Tell me it gets better.

Marine67 · 11-26-2008, 02:14 PM

You will find all kinds of good advise here.... So no need for me to start a long spiel; just stay focused, absorb and apply what you are told, do your best every day, never trust an inmate (i don't care how cool they are with you...they are only workin' you). In time you will develop your own style on how you conduct business. AND..... trust your gut, if something doesn't seem right, or there is a funny feeling in the block...BE READY!!!

all4114all · 11-26-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marine67

You will find all kinds of good advise here.... So no need for me to start a long spiel; just stay focused, absorb and apply what you are told, do your best every day, never trust an inmate (i don't care how cool they are with you...they are only workin' you). In time you will develop your own style on how you conduct business. AND..... trust your gut, if something doesn't seem right, or there is a funny feeling in the block...BE READY!!!

OHHHHH another tag line I use!! lol I tell new hires, "TRUST YOUR GUT" You would be amazed how many times it will lead you the right way.

And people think I am crazy when I tell them my gut says something bad................. I think they are crazy for not listening to me..........

jes891 · 11-28-2008, 02:23 PM

Feeling nervous IS a good thing, it helps you keep your guard up. Its being scared thats dangerous. Scared is how people get hurt. Thats partially what the senior officers are thinking. Not only the inmates, but the officers will be testing you as well. Is he/she scared? Is he/she going to jump in if sh** hits the fan or is he/she just going to stand there and hold the door open and watch me get my azz whooped? Can I trust this person? Can I rely on this person? If you're scared, find another career. Asking questions is one of the most inmportant part of the job. If you don't know how to properly do somethng you need to ask. Most senior officers will have no problem answering the question and if he/she doesn't know I guarentee he/she will help you find the answer. Most c/os I work with can't stand not knowing something and will ask a dozen people to find an answer to a question that is nagging at them. Don't wait for someone to talk to you, aquaint yourself with as many staff members as you can. That gesture alone lets the senior staff know that you are a confident person. Don't pretend to be a hard azz. If you come off as thinking that your "super-cop" senior officers are going to think that you are dangerous and only out to prove yourself. Don't do it! Its a death sentence. Inmates don't appreciate a cocky rookie, they will aim at you untill they tear you apart. They will nag at you until they drive you to use excessive force. I've seen many rookies go down like that to try to proove themselves to the officers and demand respect from the inmates. Just be youself, be fair and consistant and you will earn you place in time.

TheHound · 11-28-2008, 09:35 PM

Don't be fooled by inmates. They are called cons for a reason. The only reason they are being "cool" with you is to try to compromise you. They will start out slow and try to gain your trust. There's a good book out that may help you. I don't remember who wrote it, but it's called "Games inmates play". Try to keep your conversations to a minimum with the thugs. The weather is usually a good topic. If you get bored, you can always talk to another Officer. Stay safe and keep your back to the wall.

all4114all · 11-28-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHound

Don't be fooled by inmates. They are called cons for a reason. The only reason they are being "cool" with you is to try to compromise you. They will start out slow and try to gain your trust. There's a good book out that may help you. I don't remember who wrote it, but it's called "Games inmates play". Try to keep your conversations to a minimum with the thugs. The weather is usually a good topic. If you get bored, you can always talk to another Officer. Stay safe and keep your back to the wall.

I guess I am a bit of a prude. I won't even discuss the weather with them other than, yep it is cold. yep, it is hot. yep it is raining.

lol