Encountering Former Inmates as a Correctional Officer: Professionalism and Complications

As a correctional officer, it's not uncommon to bump into an inmate you once knew outside the prison walls. These encounters can be complex, often invoking a range of emotions and ethical considerations. It's crucial to maintain professionalism and ensure personal history does not interfere with duties.

Common Encounters and Personal Experiences

Through my personal experience as a correctional officer with over 16 years in the field, I have encountered former students, colleagues, and inmates multiple times. While some encounters were positive and smooth, others were more awkward and cumbersome.

One notable experience occurred at Walmart when I ran into one of my COs from the county jail. She greeted me by name and with a big smile, asking how I was doing. Her professionalism and kindness set a positive tone for our interaction, ensuring it remained beneficial and genuine.

At Petsmart, a chance encounter led to laughter and friendly banter with a former inmate. At Walmart, another encounter occurred, followed by a friendly conversation through Facebook. These incidents highlight the complexity and variety of these encounters.

There are also instances where these encounters were more serious and required more delicate handling. For example, during a master roster count in my dorm, a roommate showed up, leading to a call for security and a meeting with the OIC. We agreed to act as if we did not know each other before prison to avoid complications.

Familiar Faces in Challenging Situations

One particularly challenging encounter involved a former roommate who was trashed and did not recognize me from years of drug abuse. Another instance featured a friend and former coworker who was on his way to a halfway house, catching up briefly before he had to leave.

Unfortunately, not all encounters were as smooth. A run-in at a liquor store led to a tense situation, with a former inmate getting too close and approaching threateningly. A positive resolution was achieved largely due to the presence of other ex-inmates who intervened.

On another occasion, I recognized two ex-inmates at a carnival, working as ride operators. I informed the police captain about the potential issues, ensuring that a watchful eye was kept on them.

One final noteworthy incidence occurred in a grocery store, where I had to use a friend of foe identification checker due to not recognizing a former co-worker. This experience underscored the need for proper identification checks in such situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering former inmates as a correctional officer is a reality that many officers face. These encounters can vary widely in terms of their complexity and emotional impact. The key is to maintain professionalism and ensure that personal history does not interfere with one's duties. Proper identification checks and maintaining a professional demeanor are crucial to managing these potentially awkward and challenging situations.