I have been lurking on this site for a while. You all keep up on all the Corrections related news so it is a good place to check out daily. I see a lot of places where I could supply information or correct misconceptions so I decided to register.

I am a Correctional Sergeant in a California State Prison. I am not really comfortable saying where. Maybe I will change my mind about that later.

I will do my best to help out where I can. I realize that I will have a differing opinion on some things than some people here. I have no problem discussing these views in a mature way. From what I have read of this site in the past few months I don't forsee any problems with sensless name calling and flames. Everyone here seems intelligent and mature.

Anyway, hope I can help.

Welcome to PTO Sgt.!!

Its always good to get information "from the horses mouth" so to speak :D I know our CA members will be looking forward to hearing things from your side and you sound like you really want to help with the straight story.

mrsd

Welcome to PTO!! Glad you found us.

I am a firm believer that there are two sides to every story, and it is nice to see someone willing to participate in discussions!!

JJT

SGT Anonymous,
Glad that you decided to register and welcome to PTO.

There are a lot of us here with differing opinions on things and as long as we do talk about them in a mature way that is not abusive, they are all welcome. Attacks, name calling and flames are not welcome by anyone... CO's or Inmate's loved ones. With regards to the policies of this community, we're blind on who members are. :)

I look forward to the information and insight that you will hopefully bring to the "table" here. Also, its completely understandable about being "anonymous" and it really makes no difference... It's all in the actions..

Welcome aboard,
Fed-X

Welcome SGT Anonymous, from Washington State! I agree this site is full of info and if someone doesnt know something right away, someone else will come along. Hope you enjoy this site. angela

and a welcome from the Netherlands...
a dutch girl with a penpal (a great friend ) in California :-)

Welcome to Pto

Welcome SGT. I'm glad your with us and we look forward to your helpful input.

Hello and Welcome to PTO!

Welcome to PTO Sgt!!! I am looking forward to hearing from someone from the "other" side!!:)

Welcome to PTO Sgt. :)

Hello, Sgt.! I am glad you decided to quit "lurking" and register..it's great! What information can you give us and what misconceptions can you clear up? I am very interested in your point of view since you see it from both sides I imagine. This site has been very useful to me as a newcomer to the prison system (inmates mom) and I welcome your imput.

Welcome to PTO!!

Welcome to PTO!

Welcome to PTO! You'll find there are a lot of us here that are past or current law enforcement, and your thoughts, information, and opinions will be valued and appreciated. Look forward to hearing from you!



Jessica

Welcome - Although I won't be attending a state prison (I am Federal) I love to read the information posted by our own Bureau of Prison members. They have helped so many people here keep the rules and regulations straight. You will find most of the people here have an open mind and agree to disagree at times. Thanks for stopping by.....

Hello Sgt and, welcome to pto...glad to have you aboard...

Welcome SGT. Glad you are a member now :) Hope to hear more from you. We enjoy it when the "other" sides gets involved in constructive conversation and clear the air on issues and misconceptions. This site is ALL about support and information. Thanks for being part of that cause :)

Stacy

Welcome to Pto Sgt, you will find many topics of discussion, and I hope you will feel comfortable enough to share your views as well. It took me awhile to become involved but I began to see this place has real value, support, and truth reigns with compassion. I have learned it isn't what you do in this life so much as who you are insode, and it is your life experience, what you personally stand for, and what you choose to do with it that matters most.

Wish we would find a counterpart of yours out here on the other coast! Welcome, though, I alwaysenjoy the perspective from good folks who work within the system. we all have a lot to learn in this life...

Welcome to PTO SGT! Always nice to see new faces (or in your case maybe incognito..ha) around the chat forums.

We look forward to hearing many things from your side of the grass...again, much welcome sent to you!

Buggles

Nice introduction Sgt. Welcome to PTO :)

Hi and Welcome!

I am also in California, and can share that my incarcerated loved one has always told me that the CO's get friendlier - as their rank increases. Stopping in to offer your help to us is a very kind thing to do. We (who feel like we are in the dark most of the time) may bombard you with questions, please don't feel as though you have been put on the spot.

I, for one, have so many questions, but I will wait till you get settled in around here. lol!

