>Users:   login   |  register       > email     > people    


Against all odds – Is searching futile?
By Joe Bouchard
Published: 07/18/2011

Lotterytickets Why do millions of people purchase lottery tickets every day despite what some would consider poor odds of winning? The idea of triumphing over large odds is very human and drives many initiatives. If you boiled the psychology of gambling down to a single word, that single word could be hope.

This concept of hope is captured well in the very popular classical Greek myth of Pandora. In the story, all are forbidden to look inside a box from the Gods. However, this seems like a case of divine entrapment or a test of lesser beings.

Pandora, our protagonists in the story, could not resist the overwhelming temptation. As she opened the box, a whole slew of agents of sickness and evil spilled forth into the pristine world. It is lucky for humanity that Pandora was able to slam the lid on the most dangerous entity in the box – hopelessness. Hellenic philosophy showed in the story that in the face of adversity we still have hope.

Have you ever felt the vocational efforts were completely futile? Have you ever wondered if we will fail despite all of our precautions? It is clear that hopelessness kills initiative. Perhaps the best phrase that describes overwhelming odds is trying to find a needle in a hay stack.

Much the same can be said of contraband control. Often, it seems hopeless to find a rumored dangerous item. When a shank is said to be in circulation, visions of mayhem follow. Even though it is imperative that staff find the weapon, some of us are gnawed at by pessimism. There simply are too many places to look and too many prisoners to hide the item. And with a concerted effort, inmates can pass an item under the collective nose of staff. On the face of it, keeping dangerous items out of circulation is hopeless.

Despite that pessimistic line of thinking, we have advantages in the search. The hope lies in these factors:
  • We have a communications network unrivaled in the facility. It is true that prisoner networks are strong when needed. However, ours are stronger, aided by electronics, and augmented by an agency-wide potential of minds;
  • We can search with virtual impunity;
  • We can search in a systematic manner;
  • We can return fresh back in the facility every day. Our colleagues can continue the search in our absence;
  • We have a vast store of experience behind our efforts. Many of the tricks have been tried before and are just recycled;
  • We have time on our side. Day by day, we chip away at unsearched areas.
  • We can close the book on an item once it is found. Once the bootleg is in an evidence locker, it is no longer in circulation.
  • We have a large amount of professional literature that helps us look for the seemingly elusive needle in the hay stack. Much of the literature is forbidden for prisoners to possess. Also, many online corrections sources are password protected, allowing only corrections professionals to use.

Let us not rely solely on optimism in our efforts to win the day. It is true that hope and efforts do not make the task of finding contraband entirely easy. We must be rooted in realism. Besides, action speaks louder than hope.

When each dangerous item is pulled out of circulation, it is like returning evils back to Pandora’s Box. The touch of optimism in the dreary scenario can give us the tenacity to carry on. And in corrections endeavors, this is a necessary ingredient for success.

Visit the Joe Bouchard page

Other articles by Bouchard:


Comments:

  1. antminer r4 review on 02/15/2020:

    Thanks for sharing this amazing post. and effort to provide such a good content on this specific topic. No doubt, I admire your way of presenting .looking forward to read more, Keep continuing. really amazing stuff. click to know about me in details. antminer r4 review

  2. johnb6174 on 02/12/2020:

    Thanks for your information, it was really very helpfull.. http://www.cc-chauffeurcars.co.uk

  3. johnb6174 on 02/12/2020:

    Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. kem bôi da thanh mộc hương

  4. johnb6174 on 02/11/2020:

    Hi! Thanks for the great information you have provided! You have touched on crucuial points! kem bôi da thuần mộc

  5. johnb6174 on 02/10/2020:

    This one is good. keep up the good work!.. http://www.calltherain.net

  6. johnb6174 on 02/10/2020:

    Great Article it its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. its was really valuable. thanks a lot. Ship A Car State To State

  7. johnb6174 on 02/09/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. kangen.vn

  8. johnb6174 on 02/08/2020:

    These are some great tools that i definitely use for SEO work. This is a great list to use in the future.. http://www.blue-collar-financial-planning.com

  9. johnb6174 on 02/08/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. máy kangen

