security Extends Beyond Concrete Walls and Steel Bars A “SINGLE VOICE PROJECT” is the official name of the petition sponsored by: The National Public Service Council To Abolish Private Prisons (NPSCTAPP) THIS PETITION SEEKS TO ABOLISH ALL PRIVATE PRISONS IN THE UNITED STATES, (or any place subject to its jurisdiction) The National Public Service Council To Abolish Private Prisons (NPSCTAPP) is a grass roots organization driven by a single objective. We want the United States government to reclaim sole authority for state and federal prisons on US soil. We want the United States Congress to immediately rescind all state and federal contracts that permit private prisons “for profit” to exist in the United States, or any place subject to its jurisdiction. We understand that the problems that currently plague our government, its criminal justice system and in particular, the state & federal bureau of prisons (and most correctional and rehabilitation facilities) are massive. However, it is our solemn belief that the solutions for prison reform will remain unattainable and virtually impossible as long as private prisons for profit are permitted to operate in America. Prior to the past month, and the fiasco of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG, Lehman Brothers, and now the “Big Three” American Automobile manufacturers, the NPSCTAPP has always felt compelled to highlight the “moral Bottom line” when it comes to corrections and privatization. Although, we remain confounded by the reality that our government has allowed our justice system to be operated by private interests. The NPSCTAPP philosophy has always been “justice” should not be for sale at any price. It is our belief that the inherent and most fundamental responsibility of the criminal justice system should not be shirked, or “jobbed-out.” This is not the same as privatizing the post office or some trash pick up service in the community. There has to be a loss of meaning and purpose when an inmate looks at a guard’s uniform and instead of seeing an emblem that reads State Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prisons, he sees one that says: “Atlas Prison Corporation.” Let’s assume that the real danger of privatization is not some innate inhumanity on the part of its practitioners but rather the added financial incentives that reward inhumanity. The same logic that motivates companies to operate prisons more efficiently also encourages them to cut corners at the expense of workers, prisoners and the public. Every penny they do not spend on food, medical care or training for guards is a dime they can pocket. What happens when the pennies pocketed are not enough for the shareholders? Who will bailout the private prison industry when they hold the government and the American people hostage with the threat of financial failure…“bankruptcy?” What was unimaginable a month ago merits serious consideration today. State and Federal prison programs originate from government design, and therefore, need to be maintained by the government. It’s time to restore the principles and the vacated promise of our judicial system. John F. Kennedy said, “The time to repair the roof is while the sun is shinning”. Well the sun may not be shinning but, it’s not a bad time to begin repair on a dangerous roof that is certain to fall…. because, “Incarcerating people for profit is, in a word WRONG” There is an urgent need for the good people of this country to emerge from the shadows of cynicism, indifference, apathy and those other dark places that we migrate to when we are overwhelmed by frustration and the loss of hope. It is our hope that you will support the NPSCTAPP with a show of solidarity by signing our petition. We intend to assemble a collection of one million signatures, which will subsequently be attached to a proposition for consideration. This proposition will be presented to both, the Speaker Of The House Of Representatives (Nancy Pelosi) and the United States Congress. Please Help Us. We Need Your Support. Help Us Spread The Word About This Monumental And Courageous Challenge To Create Positive Change. Place The Link To The Petition On Your Website! Pass It On! The SINGLE VOICE PETITION and the effort to abolish private “for profit” prisons is the sole intent of NPSCTAPP. Our project does not contain any additional agendas. We have no solutions or suggestions regarding prison reform. However, we are unyielding in our belief that the answers to the many problems which currently plague this nation’s criminal justice system and its penal system in particular, cannot and will not be found within or assisted by the private “for profit” prison business. The private “for profit” prison business has a stranglehold on our criminal justice system. Its vice-like grip continues to choke the possibility of justice, fairness, and responsibility from both state and federal systems. These new slave plantations are not the answer! For more information please visit: http://www.npsctapp.blogsppot.com or email: williamthomas@exconciliation.com To sign the petition please visit: http://www.petitiononline.com/gufree2/petition.html THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! William Thomas National Community Outreach Facilitator The National Public Service Council To Abolish Private Prisons P.O. Box 156423 San Francisco, California 94115 |