Thanks for recognizing us out here, that shows heart.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. I will answer what I can. I have almost 10 years in but I have never even been to the Mailroom and I haven't worked Visiting since I was an Officer almost 5 years ago. So not sure how much help I will be in those areas besides general policy and procedures.

Just about all of my time has been on 3rd watch (Swing Shift) and on the yards. I have worked at a few different prisons and all levels of custody from 1-4.

If you have any questions just post them so others can benefit from it as well.

I hope I can help.

I have had the most wonderful experiences with the COs at San Quentin. My only experience with anything of the sort is at SQ as I've never been to another prison or to be honest, I've never known anyone else in prison. The past year has been an incredible learning experience for me and I have grown to respect many of the staff within that prison. They have been kind, helpful, encouraging and on many occassions - have made my day. I know there are many unfortunate experiences and I only speak to my personal experience.

TK

Welcome SGT I always stop by to read a co's point of view. Even if it does not affect me personally. I am from the mid west but do have a question for you. I feel CA well.... could be a turning point in how prisons will operate in the future for every state so my question is this. Are you seeing positive changes in the last year or so in the areas of education, medical,and lets see what about the 3 strikes law? I guess that might be enough questions to start with :) thanks in advance.

WSF

The simple answer is No. There is a lot of talk of change but I have seen very little hit the yards yet. The only exception is Medical. Due to several key court decisions Medical has changed quite a bit in the last few years. Most of the changes have centered around inmates with disabilities.

I do think a lot of changes are coming though.

Hello, Sgt. My son is in a Ca prison & is bored out of his mind. He has a job but says there is nothing to do to occupy your mind. Evidently several programs have been cut..automotive, wood working, etc. With the up coming union business & the Gov. making cuts..what do you see for the future...even less to do? I realize inmates are not in there to be entertained but it seems that as long as they are there it would be constructive to have something for them to do besides sit around and trade "war" stories. Thanks for your reply.

Hello SGT, and welcome to PTO!

I just wanted to confirm that even though you may have a different viewpoint of things occassionally, you will never be disrespected or held at arms' length because of it. I am a probation officer and a few times have had a difference of opinion with other members and there was never any problem whatsoever. All issues were handled with kindness, compassion and in a friendly manner. I think, because of the situation members here are in (with loved ones and family who are incarcerated) we are a very accepting group!

Again, welcome!

In reponse to Missouri Rose:

Believe me, we as custody staff are not any happier than you when they cut inmate programs. Anyone that has been in corrections for a length of time knows that Overcrowding + Understaffing + Lack of Inmate Programs = BAD BAD Times.

I know that custody staff has received a lot of bad press lately but I can tell you that most of us want happy inmates. Happy inmates don't cause major problems.

I think that reducing visiting days and inmate programs is the worst thing the state could do. Its going to cost a lot more money than it will save in the long run.

Hello sgt.

welcome to PTO. You are Most respected here! hope to hear a lot from you:)

sgt:...This is just a general question...Something that I'm sure alot of us wonder from time to time and, that is: (I know all prisons are different but, i'm speaking in general and, if you would rather not answer then I would understand completely ok?) I have never been behind those fences, wires, gates...therefore, I am curious in wanting to know if it is really as terrible/bad as tv/movies makes it out to be????

No its not. I have yet to see a movie that has shown what prison is really like.

The problem is that only the big (and bad) stuff makes the news. The majority of the time its just business as usual.

Of course the higher the custody level yard the more problems there are.

Thank You Sgt....that's exactly what I thought..but, wanted to hear it from someone that has been behind those fences, gates and, razor wire...*smiles*...

SGT

Thank you for answering our questions :) I have 1 more. Do you think the families have any pull with changing the system? Like can family members scream loud enough to bring more educational medical programs to the prisons. OR are we considered a pita LOL

WSF

The only time I see real change in CDC is after a court case. Unfortunately if you want something changed you are going to have to take them to court.

welcome to pto i am a new comer also and also new to the whole prison system thing so i am sure i will be asking a ton of questions. thanks in advance for any help you can provide. :D

Sgt-

Is there a way to get my husbands housing location changed? He is in Recept., and after a "riot" broke out he has been moved to a cell on the medical ward - with the psych med patients. He misses all the priviliges he had before - and he was working before he moved.

