How Does a Prison Guard Spend a Workday?
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Beginning the Day
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Working as a prison guard has very little to do with the brutality depicted in most Hollywood movies. In even the most highly secure American prisons, working as a guard is more about routine and watchfulness than violence and conflict. The most important duty of a prison guard is to be aware of his surroundings. The problem is that because most days fall into a standard routine, the guard most be wary of becoming complacent. Complacency can result in injury or even death when the inmates get violent.
Oh, the paperwork
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As a bureaucrat in a uniform, prison guards are often subjected to enormous amounts of paperwork. Guards need paperwork to authorize transfers or report any incidents that happen. Guards most record their observations and report them to the shift commander and the warden, usually in writing, so that patterns of behavior can be observed.
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Emergencies
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Prison guards must also be prepared to react to a variety of emergencies within the prison walls. Most obviously, guards must react to violence or escape attempts and do so in a manner that minimizes the danger to themselves and others. However, they must also be prepared for medical emergencies ranging from simple cold and flu viruses to stabbings, heart attacks and strokes. Prison guards usually have at least basic first aid certification and are prepared to assist prisoners in the event of any emergency.
Peacemaker and Counselor
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One of the most important jobs of the prison guard is to maintain the peace within her institution. Often, this can mean early intervention when a problem is developing between inmates. Additionally, it can mean acting as a sort of counselor to inmates, suggesting things that can help them post release to get their lives together in a more orderly fashion.
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