Topic: A Broader View / Is it really as negative as it sounds?

Thank you all for your replies (I hope my username comes up correctly…if not, just know I’m the original poster). I made the decision not to go into this field because I realize that I really don’t have the right temperament for the job. Instead, I’ve returned to my original field of education and have thankfully found a position in my local hometown.

Topic: A Broader View / Is it really as negative as it sounds?

I’m not asking to be coddled…I do want the truth, but I thought I’d form a better view of the job if I talked with more than one person. We have a correctional facility in our town, and I’ve been curious as to employment opportunities there. However, I spoke with a friend of mine (her father works at the facility), and she paints a rather bleak picture.

She describes constant sexual harrassment. Women officers getting bodily fluids thrown at them. Inmates playing psychological games and blackmailing officers into bringing them illegal contraband. She also describes various correctional officers being attacked by inmates.

On the other hand, I have another friend who worked at a correctional facility in the Macon area, and she said the job was quite pleasant. Inmates were rowdy but usually respectful and most of her job was spent outside doing perimeter sweeps.

I suppose the difference in views could stem largely from the difference between the two prisons (the harsh outlook was based on the comings and goings at the correctional facility in Valdosta, GA), but I’d like to know what the “standard” is at most prisons.

And if anyone also knows first-hand experience of the Valdosta correctional facility, that would be very helpful as well.

One more thing: I am female. So any and all perspectives from women officers would be invaluable.