Anyone ever work in a prison? (small update pg 3)

[vettechick99]

I was just offered a job working for a small, medium-security, male prison running their library and teaching inmates. I've decided to turn it down mostly because it's part-time and doesn't offer any benefits.

I have also applied for and am awaiting an interview with another prison in the area, although this one is much larger and it's a higher security prison. However, the position is more my speed -- counseling. I've been wanting to get into counseling for years and my chance has finally arrived.

But working in a prison is far different from working in an office building in downtown Atlanta. KWIM? So anyone have any prison thoughts to share?

(is anyone thinking, "Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?")

 

[zagafi]

Yep, when I was in college one of my summer jobs was working in the community college *inside* the prison. It was a minimum security facility which meant no fences and inmates pretty much had the run of the place (within reason, of course). I never felt unsafe, but inmates pretty much "earn" their way to minimum security facilities. Heck inmates were umpires for Khoury League where I grew up!

 

[jennyl772003]

well, I used to deliver mail to the House of Correction. Not what you were looking for I'm sure.

Just a friendly tip to you ladies...

Do not spritz your letters to your incarcerated honey with perfume. You will put too much on, and when all those scents are tossed together, they really stink!

 

[Chicago526]

My DFi worked for a company that installed printing presses. Well, one of the maximum security prisons in New York (state) wanted to have one put in, so the inmates could print state documents (income tax return forms and such).

He had to have an armed escort wherever he went, partly so the other guards new he wasn't a prisoner, and partly so that the prisoners wouldn't kill him. I heard this second hand from his mom, DFi won't talk to me about it. It was VERY rough, from what I understand.

 

[rayelias]

I was just offered a job working for a small, medium-security, male prison running their library and teaching inmates. I've decided to turn it down mostly because it's part-time and doesn't offer any benefits.

Not exactly the reason I would turn it down, but there ain't no amount of money that would be enough for me to work in a prison. Heck, I try my darnedest every day to stay out of prison, why would I go in voluntarily?!? The best deterrent for me to remain law abiding is because I have a "pretty mouth."

(Gee, I hope that doesn't become my first "tag". Tell the tag fairy to ignore this thread!)

 

[WDWAurora]

My first thought is what type of experience do you have? Especially with the counseling...Do you have education in any of these areas...basically counseling, how to work with X population, etc? That kind of thing can be really beneficial for knowing not only if you can do it, but what to do if you were to start there.

 

[vettechick99]

Not exactly the reason I would turn it down, but there ain't no amount of money that would be enough for me to work in a prison. Heck, I try my darnedest every day to stay out of prison, why would I go in voluntarily?!? The best deterrent for me to remain law abiding is because I have a "pretty mouth."

(Gee, I hope that doesn't become my first "tag". Tell the tag fairy to ignore this thread!)

I've always had a healthy fear of prisons,too. In no way do I want to be someone's b****. At the same time, when I went to the prison yesterday to interview, if felt like I was walking into a school. I didn't get the Shawshank Redemption or Prison Break vibe. Hell, there was an inmate custodian who looked happier than a clam...like he was a MK CM or something. I felt pretty safe there.

Anyway, the other prison I haven't been to, but its much bigger (1,000 vs 250 inmates) and it's high security, so people are in there for good reason (murder, rape, molestation, etc). And I definitely don't want one of them to take a liking to me.

But I do want to be a part of rehab of people (men, women, children, whatever!) so this really interests me. I just need more info on prison-work life.

 

[vettechick99]

My first thought is what type of experience do you have? Especially with the counseling...Do you have education in any of these areas...basically counseling, how to work with X population, etc? That kind of thing can be really beneficial for knowing not only if you can do it, but what to do if you were to start there.

I have a degree in Psychology, interned with a School Counselor and worked as a camp counselor for a year. So I have not worked with prisoners nor done a lot of "counseling", but it's not a requirement either. The state has their own SOPs and they just want someone who is trainable, educated and passionate about rehab.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

A really close friend of mine just left her job of 9 years at a med. security facility to council at a school. She was handling group drug and alcohol sessions.

Here's a few things she didn't like: can't carry a purse or other bag - eveything must be carried in clear plastic bags, she used her maiden name at work and had an unlisted phone number as a precaution, no family pics in her office and didn't discussion anything family related. She basically said when she quit it was like "she" had been released from prison.

