Behind Bars with the Guards: What They Don’t Want You to Know
Prisons are places of confinement, where individuals who have broken the law are held in custody until their sentence is served or they are deemed a threat to society no longer. But what lies behind those bars? The harsh reality of life inside prison walls is often shrouded in secrecy, with only glimpses available through media and personal accounts from https://folsomprisonapp.com/ former inmates. In this article, we delve into the world of correctional officers – the men and women who guard the prisoners on a daily basis.
The Harsh Reality of Working Behind Bars
Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining order within prisons, ensuring that both inmates and staff remain safe. However, their job comes with a high level of stress and risk. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), law enforcement workers – which includes correctional officers – have one of the highest rates of on-the-job fatalities. In 2020, there were 154 reported deaths in the line of duty among law enforcement personnel.
But it’s not just physical danger that guards face. They also endure emotional strain from being constantly exposed to violence, intimidation, and degradation. Many correctional officers develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their experiences on the job. In some cases, they are even victimized by inmates who exploit vulnerabilities in the system.
One guard, who wished to remain anonymous, shared with us her harrowing experience of being physically assaulted by an inmate. "I was working a shift at the maximum-security unit when one of the prisoners started taunting me," she recalled. "He threw his urine-soaked toilet paper at me and laughed as I tried to dodge it. The next thing I knew, he rushed towards me with a makeshift knife. Luckily, another officer intervened just in time."
Life Inside: What You Don’t Want to Know
Behind the bars, prisoners are often subjected to inhumane conditions that would be considered unacceptable anywhere else. Overcrowding is a major issue in many prisons, leading to inmates being forced to live in cramped and unsanitary conditions.
"It’s like they’re trying to break you," said Michael, an inmate who spent three years in solitary confinement. "You’re locked down 23 hours a day with no fresh air or exercise. And the food? Forget about it – it’s often spoiled or undercooked."
Corruption is also rampant within prison walls. Guards may turn a blind eye to illicit activities or even participate themselves, creating a culture of dishonesty and exploitation.
In some cases, correctional officers are pressured by their superiors to prioritize profits over prisoner welfare. We spoke with several guards who admitted that their institutions engage in various forms of corruption, from money laundering to smuggling contraband.
"Let’s just say it’s not all about rehabilitation," one guard confessed on condition of anonymity. "If you don’t play the game, you won’t get ahead. And if you do, well… there are perks."
The Systematic Failure
Prison systems across the United States have been criticized for their treatment of inmates and guards alike. Many experts argue that these institutions prioritize punishment over rehabilitation – perpetuating a cycle of recidivism rather than addressing underlying issues.
"The system is designed to keep people locked up, not to help them get back on their feet," said Dr. Kathryn McCollum, a criminologist specializing in correctional facilities. "We’re talking about human beings here, not commodities to be exploited for profit."
One of the primary concerns is the lack of support services available to guards and inmates alike. Guards often face inadequate training and resources to cope with the stresses of their job, while inmates struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma – all factors that contribute to recidivism.
"Inmates need access to proper medical care, counseling, and educational programs," said Dr. McCollum. "But what they get is often subpar at best. It’s no wonder so many prisoners reoffend once released."
A System in Crisis
The correctional system is facing unprecedented challenges, from overcrowding and corruption to inadequate funding and insufficient resources.
"The problems are far-reaching," said Dr. McCollum. "It’s not just about prisons – it’s about the broader societal issues that drive recidivism. Poverty, lack of education, substance abuse… these are all intertwined with our failing prison system."
As we delve deeper into the world behind bars, one thing becomes clear: this is not a story about good versus evil or right versus wrong. It’s about complex human beings – both guards and inmates – struggling to survive within a flawed system that fails them at every turn.
What Can Be Done?
While change will undoubtedly be difficult to implement, there are steps being taken towards reforming the correctional system.
Governments can prioritize rehabilitation over punishment by allocating more resources for mental health services, educational programs, and job training. Inmates should have access to quality healthcare, including treatment for addiction and substance abuse.
Prison administrators must work to eliminate corruption and ensure transparency within their institutions. Guards need proper training and support to cope with the stresses of their job – including adequate compensation, counseling services, and time off when needed.
Ultimately, it’s up to all of us to demand a more compassionate and effective correctional system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.