Topic: A Broader View / A Troubled Jail, Divided Staff

I know where you are coming from Canusxiii. Most of my career was spent watching Supervisors and Officers have affairs. Then the Supervisor would bail out the Officer so his/her spouse wouldn’t find out. I absolutely did not ever get my honey where I got my money. I met my wife in my home town at a local store. I am a firm believer in being firm, fair and consistent. With everyone. I had Officers that I absolutely had mass respect for. Would do anything for them but, while at work, I was the boss. If they slipped up, they knew we were going to talk. If they screwed up bad, they knew without question, there would be consequences and I would be the one doling out the discipline. I was close friends with three of my Captain’s before I retired. Got my but tore by all three. Didn’t piss me off. If I do something wrong or don’t complete a task that is assigned the way they wanted it completed, give me what I got coming. Ten minutes after my ass tearing, we were all drinking coffee and telling lies. No big deal.

Topic: Security Central / Officer shakedowns

I had over 26 years at my prison and bought some military time to get my full service 30 year retirement. All my time was in Maximum security. I was still learning when I retired. You never stop learning, you either continue to learn and sharpen your level of alert and observation or you give up and become a victim.

Topic: A Broader View / A Troubled Jail, Divided Staff

I always spoke in the same tone of voice unless they really screwed up bad and another staff members safety was at issue. Then I would blow their wig back. When it is an issue with Officer safety, key control, or health and safety issues, I had zero tolerance for errors. One ass tearing, depending on severity, next time a written reprimand. At my old prison, when an Officer was working a cell block, they would stop at the control center, turn in a metal chit with their first initial and last name on it, the control center officer would give them the chit of the officer presently working that block. The next step, by policy and post orders was to inspect the keys for damage and ensure the you had the proper amount of keys on the ring (numbered chit for total amount of keys on each key ring), then hand the officer you are relieving his/her chit. If a key is found to be bent or broken, they had to write an incident report, call a Supervisor and report immediately. I would send an escort Officer down to retrieve the back up or emergency keys to change out with the key ring with a damaged or broken key. A broken tool, key, equipment report was completed an a copy was attached to the key ring and placed back in the Control Center. I told my Officers at roll call, if you give the officer his/her chit without examining the keys, you take full responsibility for the condition of the keys. If anything is wrong, you are to blame.

Topic: The Club House / Help with interview please :)

Most interviews for positions within Corrections Departments are common sense questions. They will ask you what you would do in certain situations. They sometimes ask if you would use deadly force. The best answer and most honest answer is, “If the situation warrants the use of deadly force, I will do so without hesitation.”

Topic: In Memory of... / Lt. Dave Gozdziewicz

It is a sad thing to lose a friend and comrade. I lost a large number of them and hate it. I was on the honor guard and buried a number of my friends. I didn’t like that duty. Sorry for the loss. I realize this is late in coming Shakey but, I haven’t been on in awhile. Sorry for your loss.

Topic: A Broader View / A Troubled Jail, Divided Staff

Typically, most of my issues at the prison were dealing with staff. One staff member would get in trouble for something they did and then go tell everyone that they were set up and the brass was trying to get rid of them. When another Officer would bring that to my attention, I would call that Officer into the Office and explain why they got in trouble and then tell them that if their disruptive behavior continued, I would deal with that accordingly. I would then explain the disciplinary grid to them, show it to them and that usually was all it took.

Topic: Security Central / Officer shakedowns

Exactly right Canusxiii. Too many people come into corrections and feel a need to be the man. Simple common sense goes along way. I never felt the need to exert my Authority until the situation warranted that. I never came to work and felt compelled to escalate an Inmate’s anger or aggressiveness. If they were doing what they were supposed to do, that was a good day. If I had an Inmate who was being a little louder than the rest, I would talk to him and him only, off to the side if necessary. No need to front him off in front of his buddies. That is purely disrespectful and the Inmate will act out to save face. I found that tactic almost always worked. There are some Inmates that no matter how you try to treat them with respect, they will act out anyway. Then you do what you have to do to control the situation.