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Apr 14, 2009
gregg
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Article: Lawmakers Push to Criminalize Prison Cell Phone Smuggling If a visitor brings in a cell phone for an inmate then the visitor should be liable for any consequences of their actions. If a corrections employee brings in a cell phone they too should be liable for their actions and should lose their job. This is no joke. G |
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Apr 13, 2009
zummo2000
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Article: Cindy Anthony Deposition I think this is the most poorly written piece of garbage article. Have you ever heard of spelling, punctuation, tense, or any other aspect of the English language. THere is not even any worthwhile information in this "story". Every paragraph is one sentence long, there are missing comas. Why is "Lawyer for Woman Suing Casey Anthony" capitalized? The second paragraph is complete nonsense, misspellings, completely grabage. Are all your articles this bad? |
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Apr 11, 2009
Warden Hood
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Article: Technology in Private Prisons I enjoyed listening to Brook Henderson's segment on Technology in Private Prisons. Although the YouTube presentation was informative, a few comments concerning these statements are needed: "We will not have to be around much" "No human interaction whatsoever" "Private prisons ... profitable, safe, and efficient now and in the future" During the past 34 years I have worked in local, state, and federal corrections - to include the position of warden of the United States Penitentiary "Supermax" in Colorado. I am currently a National Security Specialist (involved with technology) for GE Homeland Protection. The combined administrative and technology experience provides background for these comments: + Regardless of advancement in technology, correctional professionals will alway want "human intervention" --- we will always want to "be around" to assist offenders, support staff, and maintain public trust. + Humane intervention is paramount to successful rehabilitation and re-entry initatives. Without professional staff, volunteers, and inmate visits, our correctional system will fail. + Private (or public) correctional facilities will always want to balance technology vs. human resources. + Correctional professionals are dedicated individuals who will never be replaced by technology. + Our facilities need to contain non-intrusive technology to address an inmate population that (for the most part) will be released to our communities. Example: We can shakedown inmates on the hour, conduct cavity searches, run K-9 units through living areas each day, and replace visiting rooms with remote-camera visiting to reduce drug contraband in prisons. Is this needed for all inmate populations? Can a reasonable application of technology be provided? Applying trace technology (able to detect trace narcotics or analyze vapors), is a way to assist staff instead of replacing them with technology. The end result is a safer environment for inmates, staff, and our community. The process needs both dedicated staff and non-intrusive technology. Again, I enjoyed the segment but wanted to give some time for non-intrusive, humane technology. Bob Hood Retired Warden National Security Specialist GE Homeland Protection robert.hood@ge.com |
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Apr 09, 2009
altima08
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Article: Women working in Corrections I am a 40 year old female, I work at a correctional facility in New Mexico. I have one year experience in corrections. I also attend a University in New Mexico. I am studying criminal justice and would like to continue working in a correction facility of I get my degree. Maybe the same one I am currently employed in. The only set back would be that my past credit situation would stop me from continuing. I feel that male inmates go as far as the individual permits it. I am very dedicated to my job. I do not let males make me feel disabled. I follow the rules exactly how the policy and procedures for this facility ask for. I do not act like a robocop or try to belittle the inmates. I respect them but If I have to correct them I do. It's all about being fair, firm and consistent when a situations arises. I love my job and feel women are belittled only if they show weakness and get personal with the inmates. Females do not give themselves a chance to be equal with men. I believe women are as strong as men. |
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Apr 09, 2009
hoppen
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Article: Women working in Corrections I encourage you to look at the Desert Waters Correctional Outreach web-site, www.desertwaters.com. They have done some work on a Women in Corrections project and may offer some strategies to incorporate in your work situation and networking opportunities. Hoppen Colorado DOC |
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Apr 09, 2009
jfn3253
