Topic: The Club House / Women working in Corrections

Hey thanks, your comment sounds so familiar. It’s quite cathartic to release my gripes and to be understood. I have written memos. I have been to HR and today I interviewed for another specialty position within the jail. After the interview, the Sgt told me that if he were going on seniority alone, I would be a shoo in. He then told me that he needed to have his LT make the decision. I have a minimum of 3-5 years seniority on all of the other applicants. Later, I heard a rumor (aren’t they always) that the LT would not hire another female for a specialty position. Hmmm. When asked how I prepared for the position, I explained that I had studied OSHA regulations, Federal mandates for the Corrections industry as well as passing the National Certified Jail Officer exam. I will not know the outcome for a few days but I am hoping that the the LTs will finally move me up.

Topic: The Club House / Women working in Corrections

I work in a coed county facility. I have been here for about 6 years. As a female, I find that the male officers are much more difficult than any of the inmates. I have to put up with comment such as being belittled for my demeanor and respectful communication when dealing with compliant inmates. I am not their friend but the inmates respond to me much better when I ask them to do something then follow the request with a thank-you. The male officers treat most of the inmates like they are less than animals. I have written memeos to supervisory officers on many occasions but get nothing. In fact, I was involuntarily “reassigned” because I " won’t establish a relationship" with another officer on my squad. This chauvanistic male officer feels he is above reproach and I do not want to establish anything but a working relationship with him. So, instead of disciplining the male officer who has several write ups for harrassment, I was reassigned. So, how do I get past that issue? I fight my own fights, I back up anyone who needs assistance, I am basically fearless in front of inmates and yet I cannot get promoted or have my issues with male officers resolved.