Correctional Officers Are Not Just "Guards"

The television newscast tells of a prison guard who had to wrestle an inmate who had gotten out of control. A movie from the 1950s shows a convict who goes "stir-crazy" behind bars and calls desperately for a guard. From the six-o'clock news to movies, comedies and even cartoons, those who work in state and local prisons are called "guards". Unfortunately, the media has influenced many of us to believe that's the right occupational title.

But it's time to correct this terminology. The men and women who patrol, control and, at times, console in the halls of prisons nationwide should be properly called "correctional officers". To them, "guards" play on a football team or work at school crossings. They are federal law enforcement officers employed by the U.S. government.

These men and women receive continual law enforcement training throughout their work years and are empowered by the United States Government to enforce federal laws, rules and regulations of the Department of Justice. Their work area is heavily populated by convicted felons who, habitually and/or violently, break laws, rules and regulations. Each individual officer is outnumbered by as many as 100 to 1 at various times of their work day; exercise yards and mess halls create the most dangerous scenarios for them. Yet, they have to control the population and keep violence from occurring without the use of weapons or firearms. Should an infraction occur, their roles in controlling the situation will be scrutinized by their superiors to ensure they performed in accordance to policy.
These officers have families, friends and a life outside the prison walls, yet realize that time for any of these can be compromised at a moment's notice. If a fellow officer, for whatever reason, can't make it to their shift, every personal plan goes on "hold" as they're called in. If an inmate has to be transported to a hospital or mental facility, they have to be available to drive the vehicle or accompany the prisoner to his destination.