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Article: Greening Juvenile Justice This makes great common sense. Anyone interested in really green products should check out www.WowGreen.net. These are brand new enzyme based products for cleaning that are used in industry and homes - safe for infants and even us older adults. One salesman actually drank the cleaning product in front of us to show it's safe. The product was designed by Ezyme Environmental Solutions in Fort Wayne and WowGreen just took over the distributions rights. It's a network marketing group so find a representative near you. If you're in Fort Wayne area and interested in learning more about it, contact me. |
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Apr 08, 2009
bippieh
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Article: Women working in Corrections This is a heck of a lot of scolding. However I want to address some of the comments.I don't think why me would be appropriate if I were raped which I have been , and I don't think that being beaten makes me a victim ;I have been, I do not let my children run the streets, I care for them and I love them and there are lines in the sand they are not allowed to cross.period. I now have grandchildren and I expect the same from them. I wanted to and did teach my children the clarity between right and wrong. I am not living in Oz. I am 55 years old and came up in a very abusive home. I ended up running away and doing heroin. I was 17 I lived in Cleveland at the time. I have had an abortion, given a child up for adoption and lost a child from drug addiction. I was in an abusive relationship and suffered the insanity of total dysfunction from my first marriage. I am not unaware of life. I deserved to be in prison, but thank God for my Dad. Some are not as fortunate. I had a pre- sentence investigator and he believed in me, I spent 1 year in a hard core reality therapy program in Cols. Ohio. I lived on the street in Crenshaw California that Rodney King got beat on. I know about brutality, hurt and insanity. Thirty years ago I looked in the mirror and said no, no and no again I want to change. I do not want to spend my life in prison or in a grave at the age of 21. I already had a baggage of crap to try and get over I did not want anymore.For me a relationship with Jesus Christ made a real difference in the way I thought and what I wanted. A new perspective. I am writing this to clarify that I do not think I am better or I know more or that I think poorly of you any of you or anyone who works in a prison. ,one more point- I do like to be treated kindly and I do have a husband who takes care of me, but I do the same for him because I love him. We have both worked for years to get our kids through school and buy a house and deal with several deaths of our families and our sons friends who were drunk or high. I know this world is very harsh but my home does not have to be that way. We work at love and I hope all of you do also. I only have your email name and I am going to pray for you, for a hedge of protection, that somehow your life is used to change another person. They see something in you that inspires them. I was wondering. I wonder how I would be able to walk through the line and listen to the filth day in and day out. That's all. Just asking. Don't exalt yourself that you are doing the work no one else wants to do and so you are a hero. It is a job. It pays the bills. I think it takes a lot of tenacity to work as a CO and a lot of strength to not be torn down. My husband worked for one year and his character changed. Not I must say for the better. He became crude and short tempered. CO's have one of the highest divorce rates in a job . I can understand why.I am very sorry if I have offended anyone. I am finishing my associates degree and I am taking criminal justice. I did a paper on prisons. It is staggering the inside of a prison too me! I am bold and probably should work on my communication skills so I do not come across so harshly. I am really sorry. |
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Apr 08, 2009
kmt09
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Article: Women working in Corrections I am a female corrections officer at a close max male facility, i have been for three years. I have found that going into that place every day is a lot easier if you don't act like you're going to rule with a iron fist. I have always been "by the book", so when I started I thaught that by being the "Shift b--ch" I would gain more respect, which was not the case. I actually found out that that by being "firm, fair, and consistant" actually made my job easier. I have found that all they need is consistancy, meaning that I try to come in with the same attitude every day and always try to treat them the same. For that they seem to take me more seriously. I never let them know what gets under my skin no matter how p--sed I get, because they see that as a weakness. It always helps to have some one to talk to and know where you're coming from, for instance my mom works for ODRC also so I feel that I can relate to her. As far as those of you that don't feel that women should be in the prison and don't know why we do it. Well some of us have babies to feed and no one to help us, so we do what we have to do. And from experience I can tell you that there is a lot that I have been able to accomplish that my male counterparts could not. At any time anyone can be killed or taken hostage reguardless of their sex. I guess some of us are just a little more narrow minded than the rest! |
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Apr 08, 2009
