Is being a prison guard stressful?

Correctional officers are exposed to a high degree of stress every day. Working long shifts behind walls day in and day out can and does take a toll. Statistics show that correctional officers have higher rates of divorce, PTSD, severe depression and suicide.

What is life like for a prison guard?

Some take their own lives, while others are killed in riots and assaults. After retirement, the average prison guard will live only 18 months. Chronic stress, heart attacks and depression are often the culprits. The violence in prisons haunts guards’ private lives.

Do Correctional officers suffer from PTSD?

Corrections Officers and PTSD Guards are exhausted, traumatized, and often ignored or shunned if they express any weariness or misgivings about the work they are required to do. As a result, COs have rates of post-traumatic stress disorder that are more than double the rate that military veterans experience.

Do prison guards care about prisoners?

Prison officers must maintain order and daily operations of the facility and are responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates.

What does a prison guard do?

The job of a prison guard is to manage inmates and maintain order in the facility. They perform duties such as enforcing daily schedules, searching for contraband and maintaining discipline. Prison guards can be employed at a variety of facilities, such as a low-security detention center or a maximum-security prison.

What is the most challenging part of being a corrections officer?

Unpredictable inmates. Long hours. Incapable bosses. These are just some of the challenges of working as a corrections officer.

What are some common sentiments about prisoners?

Common sentiment: Prisoners, often mentally ill ones, manipulate the system and are disrespectful. “I had an [inmate] in seg once who swore all of us officers were evil leprechauns who had kidnap [ped] him and locked him up. Kept trying to unlock his cell with his toothbrush.” — Identifies as a former employee with private prison company, GEO Group

What do prison administrators turn a blind eye to?

Below, we take a closer look at some of those, often very unfiltered, conversations. It should be noted that the views expressed do not represent the perspectives of every guard. Just a particularly vocal subset of them. Common sentiment: Prison administrators turn a blind eye to understaffing, low pay, and safety.