Topic: Security Central / Cell Searches

In regard to dayz, there is no requirement for a warrant to search an Inmate’s cell. All cells are state property in Ohio and all staff are State employees. They came to prison for breaking the law. When they arrive, they are given an Inmate Handbook which explains all the rules and regulations including cell searches. Each cell block at SOCF in Lucasville, Ohio are required to shakedown at least 3 cells per day on 2nd and 3rd shift. The primary reason is health, safety and sanitation. We look for any and all contraband such as, food items not permitted, weapons, drugs, cell phones and etc. The Inmates don’t have a choice in the matter. If you had to get a search warrant, it would be time consuming and would present a major threat to the security of an Institution. It would take time to get and serve a search warrant thus giving the Inmate the opportunity to get rid of the contraband. As I said, they are living in a State Cell, in a State Prison and are not paying rent. Therefore, they are not entitled to the same rights as an Individual paying mortgage payments or rent on a home or room on the street. Besides, if you are not convicted and locked up in a jail and or prison, you are to be considered innocent until proven guilty. That is why you are afforded the 4th amendment rights to legal search and seizure.

Topic: Security Central / Officer shakedowns

In Ohio they have went to a response to resistance continuum. Staff are trained each year to follow the chart. It is self explanatory and has few gray areas. If an Inmate starts losing his/her temper, order them to lock up. If they refuse the order and you are not being physically threatened, call a supervisor. If you feel threatened and have a radio, call for assistance. If you don’t have a radio, hit your alarm, back away from the Inmate to allow yourself more room to defend yourself, and get ready to rumble.

Topic: A Broader View / A Troubled Jail, Divided Staff

Phenom, the Lt. should have been fired and arrested for assault. I was a Lt. my last 12 years. I absolutely wouldn’t have a relationship with anyone other than my wife, who didn’t work in corrections nor would I have allowed her to. I have never had a fleeting thought of assaulting a staff member. Even the dirty ones I walked out. People have to realize that we are all we have. If you can’t get the staff to work together than you have to find out the reasons why and fix them. Simple as that. If you have a few staff members who can’t get onto the team concept, weed them out. If you have a supervisor who won’t or can’t conform to the team concept, weed him/her out. When the shit hits the fan and you are involved in a Critical Incident, you will realize why you have to depend on each other. At the end of the day, you will survive or not survive a Critical Incident in regards to the team concept.

Topic: The Club House / Security Threat Groups

I worked in the STG office at SOCF for over 12 years. Need any info, email me.

Topic: The Club House / Ohio's Retirement health care

It is always about them. We will make it somehow. We have a bond no one can break. We don’t quit.

Topic: The Club House / Hello all

Glad to hear everything is going good for you. Don’t let your guard down for anyone. Take care.

Topic: The Club House / Inmate entitlement!?!?

Irish, that was the reason I had to retire. I forced myself to go 10 months early (bought the extra military time). I couldn’t control my mouth and me and Mic were about to have that final talk. Wouldn’t have worked out for either of us. I had an Officer on 3rd shift that wanted me to go to the Inmates cell and then listen to them argue. Only took one time to get that one under control. Irish, I know you know who I am talking about. GP block on L-side. The next time he called. I sent an escort down and had the Inmate brought to my office then had the Officer relieved and had him come to the office. No one wanted to argue or yell then.

Topic: Security Central / Contraband Bust

MTA, I am very sorry for your loss. I can’t fathom what that would be like. I am so close to my 3 granddaughters, I know it would kill me. Again, Deeply sorry MTA.

Topic: Security Central / Contraband Bust

MTA, I am very sorry for your loss. I can’t fathom what that would be like. I am so close to my 3 granddaughters, I know it would kill me. Again, Deeply sorry MTA.

Topic: A Broader View / Again pulling a double (big money!)

Well Irish, wouldn’t mind hanging out up there with ya. You take the long shots, I will take the intermediate shots, there won’t be any close shots. Campi, one day I would like to get with a few of my Ohio brothers and bring a few of my CD’s. They will definately open some eyes and wake up some who may have gotten complacent.

