I am a new jail deputy. I know one of the worst things we can do is to be inconsistent dealing with inmates - it's unfair to be a hard-on to someone I don't like and nice to the nice guy.
Last night I had an inmate block my way going across the room while his whole gen-pop group was out for recreation. I asked him twice to move, but he quietly refused while making eye contact with me. So, I just said "excuse me" and parted him out of my way with my forearms much as one would do in a crowd. He started yelling at me not to touch him. I basically ignored this guy and went on about my business.
My FTO said I could have locked him down for what he did, but also that if I start handing out lockdowns to the guys who are being d*cks, I have to hand out lockdowns to the nice guys too when they goof up. Overall he thought I did well to just sort of ignore the behavior and move through the crowd unfazed, but said to not let him get away with it a second time.
I am not a doormat, but I'm not a tyrant either... Any tips on walking that line? Or am I wasting my time trying the "reasonable middle" and just go be the Gestapo every night? That doesn't suit me, but hey, it's a jail. Thoughts?
Last night I had an inmate block my way going across the room while his whole gen-pop group was out for recreation. I asked him twice to move, but he quietly refused while making eye contact with me. So, I just said "excuse me" and parted him out of my way with my forearms much as one would do in a crowd. He started yelling at me not to touch him. I basically ignored this guy and went on about my business.
My FTO said I could have locked him down for what he did, but also that if I start handing out lockdowns to the guys who are being d*cks, I have to hand out lockdowns to the nice guys too when they goof up. Overall he thought I did well to just sort of ignore the behavior and move through the crowd unfazed, but said to not let him get away with it a second time.
I am not a doormat, but I'm not a tyrant either... Any tips on walking that line? Or am I wasting my time trying the "reasonable middle" and just go be the Gestapo every night? That doesn't suit me, but hey, it's a jail. Thoughts?
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