Good points all! Leorising , if that is how you cope then good if it works for you. You have a different perspective than most of the corr/professional that i know but that is how you cope. As a former new hire instructor/teacher my portion of the classes I taught were up front like Irish assasin. This frankness informs new hires what to expect, if you work in most correctional settings these experiences others are talking aboput are a universal truth to most extent. These horrers are going to happen sometime in the future. I have been stabbed fights all that, I also work in a local hospital security ( a trauma center) for the past 23 years p/t and the people working in the er deal with the horrors differently. Military personel deal with the PTSD differently. The longer your min the business the way we cope changes or evolves. For me for the most part I’m like Mick and Irish Assassin I leave it at the door coming and going, I don’t even associate with people i work with off duty except 1, and he is my best friend, ( immigrant from Russia/Belarus). But that is only because we’re both weightlifters and fighters ( I’m getting too old for that now). But for those looking for a career in corrections most of them are only going to stay for a short time while they try to become police officers or they wash out. The ones left are the truely dedicated ones or just looking for a job. As for worrying about friends on the outside, I don’t! I shoot more often than they do! I don’t worry about that stuff. Not that it isn’t a concern but if we worry about that so much that i change my daily hyabits I’m in the wrong business. Having said that they (the bad guys) will usually go after the weaker officers for the set up. those are the officers that the inmates sense are at risk and vulnerable to pressure. If you conduct yourself (as I am confident you do) inb a proffessional but firm manner they will leave you alone. If someone reaches out to you it is easy to stop that, write the report!! Inform the admin and local law enforcement too, independantly off your minstitution. Good luck!!

Correct Squeeze, I do exactly that. But I also admit that I’m not the most PC person here either. Often times the things I say are mistaken for blatent discontent when I’m just speaking the truth through my eyes. Life and corrections both have negative elements and I feel when someone witholds that information they are giving somewhat false information. Now some of us might be lucky enough to spend our whole tours without witnessing violence, using force, or seeing a fellow staff member hurt on the job or worse. Sad fact is most of us won’t be that lucky. If you are then I envy you, mine has been anything but calm running the gambit from fights, stabbings, staff injuries and even death. Just like when i signed up for my military tour, the recruiters never tell you about the “horrors of war” that’s something your forced to learn from the vets and first hand. Same with corrections, nobody really prepares the new jacks for the negative that can happen. Corrections can be and is a risky job, to treat it like anything else is untrue and down right dangerous to everyone involved.

leorising, I must say I’m confused over the nature of your post. While yes all the things you’ve mentioned are possible a good “unwind” plan is very important. I for one enjoy my down time in various ways and find that in my time off I don’t even think about what goes on inside the wire. Working in such an occupation isn’t for everyone and it would seem it isn’t for you. I don’t shame anyone on that, but thats just fact. Not everone is cut out to be a CO, cop, soldier etc. Just like I’m not cut out to be a social worker, banker, editor or other such occupations. I do suffer from anxiety and the like from PTSD yet I don’t let it effect my job or my family. Fixing a problem means being strong enough to admit it’s there in the first place, understanding why, and taking the correct steps to fix said issue. Giving inmates mental control? This only happens if the person in question lets it happen. Inmates may “expect” to get treated with specialness, but what the expect and what they get are different things. Once again this falls back on the person and the golden rule of corrections, “fair, firm and consistant”.

Sorry for the long post. I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Leorising. That is a very pessimistic outlook, I have been in the Job for 15 years. I dont have High Blood pressure, I dont have anxiety and I never treat any inmate as “Special”. And as for their friends on the outside. I give them no heed. Watching your back becomes second nature and you do it without even thinking about it. And under no circumstances have I ever found it difficult to remain professional. And I have worked in the roughest toughest parts of our prison. It’s a Job. You don’t take it personally. When I enter the through the prison gates at the start of the shift I put on my “Game face” until I walk out the gate at the end of my shift and I leave the shit behind me. It sounds like that is something you are unable to do.

