5 tips to survive your first day working in corrections! Tonight on Tier Talk, Anthony Gangi, Keith Hellwig, Russ Hamilton, William Young and Connie Alleyne provide tips to help you survive your first day on the job.
I have a version of eight and the gate, I always day leave your hate at the gate , you may not like your fellow co's but once you walk in together you're family regardless of of your feelings towards each other we can't be devided
Don't give out your personal information, call all inmates by their given last name and not by street monikers/ nicknames. In example: if an inmates last name is Gatlin and you know him from outside of work you wouldn't call him by his nickname ( NuNu) He would be referred to as Mr. Gatlin. Don't look for ways to bend or Flex rules. If an inmate ask you to do something and you think it's wrong then it usually is wrong so always say "NO". Inmates are always looking for ways to break rules and manipulate you. Read the Downing a Duck Manual
Say "No." more than you say "Yes." A no can easily change to a yes, a yes is very hard to turn into a no. Run TOWARD trouble, protect your partner's back. Do not act like "you've got this." No one likes to train a know it all. When someone gives you advice that you have heard before, "Shut up" and say thank you. It must be important if you have heard it before. When in doubt... don't do it... ask someone.
@@TierTalk Trainees are the future of corrections. This is a VERY important video. I hope more experienced officers join in the discussion, to carry on with the good advice that you guys are sharing.
I have used your words almost exactly on every new co I have ever had to train. That being the "Say "No." more than you say "Yes." A no can easily change to a yes, a yes is very hard to turn into a no."
It took me about 2 weeks to realize, but inmates are the most manipulative people you will ever meet. It's the little things - I've got laundry, I have a phone call, i'm supposed to be at work, i'm allowed to be on the other side of this fence, or in this building, or Sgt. So and so said I could. Verify, verify, verify. Never take their word for it.
This should be a MUST view for ALL correction rookies ("new boots", love-it). The simple nuanced advice, common sense, and no "sugar-coating" in-your-face (nicely delivered) heads-up is exactly what we need to get a headstart in this journey. Before viewing this there was so much I thought I knew. You've served up my second course of common sense, reason, and valuable lessons. Darn good! I appreciate all of you. Brillant material and guests, Anthony. I'm getting ready to work in the industry and appreciate you for bringing us the knowledge.
I'm about to be going into my second month working in a county jail, I want to thank you guys at Tier talk. I am inspired every time I watch a video from you.
I work with new staff as the graveyard supervisor. I always tell them the same thing. 1 Take everything as a learning experience. You will learn something from everyone in this job. Even the LOP's. They will teach you what not to do. 2. Learn professional distancing. Like you guys said inmates are not your friends. 3. If you have an issue with a co-worker handle it in private not around offenders. 4. Kinda goes back to learning but don't be afraid to ask questions the only way to know what to do is to ask. You will make mistakes, we all do. Own your mistakes. Never hide them that creates division. Mistakes can usually be forgiven hiding something breeds a lack of trust and trust is paramount in this profession. 5. I'm going to do everything I can to show you how to be successful in this business. But ultimately it's up to you if you take my advice and utilize it or blow it off and go your own way. But going your own way is a lonely road. No successful person gets there completely on their own someone somewhere has helped them along the way. Lastly we're a family a crazy weird outlandish family and others outside of this business may not understand this world, but we always will. If things are bothering you or eating you talk to one of your brothers or sisters. Don't let it get to you we will help you.
Every one in the video had great tips. If I may add a couple. As a Correctional Officer do not trust any inmate. I mean, some may have good intentions but you don't know that. The second thing is to be careful of saying things around inmates. I knew a female staff member in the kitchen that said something that upset all the inmates, me included. However, several was upset to the point that her life was in danger. She was escorted out of the prison and did not return for several days. I was concerned for her safety and I was glad that there were several officers already in the kitchen.
I'm starting training out here in Colorado and these videos really help brother, I appreciate you and everybody giving advice. Better to learn than to expect.
Wow, you five did an excellent job. On your first day report in early. That will give you a little extra time for an initial briefing. If you have questions, ask them. Don't be afraid of asking a stupid question. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. From my experience when a new officer thought that their question was stupid, it actually turned out to be an excellent question. Listen to your senior officers. Take notes if you have to. The corrections environment is serious with little margin for error, and doesn't suffer fools gladly. Good luck and be careful in there.
Keith Hellwig yes! All need to consciously draw those boundaries. If you don't think about it, you will slip up and blur the lines or erase them all together.
I Really appreciate this video. I wish I would have seen it on my first day!! I work in the kitchen at my local jail and the guys tested me left and right my first two weeks.