You have to have a very forceful personality and attitude to deal with these people - and this was minimum security. I can't imagine what a max. security facility would be like.

 

[powellrj]

My DB was working on his masters in Psychology and did an internship at a max-security prison one summer. He NEVER talked about it afterwards and changed his major to business and went on to get his MBA. I have asked him about it a few times over the years, but he really never wants to talk about it, so I never push it. Good luck!

 

[vettechick99]

My DB was working on his masters in Psychology and did an internship at a max-security prison one summer. He NEVER talked about it afterwards and changed his major to business and went on to get his MBA. I have asked him about it a few times over the years, but he really never wants to talk about it, so I never push it. Good luck!

What could happen that you'd never want to even talk about it? Yikes!

 

[Beth76]

You are very attractive. I wouldn't go near a max. security prison if I were you. Seriously.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

What could happen that you'd never want to even talk about it? Yikes!

My friend, in the Med. security facility, basically said she felt like she lived a double life. It definately changed her and made her "hard" (is the only way I can think to describe it). She couldn't talk about any of her family for fear that one of the inmates might decided to do something to them. I can't imagine having to live like that.

 

[Cindy B]

One of my former professors (adjunct) is/was a counselor at a prison in her "real" job. She told us she really enjoyed it, but you had to talk tough and be tough.

I guess working with a diverse population would be necessary as well. I would be wise and not put any pics up and use a maiden or "stage" name if allowed.

Although I did that with my former students as well. I didn't put any pics up and they didn't know where I lived either. I was usually Mrs. B, or Miss B versus my entire last name.

I don't know. You may love it or hate it. I don't think it hurts to hear what they have to say, and get the vibe of the place. If you feel threatened or scared, I would never do it in a million years.

FWIW, I considered tutoring at a prison as well. I couldn't do it at the time because of scheduling conflicts, but I may very well do it again if offered. (this was through my church)

 

[crs7568]

My friend, who is absolutely stunning, used to teach in a prison. She did everything but black out her teeth when she went to work, but I swear that she would look like a sexpot in a potato sack. The men treated her with respect and she had no problems. In some ways, I think it helped that she was so pretty because everyone wanted to please her. (Pardon the pun )

I think that you can get a good sense of a place when you go for an interview. You have been thinking of changing your job for a while; I say go for it. Certainly you have nothing to lose by keeping an open mind and going for the interview. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Sparx]

My DB was working on his masters in Psychology and did an internship at a max-security prison one summer. He NEVER talked about it afterwards and changed his major to business and went on to get his MBA. I have asked him about it a few times over the years, but he really never wants to talk about it, so I never push it. Good luck!

wow. What could have happened that he never wanted to talk about? wow.

Vette, I wouldn't do it. The post I just quoted proves that some really bad things can happen in a max prison. You don't want to push your luck with things like this.

 

[Boo'sMom]

sending you a PM

 

[MHopkins2]

My mother was a nurse in a state prison infirmary for years. (Not sure if it counted as "medium" or "max," but there were murderers, rapists, and other charming folks housed there.) She said then and still says they were by far the best bunch of patients she's ever had for one simple reason: they are watched at all times, and aren't allowed to give any of the staff any crap, period.

I think the suggestion to go ahead and go to the interview, with your eyes and ears wide open, is a good one. Worst case scenario, you're out an hour of your time.

 

[Kahana-ri]

My parent works at one of the most well known prisons in the country. My parent has been there for over 17 years as a prison guard. The job pays extremely well and with seniority, my parent has the 'good jobs'. Dear parent always boast that a state job is the way to go! We have even gone for 'family day'. Its when the prison staff brings in their family to meet other officers and their family members. We are actually given a tour of the prison. Its intimidating with inmates right there, but they don't say or do anything. They are told when families are coming through for the day and warned to be on their best behavior.

 

[SillyMe]

I've never worked in a prison, but Briarmom has spent some time in one.







No, in all seriousness, I would not take a job in a prison. That would scare the jeebies out of me. Especially looking the way you do...and no, I'm not coming onto you, not that there would be anything wrong with that.