For any person who thinks they might want a corrections career perhaps I can give another opinion. If you are trying to be "John Wayne, save the world, make wrongs right, or, change things in general, I would suggest NOT going into law enforment, the military or corrections. You will worry about the well-being of your family constantly. It will keep you in a constant state of very serious anxiety, professionally as well as privately. Most people get high blood pressure from the job stress. You will be constantly watching your back. You will worry about the person “sitting next to you”, so to speak. Why? Inmates/criminals have friends on the outside. I assure you, criminals do not sit back and contemplate their past behavior. I could tell you story after story, but I won’t. What most C.O.‘s do is end up giving the inmate/criminal mental control; which does not have spoken. It will be immediately understood. Whoever does try, I wish you well. Just remember: Inmates/criminals EXPECT to be treated with specialness. (This can not be underestimated.) If you don’t, or even if you act as “well-trained and desaplined Officer”, chances are you will be in a dangerious situation. It is EXTREMELY difficult to remain a professional in corrections. I wish you well and good luck.

From one Irishman to another, you simply call it as you live it. Sometimes Irish your way of speaking simply emphasises your point and I don’t think it can be said any better. We all have to rely on our brothers and sisters to watch our backs, to be our spotter. That takes a tremendous amount of trust and comaraderie that is earned. More so than those that work the streets in my opinion (not to take anything away from police). Joy keep in touch, we are praying and watching.

I know I come across rather brash from time to time but I really do have good intentions. I’m someone who just says how things are in my eyes, no sugar or padding offered. Granted my views don’t always apply to everyone, I might not have an award winning manner, and I’m sure not much for the softer side of things. So even though I’m a bit of an “ass” I won’t intentionally steer someone wrong who asks for help.

That being said it isn’t important if we all hold hands and skip though the spring flowers, It is important that we all go home safe.

Squeeze, shakeyjake and Irish, you guys are the best, with support like yours from Joy’s fellow jailers, correctional officers and/ or LE she cannot help but succeed, AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

Joy, if you are near the panhandle of Nebraska hereisan add on NCJIS (Nebraska Criminal Justice System) which you don’t have access to but I do and there is a jobs section.

Position Title: Deputy Jailer
Agency Name: CHEYENNE CO SO SIDNEY
Category: Jailer
Location: Sidney, Ne
Description: The Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for a full-time Deputy Jailer. Applicants must be able to pass a background investigation.
Applicants must be willing to work all shifts,including nights, weekends and holiday’s.
To obtain an application please, contact the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office at the address below.
Salary: 13.00 per hour
Closing Date: 04/19/2013
Contact Person: Sheriff Jenson or Major Plummer
Contact Email: sheriffj@cheyennecountysheriff.org or ccsomel@cheyennecountysheriff.org
Contact Phone: 308 254 5878
Contact Address: P.O. Box 75
Sidney, Ne 69162
Web Site:
Date Posted: 04/08/2013

Come on you guys, how can you get a person down with a name like JOY…

Hey Fish I got a lot of good stories , lets see………..There wa this time I……. ok…..It was like this……well, I think of a good one and I’ll get back to ya later.

Irish, agreed. Let’s not let the turkey get us down, nor shall Joy!

Yes, it would seem we have yet another troll. Sorry to disappoint but I’m not about to ruin this young ladies post by answering childish bs.

Joy, best of luck in your journey into corrections. Keep us posted on your progress.

Looks like someone’s fishing…

Wow Irish Assassin, you sound really seasoned. Do you do all of those workouts that you talk about?? How many years does it take to become “Bitter and crusty?” Can you give us an example of when you have backed up fellow officers in a time of distress??

Glad you are taking the plunge. I’m not too far away from you (Omaha) and we’re always looking for the “few, the proud, the smart”. You live in a wonderfull state and hope you find something there. Yor kids will be proud of you too. ,Mostly the bad things you heard was because no one wants to be in jail or prison so all the former inmates have to say are detrimental to our image. When I started they told me never to tell my neighbors because we were considered not “good enough” to be police, that we were “2 steps below a crooked cop”. Sometimes we deserved that for what some bad corrections officers did. But that is true for any profession. I have always been proud of my choice and I will stand with any corrections proffessional in defending our image. I also take it personal when one of our own goes bad. I have been at the prison level, deputy sheriff level and Corrections officer in a jail. In my opinion the jail is the toughest and i know there are those that can effectively debate that but it is only my opinion. The public only see’s the bad stuff on reality tv so they think this is what goes on all the time. But in actuality it only occurs less than 5% of the time, the rest is routine work and boredom. It is our job to be ready for that %5 of the time and deal with it quickly , effectively and proffessionaly. That is why when you do get the trainig take it absolutely seriously. Especially the communication, obsevation and defensive tactics training. They are all inseparatley woven together. Keep us posted mon your progress and please look to us for help and advice if you need. We all want to see you succeed. There are some really good people on here and alot of diverse , experienced advice.