  10. yajolos on 02/08/2020:

    It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks. https://alexbecker.review

  11. johnb6174 on 02/07/2020:

    I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. Máy lọc nước Vitamia

  12. johnb6174 on 02/06/2020:

    Please share more like that. http://ankizyhealthteams.org

  13. yajolos on 02/06/2020:

    Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. Mold Remediation Near Me

  14. johnb6174 on 02/06/2020:

    This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information... https://vitamia.com.vn/

  15. johnb6174 on 02/05/2020:

    I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. Cho thuê căn hộ Recfu

  16. johnb6174 on 02/05/2020:

    I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. http://recfu.com

  17. farhanmalikss on 02/05/2020:

    Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Spring Party Rentals

  18. yajolos on 02/04/2020:

    That appears to be excellent however i am still not too sure that I like it. At any rate will look far more into it and decide personally! Appliance Repair Companies Near Me

  19. johnb6174 on 02/04/2020:

    Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. Bất động sản RECFU

  20. johnb6174 on 02/03/2020:

    These are some great tools that i definitely use for SEO work. This is a great list to use in the future.. BRG No15 No16 Sài Đồng

  21. johnb6174 on 02/02/2020:

    Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. BRG Sài Đồng

  22. johnb6174 on 02/01/2020:

    This was really an interesting topic and I kinda agree with what you have mentioned here! youtuber converter

  23. network security manhattan on 02/01/2020:

    very nice discussion, a lot of material to learn about this specific topic. click to lear aboutNetwork Security Services or businesses in Manhattan and Jersey City , NJ and network security manhattan

  24. johnb6174 on 01/30/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. youtube.com converter

  25. johnb6174 on 01/29/2020:

    thanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this agvcain. http://creditcarddebtbankruptcy.com

  26. johnb6174 on 01/29/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

  27. johnb6174 on 01/29/2020:

    I read that Post and got it fine and informative. http://www.hangglidingvideos.com

  28. johnb6174 on 01/28/2020:

    Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article. http://www.jmillerpi.com

  29. johnb6174 on 01/28/2020:

    Great knowledge, do anyone mind merely reference back to it shipping a car in Canada

  30. yajolos on 01/26/2020:

    Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. I need a hacker online urgently

  31. johnb6174 on 01/26/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. http://achievethedream.ca

  32. johnb6174 on 01/25/2020:

    Love what you're doing here guys, keep it up!.. https://www.investingstockmarkets.com  

  33. johnb6174 on 01/24/2020:

    Thanks so much for this information. I have to let you know I concur on several of the points you make here and others may require some further review, but I can see your viewpoint. http://www.dtoneycpa.com

  34. yajolos on 01/23/2020:

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site. You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested. Thank you! Dryer Repair New Britain CT

  35. johnb6174 on 01/23/2020:

    This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works. màn cửa đẹp

  36. johnb6174 on 01/22/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. rèm cửa sổ giá rẻ

  37. yajolos on 01/22/2020:

    Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. Zscape Games San Ramon, CA

  38. johnb6174 on 01/21/2020:

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. thợ sơn nhà uy tín

  39. yajolos on 01/21/2020:

    This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Zscape Games

  40. johnb6174 on 01/21/2020:

    It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here! dịch vụ sơn nhà tại tphcm

  41. yajolos on 01/20/2020:

    I found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious... courier service New Orleans

  42. yajolos on 01/16/2020:

    I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. hanoi to halong bay tour

  43. johnb6174 on 01/13/2020:

    This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! bán gối chữ u

  44. johnb6174 on 01/12/2020:

    Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here. bán thiết bị vệ sinh

  45. kihijywe on 01/12/2020:

    This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! Timber Flooring Brisbane

  46. johnb6174 on 01/09/2020:

    Thanks for your insight for your fantastic posting. I’m glad I have taken the time to see this. đặt vé máy bay sài gòn phú quốc

  47. johnb6174 on 01/09/2020:

    howdy, your websites are really good. I appreciate your work.