He was NOT involved in the "riot" at all, and the CO's there are aware of that. He had no discipline write up - he thinks he just may have been forgotten over there. They moved out all the other guys involved in the "riot" over the last week, and the CO's on visit told me that they were "moving them all back".

Should I let another week go by (it's been a little over a week) - or make some calls? I don't want to cause any trouble for him.

Thanks!

I really welcome you and I know you will have difference of opinions at times but it will be interesting. I know a Sarg in San Francisco (while I was incarcerated) and he was a Godsend to the inmates. It will be a pleasure to read your posts.

MrsMalcom,
If I understood you correctly your husband is still in the Reception Center. He shouldn't be in reception for more than 90 days unless he recieves a write up for something.

I don't understand why your husband was moved if he was not involved in the riot. I am guessing there is more going on than we know. Without knowing all the facts, I would suggest you call his counselor to find out what exactly is going on and what his options are.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Do You Know How They Do There Calculations? My Husband Was Offered 6 Months With Hafe Time. They Told Him He Would Do 90 Days. For A Parole Violation.. He Was Arrested On April 27 Served 30 Days In County. Will He Be Out In July? Any Info Will Help. Thank You Debi

Sorry I Left This Part Out. He Went Back To Prison On June 2 O4.

Sorry, I don't know how they do their calculations for time.

Sarge -

They moved all of "his race" and the "other race" out of the gym. Sounds like they are slowly "mixing" the gym again. We hear reception here can be 4-5 months. He has not had any write ups, he is actually in pretty good with the PWC people there, and gets along very well with the CO's.

We are praying for PWC. He has already been working in the kitchen with the PWC's, and it looks promising.

I just thought that calling a counselor needed to be saved for the real "emergencies", and with the racial tension there, it could cause him more trouble. We are just trying to stay under the radar, and get through this next two years.

But thanks for your prompt reply. Do you have any thoughts on the racial tension in prison? From what I can see, it seems as though they all usually co-exist pretty well together. The incident that happened where my husband is - really only went down to get the instigator into the hole, I'm sure you can fill in the blanks.

Thanks for staying active here. I appreciate it.

Ahh, I understand now. If the problems are big enough one of the ways to deal with it is to separate the two factions/races until things calm down then try to reintegrate them. And yes, people who aren't involved do get caught up in the mix. Unfortunately there is very little you can do to get him moved back until they decide it is safe to reintegrate them.

I worked at a reception center for a while and they tried to get them out in under 90 days but things could of changed. That was many years ago.

Best thing to do is to tell him to keep his nose clean and stay under radar.

Counselors are busy and they have huge caseloads involving lots of inmates. Not sure about reception but on mainlines they usually have 4-5 counselors for 1000+ inmates. But they don't keep track of who calls and how many times. And I can't see it causing him any problems.

The racial tension in prison is inmate made and I don't see it getting any better. It would be a LOT easier on us if we could cell different races up together and not have the race riots happen. We are trying to get different races to cell up together on Sensitive Needs and Substance Abuse Treatment yards but it is hard to get them to accept it.

The races coexist peacefully on the yards only if all the races follow "The Rules". Of course this is less a problem on low level yards.

It is definitely a problem but I don't know how it could be fixed.

Mine - dispite his crime has very low points, so he is low level II. And again - I like to think we are not the average representation of what's there. He did it, he's paying for it, he'd rather do time then die knowing he got away with it, and it is what it is. We are too old to be doing this silly crap.

Do you think there are many others like us in there? My hub seems to befriend the others that have faithful wives, came from good jobs, you know - the ones who just got caught up. So I am starting to think that we really aren't that out of the norm.

Just a thought. It's late!

There are a lot of inmates that give us little or no problem. I will run into an inmate that I don't even know and find out he has been on the yard for years. That tells me he is not getting in trouble and just doing his time.

Its the troublemakers that stand out and give us headaches.

Sgt. - I'm usually a very vocal person but I hesitate to ever call the prison and check on things or follow up on an issue that is taking place...because I always hear that when family/friends call and start asking questions - it is taken out on the inmate. Is that true or just rumor? Are "outsiders" normally not welcome? Does it cause more problems for the inmate?

