Kindness in Custody: Beyond the Bars

When one thinks of a prison environment, the portrayal often revolves around harsh conditions, strict discipline, and stern enforcement. However, amidst the challenging circumstances, there are instances where the humane actions of prison guards can make a significant, positive impact on inmates.

Truth and Trust: A Personal Account

Many individuals have shared stories of how their guards have gone beyond the call of duty, often by telling the truth about problematic procedures. A notable example is when an inmate violated parole for smoking pot. The guard in question, during the collection process, was aware of the irregularities in the sample collection and chain of custody. Initially, the inmate was faced with a misconduct report for a failed drug test. However, the guard chose to disclose these irregularities, recognizing the potential injustice of the proceedings. Instead of fearing the loss of his job, the guard upheld his integrity, ensuring a fairer outcome for the inmate. This act of bravery not only prevented an unjust penalty but also underscored the importance of truth and trust between inmates and prison staff.

The inmate reflects deeply on this experience, stating, 'At the disciplinary hearing, he came forward and told the whole truth. He did not lose his job. He had to take further training on the weekends. My first 90 days out, I thought about that a lot.' These words speak to the lasting impact of such acts of kindness and the trust they foster between guards and inmates.

Supporting Mental Health and Healing

Parole also includes emotional and mental well-being, and in this regard, a correctional officer (CO) exemplifies compassion and support. One inmate, dealing with a history of suicide attempts, was called to the CO's office. Initially, the reason was not disclosed, but it was later revealed that the CO was informing the inmate that his mother had passed away. Unbeknownst to the inmate, the CO had detected the emotional distress and knew this news might exacerbate his struggles. Keenly, the CO followed a protocol that goes beyond routine grief counseling—a series of check-ins and an offer of a welfare phone call.

The inmate recounts, 'He came and checked on me every 10 minutes and kept on saying about the welfare call after 6 checks in the following hour i finally took the welfare call at the admin block and got a 30 minute call which should have only been 15 which i found out latter was due the wing officer’s request. I doubt i would have got through the night if it wasn’t for his kindness.'

These actions highlight the paramount role of mental health support within the prison system, one that goes beyond procedural responsibilities. This CO's actions were particularly significant, as they not only provided immediate emotional support but also ensured that the inmate received additional communal support.

The CO's act of kindness went further, as he shared a personal connection, saying, 'when i thanked he told me he had recently lost his mother as well. So regardless there are people that care.'

Conclusion: A Call for Humanized Prison Management

The stories of these prison guards illustrate the untold stories of kindness, integrity, and compassion in a challenging environment. These acts, though seemingly small, have the potential to significantly alter a prisoner's outlook and well-being. As society continues to grapple with the complexities of the criminal justice system, it is essential to recognize and encourage such humane practices. By promoting a culture of trust and support within prison walls, we contribute to a more rehabilitative and humane approach to incarceration.