  48. johnb6174 on 01/09/2020:

    Great knowledge, do anyone mind merely reference back to it Báo bóng đá

  49. kihijywe on 01/08/2020:

    I really thank you for the valuable info on this great subject and look forward to more great posts. Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty article with me. I am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great article. Good luck to the author! All the best! ve may bay re di da nang

  50. johnb6174 on 01/08/2020:

    I gotta favorite this website it seems very helpful . www.tinbong247.com

  51. kihijywe on 01/08/2020:

    Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Thank you so much. săn vé giá rẻ đi đà nẵng

  52. kihijywe on 01/08/2020:

    I found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious... dat ve may bay di da nang

  53. yajolos on 01/07/2020:

    I have bookmarked your blog, the articles are way better than other similar blogs.. thanks for a great blog! đặt vé máy bay tphcm đi thanh hóa

  54. yajolos on 01/06/2020:

    I high appreciate this post. It’s hard to find the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it! would you mind updating your blog with more information? vé máy bay giá rẻ từ phú quốc đi tphcm

  55. yajolos on 01/05/2020:

    Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! best angularjs classes in pun

  56. yajolos on 01/05/2020:

    Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work. SEO

  57. yajolos on 12/31/2019:

    All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks youtube downloader hd

  58. johnb6174 on 12/28/2019:

    including reasonable comments here... รับจ้างทำ seo

  59. yajolos on 12/25/2019:

    This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information... http://statisticsguruonline.com

  60. yajolos on 12/24/2019:

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. It is the old what goes around comes around routine. apps to buy instagram followers

  61. yajolos on 12/22/2019:

    This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it facebook video downloader

  62. fefu on 12/20/2019:

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. Comprar Naranjas

  63. yajolos on 12/18/2019:

    I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories. affiliate marketing

  64. yajolos on 12/14/2019:

    Great article with excellent idea!Thank you for such a valuable article. I really appreciate for this great information.. voyance discount

  65. yajolos on 12/07/2019:

    Thanks for the frozen pipe repair post and great tips. Even I also think that hard work is the most important aspect of getting success. Five Star Complete Restoration Indianapolis

  66. johnb6174 on 12/07/2019:

    I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. Pháp Luân Công

  67. yajolos on 12/02/2019:

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. Trung tâm du học Hàn Quốc

  68. yajolos on 12/02/2019:

    Du Học Hàn

  69. yajolos on 11/28/2019:

    Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. Shaklee

  70. yajolos on 11/22/2019:

    Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have. Spirit Faith

  71. yajolos on 11/21/2019:

    Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists. karate Peterborough

  72. yajolos on 11/19/2019:

    Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. Super Star Gossip

  73. yajolos on 11/17/2019:

    Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. escape room bay area

  74. yajolos on 11/17/2019:

    Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!. escape room bay area

  75. yajolos on 11/16/2019:

    Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. Scooter Experts

  76. yajolos on 11/11/2019:

    Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing pool screen repair

  77. yajolos on 11/04/2019:

    I high appreciate this post. It’s hard to find the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it! would you mind updating your blog with more information? The best compression socks for nurses

  78. yajolos on 10/29/2019:

    I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. double heart ring gold

  79. yajolos on 10/22/2019:

    Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists. Cap Register

  80. yajolos on 10/20/2019:

    Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article. Craig Mullins

  81. yajolos on 10/08/2019:

    Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. http://www.viajessyr.com

  82. yajolos on 10/06/2019:

    hi was just seeing if you minded a comment. i like your website and the them you picked is super. I will be back. http://www.ms-zipperlein.net

  83. yajolos on 10/02/2019:

    This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. more information

  84. yajolos on 09/29/2019:

    hello!! Very interesting discussion glad that I came across such informative post. Keep up the good work friend. Glad to be part of your net community. Treasure at Tampines price

  85. yajolos on 09/26/2019:

    Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers. wie macht man smoothies


Login to let us know what you think

User Name:   

Password:       


Forgot password?





correctsource logo




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of The Corrections Connection User Agreement
The Corrections Connection ©. Copyright 1996 - 2024 © . All Rights Reserved | 15 Mill Wharf Plaza Scituate Mass. 02066 (617) 471 4445 Fax: (617) 608 9015