Taken out on the inmates? No. I have never seen that happen.

However, as I have posted Counselors have a busy job and are responsible for hundreds of inmates. Any time they spend doing other things is time taken away from them doing their jobs.

If you call anyone else (Warden, AW, CDW, etc.) all that happens is the issue gets written down and sent to a Sergeant or Counselor to look into and respond to. Those responses take time as well.

All I can say is do what you feel is right. If its a very important issue and the inmate can't find anything out, then call. But calling all the time for petty issues that the inmate could take care of himself should be avoided.

Hello, Sgt. Thanks for your reply. I agree totally. What's the answer...what are we suppose to do to get the visiting days and the programs back? My son says that as the days get hotter & the inmates get more bored..the fights start. That has to make a CO's job even harder. The prison my son is in offers the inmates origami (sp.) and watercolor painting! If this is true..it's shameful. I have learned from the Sgt. in the visiting yard that a large number of inmates have degrees and construction skills, etc. How could these skills be put to a constructive, safe use? It's a shame that inmate talents & skills aren't being used in some way. Seems like it would benefit the community the prison is in & certainly be of benefit to the inmate. The prison my son is in needs an indoor visiting center built and I'm sure they have engineers as well as construction workers sitting right there doing nothing basically but trading "war" stories. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I don't forsee any changes to Visiting without legal action. Thats just my opinion however.

I agree that there are many inmates with skills that could be used but its a simple numbers game right now. In order to create new programs you have to hire the staff to run that program and the state isn't going to do that right now. They have already cut a lot of Vocation and Education programs.

It seems the states mission at the moment is to house as many inmates as possible for the least amount of money as possible.

Hello, Sgt. & thanks for your reply. I'm not even in the prison system & before my son went in I could not have cared less what went on in there...but even I know what the state is attempting to do will not work! Having inmates housed in over-crowded conditions with "nothing" to do day after day is going to lead to disaster. They will have fights just to have something to do...my son told me Sat that a couple inmates in his area had a fight over an onion! If the union contract does not go as the guards would like..what do you see happening? I have noticed fewer guards in the visiting yard. I don't know if this is normal or if there has been a cut back there also. I'd be interested in your thoughts. Also..if you know...are there any "volunteer" programs for people in a prison community to "help" out in any way in a minimum level prison & how safe would you be? Thanks

The recipe for disaster in a prison is Overcrowding + Understaffing + No Inmate Programs. We aren't any happier about it than you are. Thats when inmates AND staff get hurt.

Contrary to popular belief, I would be very surprised if the guards did anything if the raises don't go through. I haven't heard a single rumor about any type of sick out or organized protest from us. We had a 5% paycut in the early 90s and nothing happened. Thats why we have a union. They fight the battles, we just keep doing our jobs.

The State will not allow volunteers to work inside a prison. Too much liability.

Can I butt in a minute?

Thanks....
I just wanted to let you know Sg....that you are awesome..:) .. I am not from California, but having a Sg. from WA would be great!!!:D
Your doing a great service for the loved ones of your inmates!!:thumbsup:
Thanks!
Ok...carry on.....:p

Hi sgt,
Thanks for all the great info. My question has to do with a transfer. Is there anything I can do as a family member to stop a transfer that will increase the 4 hour one way drive that I am doing now to a 10 hour one way drive. He has put in an appeal, but his counselor said that's all he can do, and he doubts it will help. I feel the more family support he is getting while inside, will help his transition when he gets paroled. Do they take any of this into consideration?

Unfortunately no. The inmate can file an appeal but thats about all that can be done. You could always write a letter explaining all the reasons why he shouldn't transfer. I am not saying for sure it will help, but if he already has an appeal on file it won't hurt.

sarge,
Who should I send a letter to that may actually see it?
Thanks for all your help.

Well, here's the deal with that. If you send it to the Warden, CDW, AW, or Captain it is just going to be passed down to the Counselor on the yard anyway. However, it will be logged so there will be a record of it. It would be faster to send it directly to the Counselor but there would be no record of it and depending on the way the mail for staff is handled, it may get misplaced.