Topic: A Broader View / Again pulling a double (big money!)

I, too love the zombie craze. Guess it is our messed up mentality. I even bought zombie max bullets. Hornady put them out, they come in a green box with a zombie on the front. It says, “Just in case.” .223 cal., for my AR-15. Unfortunately, I have seen Inmates at the worst on a daily basis for over 26 years. I still relive the riot, though not as often. Have some photos you might not have seen DT. Jamestown can attest to them. They are graphic, personal and up close. Taken by one of our team members directly after the riot. Pretty morbid but, lets you know what they are capable of. We used to get phone calls from other prisons, I worked 5:20pm to 6:20am 3 days a week plus mass overtime. We got a call one night at 0100 and the Captain from Toledo was telling us about one they were sending that had assaulted a staff member earlier that day. He said the Inmate was very hostile. My Captain told me to pick 3 Officers and ensure the Inmate knew where he was. Needless to say, when the van pulled up around 0400, the Inmate was yelling, and threatening to kill all of us. When he left receiving on a gurney, we wasn’t yelling any longer. Toledo’s team, was escorted out of the prison as soon as he was placed in a cage. He spit at us several times and then Mr. Fox played a major part in his rehabilitation. Then after being strip searched and dressed out, the restraints were placed on him and the holding cell door was opened, he shot out of there like his ass was on fire. After hitting the floor with over 800lbs of hillbilly on him, he tried to give up numerous times but,,,,,,,,,,, wouldn’t put his arms behind his back. He told the nurses later, all the stories about LUC he had heard were true. He stated that he didn’t want anymore trouble. When I retired 6 months later, he was still being very compliant and yes sir, no sir. Funny how that works.

Topic: The Club House / Starting Career in Corrections

Spot on DT. You have no clue what it is like until your thrown into the fire. How you react, will determine how long you will last.

Topic: The Club House / Inmate entitlement!?!?

I hated to go in on an Inmate that anotherSupervisor would let have his way. I would walk the ranges and an Inmate would tell me, the police won’t give me a shower. I would ask the Officer when I came off the range, he would say, the Inmate refused according to the log. I would then go tell the Inmate, “Nice try, but, you refused. Have a great day.” Then leave the block and continue my rounds. Never really had anyone try me on the little things.

Topic: The Club House / Glad to to be back

Hated to hear about your health problems. I am glad you are doing better. Take care and take it easy.

Topic: Letter of The Law / Use of Chemical Agents

DT, that is exactly what I told the Officer and the Inmate making the complaint. My bosses boss didn’t think it was funny and I used to tell him I wasn’t smiling when I told the Inmate or Officer.

Topic: The Club House / Inmate entitlement!?!?

We can change a little of this in November. I am sick of the political correctness. My fellow Lt’s tell me how bad it is now just since February. WOW, I would have been fired by now. I hate that you guys have to go through such BS everyday.

Topic: The Club House / The Concerns of Inmates

I will use that term for you Irish, you know me, I am a Conservative Patriot that speaks his mind. Those bleeding heart liberals…. Ha I said it. Just like the study they did on rape victims bout 5 years ago. They said if the women wouldn’t have dressed so sexy, they wouldn’t have been raped. Like they were asking for it. Well, bleeding heart libtard,,,,,, if a woman wants to let you into her house and then it goes from there, that would be by her choice and her choice alone. I don’t care if she is standing in her doorway in bra and panties. If she doesn’t say yes, it is rape. As far as the pathetic inmates, they don’t have concerns. We edcuate them, work them, feed them, give them free cable, and a nice bed to sleep in, what more do they need.

Topic: Letter of The Law / Use of Chemical Agents

You let them know you meant business. I have always said, the ones in front don’t want to take it for the ones behind them. Way to handle a situation and prevent a serious critical incident. Probably gained respect from quite a few of them. Glad it turned out in your favor DT.