blondeco
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Article: Women working in Corrections I work in a prison.........and my opinion is: when i walk into that prison daily, I know what I am up against. The freaks, the perverts, the rapist, the murderers. My question to others is: Do you know what you are up against on the streets? Do you know what your neighbor has done or the guy down the street? These inmates come from somewhere and that somewhere is YOUR neighborhood!!! Reality check We are facing the same people in prison that we face on the streets daily. They just all happen to be in the same place. And these are the ones who have been caught. And for everyone of them thats been caught, there are atleast 3/4 that havent been still on the streets. Its not about being on the same playing field as anyone. Its about doing a position that over half of Americans dont want to do and dont want to realize exist. I do my job as I would do any job.......with self respect, with pride and with the right attitude. I face guys daily that have a problem with woman.....women in uniform, women in charge, women period!! But that is their issue not mine. I have been threatened to be raped, and murdered at work. But then, havent most of us had that against us on the streets. My attitude in prison is the same as the streets. I treat everyone the same and I KNOW what can/could happen to me. I like ppl with that attitude that woman dont belong in a prison. They are the same ppl who leave their front doors unlocked, let their kids run around without supervision, dont pay attention and when they become a victim, they wonder "WHY ME". Because they think all the bad ppl are in prisons....... watch the news.........they are in your neighbor hoods, they are all around you Like I said, at work, at home, I am the same. I am observant and notice alot of things. I enjoy my job because I AM keeping those perverts who have been caught away from your children, from you and your family. I am a female corrections officer and very proud of it! |
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Apr 08, 2009
captaindreamer
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Article: Women working in Corrections As a woman who has worked in this field for 25 fives years, the options become clear when the priority is supporting a family. Working around inmates be they male or female, you have to have the strength, commonsense and training needed to survive the hostility that is bred in a correctional environment. The first 10 years of my career I worked exclusively with male inmates. Being fair, firm and objective not only helped me survive in a male dominated environment but it also protected me as well. Through my observations over the years, I see a tendency for some women to come into the field trying too hard to be in control. When you are secure about yourself and the job and your responsibility to those you supervise, you do not have to come off as the shift B____th. Now, it do take some exceptions when women focus on being overly made up and worried about their vanity instead of focusing on the job at hand. There are many attractive women working in corrections as are men, when women or become so obsessed with staying neat and clean it often takes away from the aspect of getting the job done. As far as stress management and this line of work, I now have the philosophy that I work to enjoy my time off. Once I take my lunch break and get into my personal vehicle at the end of the day, I am no longer "Captain" but plain old me. You have to strike up a healthy balance of both job satisfaction and relaxation on your off time. Finally,the fact that your co-workers are supportive is good. Perhaps you may need to examine your communication skills or conflict resolutions methods. Are there cultural differences with the inmates that you have not addressed? Don't give up. |
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Apr 08, 2009
debmac
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Article: Women working in Corrections Bippleh, There is a saying that goes "To each his own" obviously from your statements you are someone who wants to be cared for and treated in a kind manner but that is not the reality of life. Women in todays world have to make ends meet and quite often those jobs are in fields that were previously occupied by men. This is mainly due in part that women were not paid what they were worth. Regretfully that still holds true in today's world though we have made strides. You also stated that you would be concerned even in a women's prison due to these individuals having a lack of self-control. Who do you think teaches them self-control? Do you think this is something that automatically happens? Most of these people will get out of prison and return to society. Hopefully they will do so with the skills they need to cope in the real world. Regarding your statement of being overpowered, that can also happen to a male officer and quite often does. This is why officers receive the training they do (or at least should). You are correct in saying that this is not a level playing field and regretfully as long as there are attitudes such as yours towards female officers it never will come close. |
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Apr 08, 2009
bippieh