So its up to you. Sending it to a higher up will get you a better chance of it actually getting there, but it will be slower.

Now I am headed in the right direction. It's nice to get answers. Thank you again.

My pleasure.

My husband wrote me about the prison library and how small and lacking it was. He likes a good novel as well as biographies, etc. On my next visit there, I loaded three big boxes of books that included everything westerns by Louis L'mour, how to write resumes and business letters, alot of sports books from trivia to historical stories about Campanella, Ruth, etc. and most of the popular authors now like Ludlum, et al. Also included were text books on Math and English and study guides for the GED. I am an active Elk, an avid reader, and a retired teacher of English composition. I now donate my time to teaching functional illiterates and children at risk. I have even written letters suggesting that one way of helping CA out of the financial mess of the CDC would be to request teachers donate a certain amount of hours in their fields of expertise. I put my name as a 'first volunteer' and also proposed the book donations such as I had attempted to make.

I understand full well that contraband could be concealed within books and that all would need to be checked. Somehow, I felt the benefits would far outweight the downside. I would have been more than happy to make the donation anonymously to squelch the 'bribe' mentality. At 58, a credentialed teacher with a spotless record and a willingness to vouch for every one of those books and their content, I think the facility's stance was ridiculous.

I haven't given up on the idea and even considered piling these boxes outside the gate where they might stand a chance of being found and distributed to the population. I didn't mean to write a book myself, but I get passionate about my causes and that's what happens.

What insight can you give me on this matter and I am curious as to your personal opinion of the value of this kind of donation. Sometimes I think that if the CDC cannot make or spend money on something, they have no interest. Were I a vendor, they probably would be more than happy to buy my books.

I had boxes of books in my attic because I have no more room for them and thought the prison library would be an excellent place for them. In addition, I solicited the Elks for donations. Upon arriving with my rather heavy donation, I was told that they could not or would not accept them. I gathered that my donation was considered as something that had the potential to be construed as a solicitation for 'privileges' for my inmate husband. I was hurt, mad and disappointed. I took the books into town and placed them at the doors of a thrift store closed for the evening. What a waste!

These books had the potential to educate, to teach, to aid in learning a trade, to entertain and to open new vistas to new readers. I had been careful in my selections to eliminate those books I thought might be found morally corrupt or possessing any ideas or skills that would aid and abet crime.

I understand your frustration. It is just a shame for our loved ones to be denied even the fundamentals of reading. Do not be discouraged entirely. I contacted my local county jail and my donations of books were accepted there. Paperbacks, or covers removed from hardbound editions were taken with thanks from the Program Director. There might also be a local chapter of Books Behind Bars, or a similar organization that send books to inmates at no charge.
As a teacher that is willing to mentor, you should contact San Quentin Prison and find out the name of the organization of teachers that donate their time to instruct the inmates at that facility. I believe they are headquartered in Berkeley. San Quentin still has a program that enables inmates to receive an Associate Degree, thanks to these individuals. When educational funding was cut from the budget, a group of instructors began donating their time to continue offering this opportunity. Perhaps they can assist you in starting some program in a prison near you.

Well the problem isn't the Facility. It is CDC. The donation could be considered a Gift and is against the rules to accept.

I understand your frustration but the Facility was just following procedure.

Re: Books...A teacher whose husband is an inmate at CIM donates books. I have been there on the days she brings them..in a big card board box. The last time she brought them the Lt. on the visiting yard and an inmate in bright green overalls (he was taking pictures on the visiting yard) carried the box in for her. I was curious (I'm from Missouri) so I asked her what was in the box and she said she donates books. I have no clue how she does this but I know she does.

Hmm, that is interesting. They may have wrote a local policy for accepting them. As long as they have the manpower to thoroughly search through them for contraband, I think it is a good idea.

[QUOTE=SGT Anonymous]I have been lurking on this site for a while. You all keep up on all the Corrections related news so it is a good place to check out daily. I see a lot of places where I could supply information or correct misconceptions so I decided to register.



HI Sarg, and welcome to PTO!
I hope some of us can correct misconceptions on the loved one's of inmates too. I can't wait for some open-minded dicsussion b/t one another on our group.

