Open Letter to LEO's.

[BikerRN]

As some may have noted, I am a LEO, but some don't consider me as such.

I've been away from the forum, to formulate what I am wishing to communicate with you all. Let's look at the environment I work in, I will not tell you the agency name, as that's not important. Consider yourself a "Beat Cop". The person that cooks your meal is a convicted felon. The Lauandry Workers are all convicted felons. The Store is run by convicted felons, the Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter, etc, etc. Yeah, I'm talking about a prison.

Now, some states do consider their CO's to be LEO's, most don't. The feds do, much to the dismay of the Director of that agency. They would prefer that all be Social Workers and Counselors. When I say I am a federal LEO, I am not lying, misleading anyone or trying to be something I'm not. Most LEO's that work the streets won't set foot in the environment I work in, for a variety of reasons, but cheifly because they are either scared or consider it beneath them. I've had too many street cops tell me they won't set foot in a prison, let alone work a Housing Unit to not believe it's because of anything but being scared, or contempt of corrections. Being scared is OK, but it's more important as to how you handle it.

Now lets look at the stats for a moment:

Over 33,000 assault per year on Officers
Only 10.9% of those assaults result in prosecution
Over 20% of those assaults require medical attention per Brian Dawe, "American Cop" 2008 edition

Why don't you street officers go to work under those conditions, with that kind of prosecution and assault rate? In my time in corrections, and yes, I do have arrest powers, and I am not referring to inmates as they are already arrested and incarerated, I have been involved in cases involving assault, attempted murder, assault on staff, extortion, gambling, narcotics, prositution and attempted escape. Gee, that's sounding a lot like what you guys on the street deal with isn't it, and yes, I have used force on inmates and civilians within agency policy, and my current agency is not the only one I have worked for.

Now some have taken issue with the fact that I as a LEO will not intervene on behalf of a third party to a level of their desire. Sorry, but agency policy does in fact dictate my off duty and on duty conduct, just as your's does. You may be required to intervene on behalf of another off duty up to an including using your firearm. I will intervene, only to the level of my choosing, and within agency policy, which most often will only get a 911 call from me unless you are threatening me and mine. BTW: most states would consider calling 911 as taking action if one is off duty.

Some of you seem to think that once the inmate is incarcerated they go on to become model citizens. Let me assure you, those that are niave enough to believe that, that nothing could be further from the truth. Gangs are run from prison and anything that you can find on the "outside" can be found on the inside as well. It just cost more on the inside.

Now some also seem to think that because I have RN behind my name that I am nothing but a nurse. Sorry again, but that just shows how little you really know, as everyone is a Correctional Worker First inside. I have run into housing units that were fighting, used force on inmates, done armed duty at various post and can work a housing unit. Those of you that think we just "babysit" show your arrogance, ignorance and stupidity of how things really are.

Take care and stay safe,

Biker

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[ASHTXSNIPER]

As a Police Officer all I can say is thanks for doing the job. I appreciate what you guys do.

[Der Alte]

Until the day that they would let me carry a shotgun and shoot anyone that fools with me - no thanks. I'm glad that we have individuals like you.

[archer51]

Biker, I speak as an outsider (non-LEO). Your job is one of the most under appreciated jobs in the LEO field. Personally I think CO's should receive full LEO status in every state and jurisdiction. While the odds of being shot are probably smaller, the possibility of being physically assaulted, stabbed and verbally assaulted are definitely higher. You do a job few are willing to do, let alone want to do. Let me take the opportunity to say "Thank you" for the job you and all CO's preform.

[Stevew]

I have nothing but respect for COs. I would think my tax dollars would be wisely spent if it went to a pay raise for COs.

[TSKnight]

BikerRN,

I'd like to add my thanks to you and all CO's. I know the job you do is often underpaid and most times un-appreciated.

I worked as a counselor in a halfway house where both federal and state inmates were released prior to their formal release date (usually 60-90 days at our facility) and saw first hand what our CO's had to deal with. During my time there I recommended more than one inmate be returned to a higher security facility. In one case I recommended that early release be canceled. Sadly, in that case I was over-ruled and he re-offended within hours of his release and left another family of victims behind.

