Topic: The Club House / Newbie female working in male institution

Another thing I should of mentioned to ya ‘geckokitty’, is even though you’re young to the department, I would suggest that you apply for alot of positions. Don’t let the scenority gig push you away. Back in the days, yup my days, we had this deal that a cop had to be in the system for nearly 10 years before they would even be considered in promoting or going for that elite job that everyone wanted. But times have changed. Right before I retired, there were quite a few youngsters if you will, that were hired on as narcotic officers or on the SERT (Special Emergency Response Team) also called CERT for Correctional….along with the Security Threat Group Team (SGT’s), or even on the Special Transport Team and so on and so on. So if you’re even just a tad interested in any of those positions or even to promote up to say like a Counselor or i.e. Sgt, Lt etc….do not hesitate to do so. Learn as much as you can, and ask questions. As they have told ya, no question is a dumb question. Watch others, learn from the ones that you really believe are doing the job. Yes you’ll come across a few ‘lops’ as we use to label them…in other words, just the ones that barely get the job done, or the 8 to the gaters and really some of that isn’t a full bad thing, but think about it. Do you really want them covering your back in the heat of something, ones that can barely get out from behind the podium or desk, ones that never hardly get up and walk the tiers??? Just be cautious and still yes….respect them too. You don’t need no conflicts with anyone wearing the badge. It aint worth it. Turn the other cheek if it’s not too serious and keep on keeping on. I use to tell everyone that this job isn’t for everyone, yet I recommend it to everyone. You will know very very soon whether or not it is in fact for you. Keep your head up, don’t show fear, just be consistant everyday you’re there. If you’re going to be a hard core cop, be it 5 days a week. Don’t change up 2 and 3 days out of the week, inmates and cops alike recognize that real quick. But as you know, you don’t have to be a softy/push over as well. Be what an officer should be an the rest will follow. What’s great about this line of work is there is never ever a dull day. Every day is different. Take care and all will be fine.

Topic: The Club House / Newbie female working in male institution

First, for the newer C/O, as one other stated here….personality of course starts within. Don’t try to be like the next one on the shift or your partner. I know you’ve heard it, but be yourself. Find what works good for you. As others said you also ‘Do Not’ have to cuss like a sailor or trucker. In fact you don’t have to at all. I’ll tell ya a short story here, back in the 80’s while working at Soledad, I had an inmate approach me asking me why I didn’t cuss at all of them like the other cop on the last shift. I asked him did he want me to start cussing like that, of course he said no. He said I was different than the others. I told ‘em well, cussing is just not in my vocab….and it will never be. For the next nearly 16 1/2-17yrs. I never did and always refrained from using in cursing words. Hey it worked for me and yes even all the cops/management recoginized as well. Lot of respect was given and I did the same to them in respect. Inmates also view you different in mostly a good way. Yes others in the field will say…well that isn’t for me or I can not do that or whatever, and that’s fine but I would say if you can refrain you may go a longer way. And just a note here I was a gang investigator for many years and coming from the line to that position still did not change me. I had a great career, lots of respect, great friends in which some still keep in tight contact with me. I miss alot of it, yet the system has changed. I believe I retired at a good time. I do not discourage anyone for joining up in this law enforcement profession, however now a days unless you work in a no tolerance prison, it may be a little tough for newer ones coming on board. Good luck to y’all, God Bless and protect ya and ‘Always, Watch Your Back’!