The C.O. looked tough—what I lightheartedly like to call “the testosterone overload type”—and very professional. I knew he was a veteran who had seen it all during his 13-year corrections career—inmate murders, drug overdoses, beatings, stabbings, and staff assaults. What came out of his mouth though, and the tears that periodically welled up in his eyes, told a story that is rarely voiced.
As I sat listening to this warrior-like officer, I tried putting myself in his place. I ended up flooded with sorrow for the human condition, anger at evil, and a sense of urgency to be of assistance to this individual. Read more…
ctudor PTSD corrections officers, PTSD, secondary trauma, self-care, traumatic stress
This is an email sent to me by a former correctional officer, who gave me permission to share it with others. It is very sobering as it raises the issue of responsibility for our own well-being. Read it and remember that you do have choices. If you don’t already, start taking care of your physical, psychological and spiritual needs actively and consistently. Nobody else can do it for you.
The gate slams behind you as you enter the prison. You take a deep breath as you prepare for the day ahead. Let the games begin!
Each day becomes a day of survival spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. The money is good. The job provides “security”(boy, isn’t that a play on words!).
But for the money and security there is a heavy price to pay for many. Their world becomes no different than that of the prisoners—hopeless, worrisome, painful, fearful. Many officers say “I do my eight and skate,” but is that statement really true?
Read more…
ctudor Corrections Fatigue corrections officers, morale, self-care, stress
For all of you who feel all alone or who are doing Christmas away from loved ones, please remember that Desert Waters (www.desertwaters.com) volunteers are here for you. Write us at youvent@desertwaters.com or call 866-YOU-VENT. (BTW, dialing *67 before the number blocks your phone number on Caller ID systems.) Reach out & connect. We do care & want to be of assistance to you in any way we can.
ctudor Uncategorized
It is not news to you that, for a multitude of reasons, your personal relationships often suffer because of your job. As the holidays approach, the most obvious example is your having to work on Christmas or New Year’s Day. Or perhaps you had to work on Thanksgiving Day. Your loved ones might deal with your absences from family events by “getting used” to gathering and celebrating without you.
This does not reduce the fact that they miss you and that you miss out on special moments. Read more…
ctudor family family
The writer of this email captures beautifully an aspect of Corrections Fatigue, the gradual negative changes in correctional staff due to the nature of their work environment. It is also noteworthy to me that this Officer clearly has a servant’s heart in spite of everything else going on in his life. He went out of his way to find the owner of the lost purse and to deliver it to her. Way to go!
I thought I would share a recent experience with you which is indicative of the way people become when working in Corrections.
The other night at work I noticed an inmate duress alarm (a red light that glows on a control panel) shortly after my shift had started. Read more…
ctudor Corrections Fatigue corrections officers, professionalism
The following quotes grabbed me the past few days.
As usual, the best is simple, and the wisdom of the ages is upside down (or right side up). So here they are! Read more…
ctudor Sanity Tips happiness, Leadership
Research, personal experience and history testify that one of the most effective ways to weather tough times and stay sane is to have good relationships. Good relationships form a safety net under us. They are a refuge, a place to refuel, a way to give and to receive, and a means to be held accountable.
Corrections work only too often takes its toll on relationships, as weary staff tend to lash out in anger or withdraw in reaction to even minor irritations. Read more…
ctudor Sanity Tips family, happiness
This is a letter sent our way a few months ago. A trusted colleague who also works at California Dept. of C orrections & Rehabilitation said this about it: This is an absolute factual account of prison life. The author has done an excellent job of describing the conditions inside of California’s prisons, while pointing out the inequities between felons and working people, with the felons receiving all the benefits, while we work responsibly only to be burdened by paycuts. Excellently done.
As a California Dept. of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR) employee, I have had my fill with the statements being made in the media about how the overpaid state employees (prison guards) are draining the state’s budget, and how the poor inmates (convicted FELONS) are dropping like flies due to substandard medical care and brutal living conditions. Allow me to cast some light onto these shadowy areas with my ten plus years of insight behind the walls.
Read more…
ctudor Corrections Fatigue corrections officers, morale
Since we’re often asked questions about DWCO, I’d like to tell you a little about how and why we ended up doing what we are doing in corrections.
DWCO’s mission is to help increase the occupational, personal and family well-being of corrections personnel. Our vision is corrections staff who are professionals, who are healthy physically, psychologically and spiritually, and who live well way past retirement.
DWCO was founded by my husband Ted Tudor and me as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in 2003. Neither of us wanted to get involved in corrections. He was retired. I had moved to Fremont County (with its 12 prisons and jail) to semi-retire and play “farmer” while maintaining a psychotherapy practice. As a result of counseling and talking with corrections personnel in our county, I became aware of the need for more specialized services targeting corrections staff wellness. Read more…
ctudor Uncategorized
1. Always be respectful.
2. Meet with your team weekly and walk around your area daily to stay in touch with your staff and to be accessible to them.
3. LISTEN, truly listen, to your staff. Instead of presenting your side right away, ask questions about their perspective.
4. Praise your staff both privately and publicly and spell out the specific behaviors for which you commend them. Share the glory. Read more…
ctudor Leadership mentoring, supervising