Of the 3 counselors at the facility, I was the only one who held a Permit to Carry. The other 2 could not understand how I could even contemplate using deadly force. My answer was always the same, "look who we deal with every day". We worked in nice offices behind locked doors with help often within arms reach while "clients" were with us. The other 2 counselors went home to the suburbs each night while I worked the "off-shift" and went home to my apartment 6 blocks from work where many of the "clients" would walk by going to and from work. I had more than one threat w/opportunity while there.

I decided my sanity was worth more than the job.

Again, I applaud you for the job you do.

Tracy

[BikerRN]

I'd like to add my thanks to you and all CO's. I know the job you do is often underpaid and most times un-appreciated.

So is your's and I didn't mean to dispargae all counselors when I wrote what I wrote in regards to counselors.

The "Head in the Sand" mentality is alive and well in a lot of agencies, as your co-workers prove, and quite a few of mine too.

Biker

[BruceGibson]

Excellent post, Biker.

Specializing in criminal defense, I'm fortunate to deal with them on their best behavior. You, on the other hand, have to handle them after the fact.

Thank you for your service. There's no way in hell I could do that job.

[Patti]

If I'm reading your post correctly, you are with BOP.

I appreciate what you do.

You work in the worst conditions imaginable.

I also read through AFGE updates the problems that you go through with management.

I've met a few BOP members in my travels and they've told me that they have 100% membership in their union.

Keep up the good work, BikerRN.

When I was at the academy at FLETC, I found out that the BOP folks know how to party. The way I see it, they needed a break from the harsh realities of their job.

[Agave]

I appreciate COs. Hell, I don't want to do it.

[LM2024]

I have nothing but respect for COs. I would think my tax dollars would be wisely spent if it went to a pay raise for COs.

Well said. COs are around the BGs ALL THE TIME. I have nothing but respect for them. My opinon is that since they carry the badge and the gun and have arrest powers, they are one of us. So what if they have different policies for off duty carry and use of force. Many Law Enforcement Agencies have different use of force policies when carrying off duty.

[TSKnight]

So is your's and I didn't mean to dispargae all counselors when I wrote what I wrote in regards to counselors.

The "Head in the Sand" mentality is alive and well in a lot of agencies, as your co-workers prove, and quite a few of mine too.

Biker

No offense taken. There IS a reason I decided to come back to the the much simpler life on the farm.

Tracy

[rottkeeper]

I have seen road patrol guys try to cross over into corrections and not last a week. I don't know what type of facility you work in but I was in a direct supervision facility which means the inmates are out and about in their housing unit unless under lockdown during non movement time an 11pm to 6am.

The officer to inmate ratio in a unit is 42 to 1, want to talk about having eyes in the back of your head.

We housed federal inmates under contract and when the Marshals dropped off an inmate to (babysit) we had no idea what their charges were. They gave us no info on the inmates except medical info and such. I was assaulted by one of these inmates once but quickly got the upper hand than God.

I gave up corrections, a job I liked, even with the high stress and long hours (mandated overtime) to make more money.

All CO's have my respect for the job they do.

BTW we have peace officer status when we are sworn in and part of the academy here is peace officer school.

Watch your six and have a safe tour.

[Damion]

i just want to say from a kinda LEO side (only on federal grounds )((Military Police)) that CO's are true unsung hero's if you all didnt do you job so well we would have crazies running free every where,i got the chance to tour a prison and ill tell you all i can say is WOW the CO to inmate ratio. I wouldnt do it and i fight in wars where peopletry to kill us all the time . hats off to you brother

good luck and be safe

[Eagleks]

I give you my gratitude and respect. . I know about the war zone you work in every day... it ain't pretty and you get to deal with all of the people society has locked up and hoped to forget about. However, that's the people you get to deal with... every day. Most usually, all you have to rely on is your wit, your survival techniques, and your cohorts.... and it's all on a thin thread because you are out numbered all of the time.

People think they have an "idea", and they don't. No idea at all. If 'normal' folks, or even some LEO's , had a clue...... they would be amazed.

Thanks for doing what you do, just doesn't say it at all.