All of the advice is great, and there is truly no bad advice. If I could only give ONE, well, that would change daily, but something quite literally just happened this past week where I work that reenforced one bit of advice. That is when you start, your first day or two, TRULY AND HONESTLY look around, listen, watch, see, feel, and learn all there is and soak as much in as is humanly possible. Then, when that is done, go home and truly ponder it. Look yourself in the mirror: is this what you want? I know different agencies and states are different, but where I am at, there is no "tour" before getting hired or anything so you go through the entire process and are then on the job even prior to the academy (something I disagree with, but that is another topic). Just this past week, we had a brand new officer (pre-academy) go through the entire hiring process, which is lengthy, and on day two of ORIENTATION, he decided that this was not for him, and he resigned. I quite literally respect that in every way possible - even more respect than some that clearly hate working in a prison but hung on for no real reason other than "a paycheck." So, my advice on day one and maybe day two, do everything possible to see if this is going to be for you for 10, 20, or even 30 years. If it's for you, be great at it, ask questions, read, learn, grow, etc., and if it's not for you, submit a resignation letter and go onto something "better" for you. No shame in that whatsoever as there are other jobs and careers that are out there that I think I would love to try but would probably not be for me.
I'm in the process for my county jail, they did background check, and agility test. They did give us a quick run down tour. It did give me an intimidating feeling with all those inmates just staring at you.
@@TierTalk Well guys I did my 1st day ummm well lets just say its a different world behind the wall. I found myself taking things personally. I found that not all officers are on the same page. I realize that my life is in consistent danger and it is very important to be vigilant. I find myself also getting angry at the fact that grown men do not know how to act. I literally had an inmate ask me when can he smoke. He said he was doing that so he could respect me. It is truly a different world. I truly understand now why we have to protect the public.
I worked corrections in the Army (31E). First time I met with my 1SG at my first correctional assignment he said the same thing as the first guy in this video. "Inmates are not your friends."
A lot of us refer to us as prison guards because that is what civilians see us as. We do a lot more than just guarding. I'm a mentor, teacher, coach, maintenance technician, I.T., firefighter, chef, first responder, and a person. I've had feces thrown at me and days later, helped the same individual with schooling with no grudge. I've had to do CPR way too many times. I've seen lives lost, and saved. I've slid around in blood because someone thought their life wasn't worth it and saved it because their life is worth saving. I work all those holidays (including 4th of July, Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving) that everyone else celebrate with their families or friends. I've ran into a burning building to assist the local fire department with floor plans of where certain areas are located. I've worked 4 months without a day off so others on my team could have a vacation / personal day (help with burnout). I keep the monsters from escaping that most people forget about. 99% of people have absolutely no idea what goes on behind those walls. I've lost friends and team members because of the stress (some permanently lost). Yes, I am a Corrections Professional.
I'm considering a career change to a correctional officer. I was told work 5 days 1 week and 2 says the next week. Then alternate. Is that true or would I get more hours?
You should have Mr. Young on your show more often that man speaks very well. He should be a DOC instructor. I have had some that made it hard to learn.
Yes they do. Be yourself and try your best to understand the environment you are in. Never, ever allow yourself to be pulled out of your prescribed role no matter how small the deviation maybe.
I've been in fire rescue 11 years, starting the dps co process now. Had first interview then Dr appointment and blood draw. Hopefully hear something soon.
As a 5'0" female, I'm about to begin as a correctional officer in about two weeks. This jail does it a little backwards. We have one week of classroom training, a few weeks of OJT, then sometime during your first year, you'll have the academy. I'm a little nervous about how the inmates will respond to me as I'm very young and small, but watching these videos has reminded me that this is my passion, and I can do it. Thank you for sharing.
You got this Alexis. Be confident and let that confidence shine through. Confidence comes by knowing your resources... In this profession, we never have all the answers...but the key is knowing where you can go to get them.
Thats funny because when I first started I thought a certain way, but now years later I feel myself getting more disheveled and I still want to look super nice but officers who have been on the job dress different than brand new ones. That is just fact. Brand new officers have new uniforms and you can tell how the new ones look from the ones that have been washed a million times. I see what the older ones where talking about. I have grown less nervous and more confident. I have gotten better at confronting inmates. I didn't realize that until I saw new officers. I saw a new officer like 2nd day on the compound the other day and I was awestruck and didn't mean to stare, but I mentioned something about how perfect her uniform looked and how shiny her boots where. Then I mentioned that she must be new. I can see now how different the rookies look from the veterans. But not just the uniform. When you are just starting I have noticed that they can be petty about everything and try to overcompensate. After a few years on the job you learn what you can do and what not to do. You learn the system. Truth be told there is a lot of improvising in this job, and you just learn to roll with the punches after time. Thanks alot. Great video!
Great information, great people, great advice! Everyone you encounter in this profession will have some piece of valuable information, some survival skill that you can put it in your tool box. Even bad examples can provide you valuable information. Formulate your own style, you'll be fine. If not, sound the alarm and we'll come running!
Good one. I tell them, "Observe... take the good and leave the bad, but watch, listen and learn. Don't try to be me, be you and use the lessons learned. I've got your back."
Anthony, Certainly sounds like very good advice to me ! My legs are healing from sports injuries and pretty soon I am going to be looking for a part-time or per diem retirement job. Most of my experience in Clinical Social Work has been with substance abusing Social Offenders, and I am seriously considering Corrections if I can find an opportunity. These podcasts bring me back 30 years and are very instructional. Very good !
