The Reality of Being a Prison Guard: Challenges, Skills, and Personalities
Prison guards often fit a certain stereotype tough, hard, and cruel. However, the truth is more nuanced. A career as a prison guard requires a unique set of skills, as well as dealing with a diverse and challenging environment. This article explores the professional life of a prison guard, the challenges faced, the skills required, and the personal traits that make a good one.
Challenges and Personalities
Most prison guards are not born tough. They are people who grew up feeling marginalized or excluded, be it due to their background, social status, or academic achievements. Many have faced the challenges of lack of control in their lives and thus seek to gain control over their environment. Some join the force because they cannot succeed in more traditional roles such as being a real police officer. It's not that they are eager to unleash their anger, but rather a reflection of their desire for structure and order.
However, it is important to note that there are good prison guards as well. These individuals approach their role with a sense of respect and responsibility. They treat inmates with dignity and fairness, ensuring that their actions do not exacerbate an already harsh situation. A good guard recognizes that their job is to watch over the inmates, ensure they are at the right place and doing the right thing, and maintain the safety and order of the facility.
Professional Life and Personal Growth
In my experience, being a prison guard was not about being tough. It was about being consistent and fair. I treated all inmates with the same respect, regardless of their race or status. My primary role was to ensure that inmates remained where they were supposed to be at the right time, doing the work they were assigned. It was not my job to make their time in prison worse; rather, it was my responsibility to facilitate a safe and controlled environment. I had to be vigilant about my surroundings, as I was in a room with 53 or 56 men who had been accused of criminal activities. They had nothing but a radio and their wits, and I had to use these to navigate the complex social dynamics of the prison.
Interactions with inmates varied widely. I found common ground with drug dealers, gang members, and even killers. In most cases, I was able to get along with them, joke with them, and maintain a level of camaraderie. However, there were instances that tested my resolve. In one instance, an inmate cussed me and spat in my face, nearly costing me my job. In another, an inmate hit me in the jaw, leading to a physical confrontation. These experiences taught me to stay in control and not be swayed by the tactics used by inmates to assert dominance.
Physical and Mental Preparedness
The modern prison guard faces a different set of challenges. In the past, guards were physically and mentally tougher, reflecting the more rigorous training they received. However, with continuous staffing shortages in many regions, such as Missouri, the hiring process has become more relaxed. Guards are now sourced from individuals who have just graduated high school or even the elderly. As a result, the physical and mental fitness of current guards may fall short in comparison to past standards.
Typically, prison guards are in poor to average physical shape due to the sedentary nature of their work. Additionally, the risk of violence and exposure to hostile situations means that they must remain mentally and physically alert. The Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) or Facility Special Tactics Teams (FSTTs) are a notable exception. These specialized units are in exceptional condition, training to a level similar to that of street SWAT teams.
In conclusion, being a prison guard is a multifaceted and demanding profession. It requires a combination of emotional maturity, physical fitness, mental resilience, and a willingness to navigate a complex social landscape. While the challenges are significant, the job can also offer the satisfaction of making a positive impact on the lives of those behind bars.