How Does a Prison Warden Spend a Workday?

Staff Meeting

A warden's day usually begins with a staff meeting. This is a chance for the warden to find out what went on while he was off. This is also the time that he will give the shift coming on to duty any special instructions for the day, including what units are going to have shake downs and ways to address any security concerns. These meetings may be done in two shifts, one for the staff going off duty on one for the staff coming on duty.

Inmate Concerns

Next, the warden will find out if there are any inmate concerns that must be addressed. This can include anything from deciding whether an inmate needs to be transferred to another facility or responding to an inmate's problems or concerns. Much of this part of the warden's day is spent on his feet, as he will usually make trips to certain cell blocks or inmate housing units.

Death Row Facilities

A warden in facilities that carry out death sentences have an added duty. The warden is the one who must coordinate the death sentence. This includes providing the inmate with a chaplain, last meal and other rights according to state laws. The warden also has to oversee a training session for the death procedure to ensure that no mistakes are made while the sentence is being carried out.

Additional Job Functions

A prison warden has to be tough but fair. Because of this, many wardens choose to take a hands on approach to running the prison. It is not unusual to find a warden making a phone call to an inmate's family or taking calls from concerned crime victims who want to know the status of the offender. Some wardens participate in community-based activities to encourage youth to follow the right path and stay out of jail. By doing this, the warden's job duties affect the entire community, not just the facility in which he works.