Thank you for the feedback. I grew up hearing nothing but negative comments from peers and family all my life. I became a single mother at 18, my choice to leave the man haha. But Since then I have earned an AA and my BA. I live on my own, no help from the government or my family, I even moved from CA to SD where I have no family and learned to live on my own. I have a strong and positive mind set and its not like I woke up one morning and said “I want to be a cop or maybe a correctional officer” Its something that I was interested in since I was 15. My goal is to become a cop, but I also feel like i want to do more than that. Somewhere working in law enforcement but working with kids, like a school liaison officer or something similar. With all that said and your feedback, I am going to apply. Im also going to call and ask if I can shadow the job, just to get a feel of it. Hoping I can get these push ups, I feel its the only thing in my way. Thank you all again!

Joy, ask yourself if you really want to try this first and if the answer is yes then ignore all the contrary advise or opinion or negativity as it is not yours to own. I totally agree with Squeeze and somewhat agree with Irish but that’s just me. Corrections is not for everyone and if it is not for you it will be quickly recognized but you won’t know if you don’t try! Communication is our first line of defense regardless of your size or stature and often is the tool that will de-escalate and contain prior to having to use other measures for control. It is our combined team efforts which maintain safety and security for staff and offenders not any one person nor perspective. I experienced family and friends not wanting to support nor could they understand my decision to work in this environment at the beginning of my career. Since then It has turned around 100 % and they are always telling me now how proud they are of me and how they respect what I have accomplished by pushing forward to succeed. Some Words of advice to repeat to yourself: 1) do not take anything personal and leave your personal life at the gate; 2) do not let the turkeys get you down; 3) always treat others with respect as you would want to be treated, staff and offender; 4) remember the goal is we, the staff , all go home safe at the end of the day; 5) you are there to earn your paycheck and benefits just like your counterparts; 5) Be the professional image of a Correctional Officer at all times and under all circumstances; 6) Don’t do anything you would not want to admit to in front of the warden/superintendent! Good Luck and Best wishes for a successful and fulfilling career in a most challenging and exciting arena because you will never be bored!

I’ll agree with Squeeze on this one. If it’s something you want to do then go after it. In the time till then use it to train yourself. Go for a run, do situps and push ups, programs like P90X and Insanity are good, etc… Honestly as of right now I wouldn’t say your “out of your league” but from your post it seems to me you could use some direction. As you say “take a challenge and surpass it” needs to be ground into your head repeatedly. If you fail the test, correct the issues and try again. Difference is the test won’t hurt you but an attacker will, so kick those survival instincts in overdrive and give it hell.
Lastly, the reason you hear nothing but negative feedback is usually due to several reasons. “Bitter” and ‘crusty" vets like myself give the negatives to the rookies for one big reason, It weeds out the weak. If you can’t handle hearing the horror stories then I can’t trust you to have my back if hell breaks loose. It’s nothing personal but thats just the truth. The other reasons could be the people you’ve spoke with are ill informed, or maybe they just don’t like the job, etc…

Thats my honest opinion. Good luck

Go for it Joy!! It is a unique and sometimes fulfilling career. Corrections is also a great training ground for law enforcement street duty. You learn to use interpersonal communication skills yhat many police officers don’t have. These are honed by the constant interactions you have with mostly hostile subjects. I am glad to see more Native Americans involved with this career. I worked in a county jail for a time in Washington State where half the county was BIA land and the Officers there were of the highest integrity. As for the push ups, just keep training, the upper body strength will come to you. Size is helpfull but only in 5% of your duty. All the rest is personality and brains. It sounds to me like the brains is already there and since I don’t know you , I have to assume you have a great personality. I pray for your success and hopefully join us in this endevour.

