Rehumanization: Correctional Officer Stories

Below are testimonials of many experienced Correctional Officers. They share about what it’s like on duty and how their lives have been impacted by the profession.

More than a Guard

# Guards to Guardians
A Correctional Officer’s Journey Inwards

# Guards to Guardians

Keith Hellwig

A Deeper Look: Through the Eyes of an Officer

# Guards to Guardians

Gary York

From Guard to Guardians

# Guards to Guardians

Hesham Hauter

Rehumanization: Correctional Officer Story by Lynn Slay

There was a moment where my husband said, “This just isn't working. You're just not here. You're not present, not happy.” It was an eye-opener for me”, so that’s when I tried some different things.

# Guards to Guardians

Lynn Slay

Rehumanization: Correctional Officer Story by Greg Piper

It impacted my home life as well. My wife has reminded me many times that my kids are not inmates. She’ll say I don't need to order them around, you don’t have to shake down their room. There's definitely a disconnect with your family because you don't trust people anymore.

# Guards to Guardians

Greg Piper

Rehumanization: Correctional Officer Story by Michelle Threatt

That's when I realized something was really wrong with me. I had tried to hide it from my family because I didn't want them to think I was crazy.

# Guards to Guardians

Michelle Threatt

Rehumanization: Correctional Officer Story Anthony Gangi

Which leads to the catch 22 that's there. If I ask for help, I can hurt my career. COs go through this dilemma a lot. If I tell my boss I'm having a hard time, the administration might take away my weapon, I may get less shifts. So most just bottle it in, drink it away later, or take it out at home with their families and friends, or worse, take their own life.

# Guards to Guardians

Anthony Gangi

Rehumanization: Correctional Officer Story by Chamelle Johnson

I had been in this career for 16 years. This was all I knew. Now I was being told I couldn’t go back to work?...That was a really hard time for me as I was struggling with my medical condition and now wondering if I would ever go back to work.

# Guards to Guardians

Chamelle Johnson

Preview the Corrections Officer Chapter

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Are you a former or current Correctional Officer? We want to hear from you. Send us your story