The Correctional Officer III - Women In Corrections

LIVE INTENTIONALLY

While the challenge of gender-bias is still present for women in corrections, it has not stopped the female officer from effectively doing their job. 

In the 1970's  The United States led the way in introducing women into the all male prison system.  By the late 70's, thirty-three states had women assigned to work in male institutions.  By 1981 only four United States correctional systems denied females from employment. 

Today, Female Officers are making contributions to the prison systems where they are recognized as extremely valuable  employees.  Research supports the fact that female officers are effective in their positions.  The reality is that women excel in the correctional setting bringing advantages to the job that male officers cannot.  For example, a female officer has the tendency to bring  a style of communication rather than physical force. 
In my experience in working in a male prison and in a Segregation Unit, there were a number of times where I was able to use my communicational
skills to defuse situations which were about to evolve into violence.  It has never been my belief that any one person (male/Female) could have success in this highly stressful job, and that is why my opinion about age requirements for Correctional Officers is so important to me.  It is already a huge challenge for women entering the male dominated field, The gender-bias is certainly present today and women should recognize that before deciding their future.  The woman who succeeds in the field of corrections will adapt through strengthening her mental toughness so that she is able  to work through those challenges she will face on a daily basis.  Although, I am not discouraging young women from entering this highly rewarding career, I am however, asking that women think it through and know that there will be challenges, there will be times that you will fail, there will be disrespect from colleagues... But if you are Intentional in your decision, you will find success and I promise that the leaders of that institution will see it and take notice. 

Live Intentionally

It is important for women to be in since with their feminine side.  The stigma I face as a female officer is frustrating at times, however, it does not take long for both staff and inmates to see that I am not the hyper-masculine female officer that they see as unapproachable.  It is important to know who you are as a woman and live with the intention of making an impact.  It has always been important to me  to make a positive impact on those around me.  It is not our jobs to judge the inmate, but instead it is our job to make sure that both the staff and inmates are kept free from harm while on shift.  I hold inmates accountable for their interactions with all officers, staff, and especially female officers who are guarding them.  This has proven to bring everyone to a line of respect.  The inmate is not to cross that line and if he/she does then there will be repercussions for the inmate so that we as female officer are simply viewed as one thing, "The Officer who is to be Respected."

The women who empower me

My experience in the short three years I have in the Correctional Field has been nothing less than successful.  As a 44 year old middle aged woman who decided to finally overcome fear and embrace my purpose, I have been fortunate to have had men and women who believed in me and who encouraged me to keep moving forward in my quest to make a solid difference in a place where so much negativity exists.  I was able to promote in less than two years, become a member of the Special Operations Response Team, become a mentor to new incoming officers, and most of all earn the respect of inmates by following the simple rules of corrections "Firm, Fair , Consistent".  I work at a facility whom is led by a Warden who is a strong woman.  The female officers who I work with are the strongest of women I will ever know.  Confident, hard working, style, professionalism, and no nonsense mentality.  This type of presence and authority is establishing mutual respect and compliance from the inmate.  We are all empowered by one another and because of that we are able to pass that on.