Time We Discuss: The Dark Truth of Being a Corrections Officer

Watch/Listen to this Episode The Dark Truth of Being a Corrections Officer

Former corrections and parole officer, Mike Knox relays his experiences working in corrections in this episode of Time We Discuss. In the discussion, Mike shares his experiences working in the prison system and as a parole officer, highlighting the stark differences between his expectations and the reality of the job.

Mike began his career with the belief that his role would involve rehabilitation and helping people, but he quickly became disillusioned. He explains that working in a prison is more about managing and controlling inmates rather than rehabilitating them. His daily tasks involved routine activities like moving inmates and feeding them, with little focus on improving their lives or prospects for reintegration into society.

When he transitioned to working as a parole officer, Mike initially felt optimistic. He believed that this role would allow him to help former inmates find jobs and integrate back into society. However, this hope was also shattered as he realized that the system was more about cycling individuals in and out of prison rather than truly helping them.

Mike describes how the training academies for corrections and parole officers do not accurately prepare individuals for the realities of the job. His perceptions is that the training is more about legal liability and procedural knowledge rather than equipping officers to deal with the day-to-day challenges they will face. This lack of practical preparation contributed to his growing disillusionment.

In his role as a parole officer, Mike was responsible for overseeing individuals who had been released from prison. Despite his initial enthusiasm for the job, he quickly realized that the system was deeply flawed. Parole officers were often blamed for the actions of the parolees, rather than the individuals themselves being held accountable. This environment created a sense of futility and frustration for Mike, as he felt the system was not designed to truly rehabilitate or support individuals in their reintegration efforts.

Mike also touches on the instability of working in law enforcement, particularly how salaries and job security are tied to the state budget. He recalls periods of furloughs and pay cuts, which further contributed to the unpredictability and stress of the job.

Ultimately, Mike's experience in corrections and parole left him jaded and cynical. He entered the field with the intention of helping people, but he found that the system seemed to be more concerned with maintaining order and control rather than genuinely rehabilitating or assisting individuals. His story serves as a critique of the current state of the correctional and parole systems, highlighting the need for reform and a reevaluation of their purpose and practices.

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