Many of us are career-minded, educated, and involved people and I hope you see the best of us. :)

I have many respectful and even dare I say "friendly" relationships with some of the CO's at our prison. Of course we don't socialize on the outside, but we do make small talk and a few of them I even confide a bit more in.

Best,
Wendy

Welcome to PTO!!! Glad you found us also!!

If you have been reading PTO members' questions for any length of time, you will see the same questions asked many times over. There is so much individual control allowed within every prison system that it allows the interpretation of CDC regulations with every Warden's whims within the CDC system. There is no consistency.

As a member of the CDC Union, I would think that you would all support and vote for unification for every prison within this state to have a protocal for compliance. This would certainly make any lateral transfers much easier for staffing. It could also make your job a little bit easier.

Today I spoke with two different Visiting Sargents, in two different facilities that could not answer a common question. How sad is that for a union of so many that want an increase in wages for the job that they are paid to do?

If a simple question about a visitation form cannot be answered within your union members, perhaps it is time to rally your support of a single mission statement for your union. Procedures should be consistant within the state.

Every single prison within this state should have the same rules for every visitor, lawyer, journalist, mother, son, daughter, and you. Don't take it personal, but take it to the union.

It is time for a change within the CDC if they will not allow the gift of books to further any inmates education from those that are willing to help. If you are willing to help PTO members, you are better served by helping your fellow union members with education about our incarcerated loved ones.

You have done so much for us as outsiders, I hope that you will devote the same to the insiders with your union affiliates. Procedures need to be changed, not excused. Well the problem isn't the Facility. It is CDC. The donation could be considered a Gift and is against the rules to accept.

I understand your frustration but the Facility was just following procedure.

Heh, that is a heavy load. Unfortunately you need to understand a few things about the CCPOA. Although Supervisors who pay union dues are techniquely memebers, a lot of the contract is Correctional Officer only. Sergeants and Lieutenants aren't even allowed to vote on Union Contracts.

The other thing is the Union has tried for a LONG time to bring all the prisons together. Unfortunately the State refuses to reduce the Wardens power to make their own policies and to decide how certain regulations will be enforced.

I really wish the Union had the power that the general public think they do, unfortunately they do not.

I suspected as much Sarge. I have just stumbled onto the report that was commissioned by the Governor on the current state of the CDC and a plan for improvement. I found it interesting the Dukemajian was retained as the head of this reporting body - as I think it was during his term in office that many (IMO) negative changes occured within CDC.

Have you read it? Do you have any thoughts?

I have read the report and I think there are a lot of good ideas there.

Welcome SGt;

It so good to have someone who works behind the walls.. :thumbsup: Now the truth will come out.. We don't need to know where you work or where you live..I just want to say "WELCOME".. Come join us in the chat room soon, it was great the last time you where chatting with us..I learned so much and I can wait to read what you have to say... Again welcome and Thanks for becoming part of PTO family.............with much love and respect.................minnie:cool:

Welcome Sgt...'preciate you stepping forward and taking the time to help us out and share your knowledge...looking forward to hearing from you...

I evidentally put my message to you somewhere else?!?! Maybe as a PM. Duh. Maybe you can find it. Briefly....just wanted to say I really appreciate your efforts and desire to continue even on your off time (if there ever is such a thing). And I totally value your perspectives. Anything you can offer up will be graciously accepted. Much respect. Debra

Hmmm. No PM from you. Don't know what happened to it.

And thank you for the above.

Hi Sgt.! ! Welcome to this very important program, learning and sharing information regarding the prison system. Do you have any valuable info regarding the VSPW in Chowchilla? There are rumors of early releases floating around, but so far --- all we hear are the wishful thoughts of the women inmates.
I'm new to the Prison Talk, so look forward to reading your contributions!!

I have never worked in a Women's Prison so I don't that much about them. The early release thing is a combination of the increased use of Day for Day and rumor.

Nothing really new. But that could change in the future.

I'm a little late on this one but wanted to say Welcome and tell you we appreciate the information you can provide to us and your willingness to do so,much appreciated!!

I know you have been here a while...longer than me in fact :) But I wanted to say hello and welcome...I think it's fabulous that you are a part of PTO !! And look forward to you reading your ideas/facts/feelings from a different perspective.

:)