Quote:
Originally Posted by piece-itpete
I agree, but there's an absolute limit to what you can spend, my take.
My experience was many, many of the employees in the juvenile system were dedicated individuals making far less than they could have elsewhere, however, in the JDs for hardened minor criminals (they exist and they're as bad as any hardened adult) there is little room for that kind of rehabilitation, the cost of simply housing them becomes prohibitive and most degreed individuals would of course prefer to work with kids more likely to change, you end up with prison guards.
ANY guard that allows or encourages bad behavior should be punished in any system. Hopefully Chas will chime in.
Btw, the Cleveland DH (serving the whole county) was one of the worst in the country for a long time. Building the new one was a patronage boon, think of the cash that could've gone to rehab.
Pete
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Since it's you, I'll chime in of a sort.
But I'm growing weary. I was one of the first members here, and went over all of this shit four years ago. And every time a new member shows up I've had to establish my position again. And it's a hell of a lot of work. And it takes a hell of a lot of patience.
I suppose I find it to be entertaining at times whenever I'm bored and blind drunk...but even I can't stay that bored and drunk forever.
So I'll cut to the chase.
A lowly guard, such as I once was, is no more than a cop who works at the joint. I realize this is cliche, but his duties are to serve and protect. And enforce the laws, if necessary.
If you don't do this, you should be dismissed. And if you are ACTUALLY causing trouble, you should be fired on the spot.
In a way, we're viewing this from opposite ends of the spectrum and drawing the same conclusions. Then again, I've seen a drunk tank a time or two. It's just been 40 years.
And I will also agree with you that there are hardened criminals. A lot more of them than people think. I've actually abandoned my hatred for them and developed a certain amount of empathy. I doubt that they had any more desire to be the scum of the earth than I had to be a miserable screw. By the grace of God go I.
BTW, it's not like I used to gaze at the stars and dream of one day becoming a prison guard. Times were hard, I had bills to pay...and it was the only job I could get at the time.
Never thought about rolling people or sticking up banks. Must be a character flaw...considering how I always brag about leaving everything on the table.
Chas