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Article: Women working in Corrections I personally do not understand why a woman would even consider working in an all male prison. My husband was a CO and the stories he came home with. The vulgarity, the sexual innuendos the reality that the male could most probably overtake a female if there were a riot. These are just harsh realities that I have a difficult time resonating. Why would a man listen to you? He's in prison, he's a criminal and you are a female who he could most probably take down with a blindfold on. I know this angers women, but we are all allowed to our opinion. I would be concerned even in a female prison. These are people who obviously do not consider self control. And probably have little regard for anyone.I do not understand why it is so important for women to always be on the same plying field as a man. The field is not level, and as much as we would like it to be it is not. I know there are women who pump iron and are very aggressive and could over take, but those are the odds. I am not trying to be unkind to anyone. The stress also is overwhelming. I do not think that a woman has this make up to deal with this stress. I am a female and I like to be a woman and I like to be treated as an equal, but I am trying in this confused world to look at the reality of equal. |
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Apr 06, 2009
mervymerv
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Article: Putting on the brakes how do i make arrangment for my daughter to come to this program is this in suffic va |
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Apr 05, 2009
Warden Hood
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Excellent article which gives structure when developing a Security Technology Enhancement Plan (STEP). Gene Atherton continues to use his extensive experience (retired from the Colorado Department of Corrections in an executive-level position, and has authored many publications). Bob Hood National Security Specialist GE Homeland Protection robert.hood@ge.com [Retired BOP Warden] |
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Apr 01, 2009
Ol_School
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Article: Ohio DOC SRT and STAR Work hard and stay out of trouble pretty much sums it up. I just 'retired' from SRT after 10+ years of service. I was an SRT squad leader and assistant Commander. I realized that at the ripe old age of 60 I should leave it up to the younger generation to bail me out when the time comes. (I will still be there to assist haha) Of course the body always falters long before the mind accepts it. PT test is a regular part of training and done quarterly. As far as 'knowing somebody' to get on the team....if you give 110% to your job every day 'you will' be known by the proper people, and more than likely asked to apply after initial probation is over. Regarding STAR....they are always looking for and recruiting good people. Applications generally come out a couple of times per year. \ Does the DOC have intelligent officers? I would like to hope so! Intelligence officers...not to my knowledge. Other positions as in STG (gang intelligence) are available. |
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Mar 30, 2009
DFox
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I think that this article sheds light on a very serious paradigm that has, and unfortunately, will most likely always plague the correctional system. I particularly liked your comparison between reacting and responding. In an ideal world, one which is seemingly unattainable, officials would always default to responding instead of reacting, one hundred percent of the time. I feel that as long as there is a margin for human error, this issue will always exist as well. Fantastic work, and a good read. |
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Mar 30, 2009
LSBingham
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"The majority of the physical injuries to children who are subjected to corporal punishment are not intentional." In dealing with corporal punishment inside a prison why insert this statement. It has nothing to do with prisons or prisoners. Even though most inmates act like children inserting this leads me to beleive the article is more about corporal punishment in general than that of prisoner treatment. I have seen corrections make a sweeping move the kinder gentler side when dealing with prisons. It makes some sense, however, there is something to be said with swift reactive retribution in the face of safety and to gain compliance. The caveat' here is that afterwards when cooler heads prevail to follow up with a conversation of understanding so that the offender understands why the actions were taken and what can be done in the future to prevent any further reactions of a similar sort. Personally I would like to see in this kinder gentler way a method of holding inmates more accountable and having them work for what they get. Corrections is a black hole into which millions of taxpayer dollars are spent to baby-sit the rebellious of society. Tired inmates cause less trouble and having them learn skills to care for themselves when and if the leave prison is more advisable than just warehousing them in an eight by ten cell. |
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Mar 25, 2009
armando
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Outstanding!! |
