A sobering Christmas message from inside our prisons...
A prison officer friend of mine sent me a sobering Christmas message, which I'd like to share with you all:
"A list of some of the tasks we'll have to endure this Christmas:
- Cut down the cold body of someone who decided in the night that they had enough.
- Grapple with a man with a blade who was intent on doing you serious harm.
- Comfort a man who is crying because he misses his family.
- Enter a smoke-filled cell and rescue the person who deliberately started the fire.
- Tolerate and treat with dignity someone who has committed the most horrendous crimes against children.
- Carry out a thorough search to find escape equipment in the cell of a terrorist.
- Split up and segregate rival gang members who are fighting – often with weapons.
- Negotiate with someone who is holding another hostage.
- Stem the flow of blood from someone who has slashed their wrists.
- Accompany the above in an ambulance to hospital for treatment.
- Because of the above, work more hours than your shift resulting in missing out on your time at home with your family.
- Take care of, and talk to a colleague who is struggling to cope with all the above."
This is a sobering reminder of the people working over the Christmas period in tense, explosive and dangerous environments. Be it inside or outside the prison walls.
So I'd like to stay to you all - thank you and stay safe. Thank you for working so tirelessly, with little recognition and reward, to keep those in prison - both sides of the bars - safe, decent and peaceful.
I hope your Christmas passes without incident, and I hope you enjoy some time with your loved ones. And the very best for 2017.
Energy Advisor
8 年it is too easy to forget, when you just work 9-5, that others are working 24hr shifts dealing with people with mental and physical health issues that merge to often into the professionals personal life. thank you.
--
8 年good luck with what it is you want to win
DBT Training - Talking therapy
8 年Thank you
Helping skilled professionals land quality opportunities in public sector spaces | Job Search Strategist | Career Coach | CV - Resume Writer|
8 年Sobering food for thought... Thank you for sharing
Retired
8 年At least we agree on some points of the facts. I am a person who wishes to be part of the solution and not the problem. There are good and bad in every career, that is no doubt. But there is no mistaking that well trained and professional staff do make a difference. I don't wish you any disrespect, perhaps our departments are at two different ends of the spectrum. Again where part of the problem lies. I wish you a safe and happy new year.