@@TierTalk Anthony, My legs are definitely getting better, not sure when they will be totally healed. Maybe after the holidays, I'll be ready. I can walk unaided for relatively short distances, but I am using a cane for longer distances (like 100 yards or more). But I still can't run as of yet. Questions: Does a non-Custody Corrections Staff Member have to be able to run to work in Corrections? Is it OK to bring a plain wooden cane into a Corrections Facility ?
@@TierTalk Also, I will contact you after the holidays and maybe you can tell me who or what office to contact. I worked in Bergen County Jail back in the day and it is the closest facility to me, but I know you are on the State level, so I guess I'll be also looking on the County Level. But regardless, I will be in touch with you about this early next year. Thanks
19 yrs of experience here. ALWAYS BE CONSISTENT...When the inmates see Deputy/Officer so and so come into the tier, pod or dorm, they know what to expect. I recently had a tier meeting with inmates. I quizzed them on what the rules are when I work the tier. Every inmate I pointed to had the correct answer. My mock surprise was entertaining to the inmates. It turned into a no nonsense watch. Believe me, some inmates really do appreciate the structure. Secretly.
I'm new to this group but was really interested in the advice if the 5. Extremely beneficial advice and should be a video each and every new officer should be required to watch on their first day on the job before going to their post. I was concerned about the advice of taking notes of Pist Orders. They are not to read where and when inmates could observe them. I don't believe taking notes of them are allowed or advisable as they could be mishandled and read or observed by inmates. My 2 cents...for now.
Hey! I'm here in Australia and I'm about to start my correctional officer role in January, I was wondering about rehabilitation role we play? I know here in oz one of the main attributes they want to see is empathy and understanding as a officer. So when is it ok to show these attributes towards imates and in what situations. It may be a silly question but I think it would be hard to know the balance in helping an inmate but to where your not crossing a line or personal boundaries as a officer. Thank you for your vids as I couldn't find anything here in Australia.
My boyfriend just called me on his break, he is on his first day of on the job training and he feels like the guard who is supposed to be training him isn’t giving him much information at all, during his first 3 weeks of class he was very eager and ready to be on the job and be the best officer he can be but after today seeing how the hairs shrugged him off and how the guard does everything opposite of what he has learned he is very uncertain and disappointed what advice would you give to him? Should he speak up and talk to a supervisor? Should he wait it out? He is only getting on the job training for a week before he his being put on his official night position any advice would be appreciated
Good luck my man. Remember be yourself. Be honest with all question asked your way. Also take the opportunity to ask them what they expect from you. Most people don’t ask that question. By asking that question it shows them that you are willing to learn! Again..don’t get to nervous...you need to show confidence. Remember as much as you want the job, they need you as well. It balances itself out.
I will be starting as a CO in less than a month, and I'm finishing up the training now. I am so nervous about this job because I put a lot of pressure on myself to do the job right. I want to learn from the senior staff and I want to help keep everyone safe. These tips are very helpful and I thank you for them, if anyone reading this has any more advice for a newbie, especially for a female and an Asian one if that makes any difference, please reply with any bit of advice, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant! Thank you!
You are already in the right track. Stay humble. Be willing to learn from senior staff. Be yourself. Know where your resources are....and read those policy and procedures.
@@TierTalk Just wanted to say that so far so good!! I have finished my shadowing and am in my first week of the real deal. The advice and information, etc, from this channel has helped a LOT . thank you!!
I retired after 27 years as an Officer/Sergeant/Lieutenant with the Florida Department of Corrections. You are covering this pretty darn well... You might need to do 5 tips for Correctional Officers on their first day after their career, when they retire. That was a harder transition for me than the first day on the job and many in Corrections and Law Enforcement have a hard time with this. Sadly the life span of retired CO's and cops is not great. I think that the transition away from a career like this is a contributing factor to that short life after retirement.
@@TierTalk Thank you... It took me a bit to figure out how to not be a convict guard after I retired and I see a lot of CO's who just have a hard time with it, Your life and identity is so tied up in the job that you sort of drift after you leave unless you have a plan. In the seven years since I retired, I have lost several friends who were retired CO's and none were over 70. Health problems due to the stress and crappy lifestyle and shift work. I have seen others just withdraw and sit around and watch TV and get fat and more unhealthy. Depression. anxiety. The works. Many just don't deal with leaving the career very well. I was lucky, after a couple of years of just drifting, my brain managed to get outside those damn fences and move on to bigger and better things. Thanks for your channel, people really need to know what they are getting into with this job. Stay safe my friend.
Have you seen these. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--8HMAkHztic.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-10E1ETgX_MU.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-37bShzmMjRc.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oQErGlcfqWk.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-REuU1p-rqdA.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-osJ6uiSFXC0.html
You need to be more specific. Cause we correct the lot. May be a better question would be how do we motivate the inmates to take what we have to offer.
@@TierTalk we have more new staff then veterans in my facility and the new staff are taking it kind of hard. Especially with not being put on teams etc etc.
@@TierTalk thank you. I survived my firts and my second day. 1st day was so nervous, 2nd day which was today went way better. Thank you I kinda love this job.