Hi, I would just like an honest opinion,
Im 23, Full Blooded Native American, Im naturally skinny, about 5’8 120lbs I live in a rather small city, Native Americans make up a huge portion on ethnicity here. I have a brother who is a police officer in CA, Im in SD. I have always had a passion on wanting to be a police officer, but i missed the application deadline, They have an opening for Correctional Officer, I am very interested in applying, My brother says go for it, When i tell people what I want to do, all i get is negative feedback, Mostly because of my small frame and size,
I have been working out to pass the physical fitness test, I can just about be sure i can do all sit ups required, Run will be easy. Push ups, my biggest challenge, I just wonder if i’m out of my league here. Right now I work in education at a middle school, but working in law enforcement is something I really want to do and succeed in.
What are some pointers I could get reguarding anything from testing to training and what to expect,
I know Corrections is a tough job, and needed for people with tough skin. I can take a challenge and surpass it. Thanks for your time! By the way, I have till Sunday the 21st to make up my mind and apply!

An officer is an officer, the same that an inmate is an inmate. I don’t care what kind of wedding tackle your packing around with you, do the job, don’t do dumb crap, watch my back while I watch yours and that makes us all in this big bowl of crap together. Nuff said..

Appreciated, Squeeze, and here’s a shout -out to all the male staff like yourself who contributed to my success and those others who are female and professional! I agree the environment became less hostile and improved in many ways as well for years. I am most concerned at this time for the younger generation based on all those societal issues which have entered our prisons and impacted us in the past decade. The gang populations and their personal wars, the criminally/ mentally ill incarcerated instead of being institutionalized in a care hospital as those have been closed, the younger prison population who have no care for others nor themselves nor life in general based on being drugged from birth and in the womb, laws in Washington state which give inmates more rights than the staff, and the legislature cutting pay/benefits and touting non-violence programs in the press which are not telling the whole story. It is a bad soup mix for a future potential break-down in our security system of law and order prevailing. This is only one woman’s humble opinion and for now I fight the good fight with those I supervise, planning for the worst and hoping for the best.

Taz, as acorrectons proffessional for the last 31 years and a former Mason County jailer(1980’s) I take offence to those male employees saying to you what they thought. I started my career when the Pen in Nebraska didn’t allow women to work on the inside of the prison. When the women earned the right to work inside the entire enviornment in the prison improved. Men had to learn to communicate better because women did it so much better. Male officers had to learn to better officers too due to all that testerosterone didn’t hack it anymore with the new codes of conduct. Pride yourself for being part of that wave of change for the better. Wish maybe I had stayed in Washington (my home state) as I still can’t retire here, different system.

I am currently working towards my retirement with 20 + years in Washington state and wondering how many generations will it be before this is no longer a topic, females working as correctional staff in male prisons. I was hired approx. 5-years after females were first allowed to work in the living units and other high inmate traffic areas. I have gratitude for those females who helped pave the way for me and I have tried to continue to advance that road ahead for others of my gender. It has been both an arduous and adventurous journey and I have no regrets. I had some male officers tell me " you are only here to find a husband in the inmate population" and others who told me " you won’t make it because you are too nice". What they did not understand was I was there to earn a paycheck just like them and support my children as a single mother. Ignorance lives in all kinds of work places and I have not let anyone, staff or inmate, define my future. Thankfully there were enough professional male officers who were in support of my efforts and helped me to sustain myself through some very good and some very bad times. I believe the corrections family will advance from the gender differences, learn to work together for the good of the whole, respectfully choose who works where and under what conditions based on skill, merit and size and stature when necessary.

I am a retired female CO. Having worked for 18 years in state male prisons I have seen many a bad officer both male and female. I never once had an incident. Eight of those 18 years was in Ad Seg. Being a good officer either male are female is the clue. Females have to just do their jobs and do it everyday! No is no! Stay fair, stay right. Know your policies and procedures! Follow them everyday! Offenders respect you for that. Watch your back everyday. Do what an adult female CO should do everyday. See the pattern? Constancy. The saying, “Firm and fair”. That is true! The offenders watch females daily moods and will use that to their advantage. Just walk that straight line. Don’t be lazy or play the I’m a female weaker sex thing on your fellow male officers. That could cause you and or them to lose your job or life. Females, do your job right everyday!!! Use policy and procedure everyday! Even the supervision will respect you for that.

I on occasions haved asked for advice from female officers on how to handle certain situations with inmates before escalating into a fight.I seing them handle a group of them without calling a code.The inmates just listen.So if I can get good advice before I haved to explain my use of force I will.On the ugly side I seing females go into corrections.Well looking for love in the wrong place,married male officer or in another case,a max out inmate,she though that once he was out it was okay to start a relationship.. Good and bad.