Some of you will remember that I was deployed to prison to work (not what you thought at all). I thought I would relate some observations from my time behind bars.
The first day was a bit off-putting fingerprinting ,photo mug shot, drug detecting, metal scanning then heavy steel doors and razor wire, guard dogs and I thought" what have I let myself into".
I finally enter the prison proper and hear guards and prisoners laughing and joking not what I expected.
In all the time there I never felt safer in my work, the prisoners treat you with total respect (if not back to their cells) I had a guard with me at all times when there was prisoner contact.
Sounds silly but on my return to work in ED there were 3 assaults that shift and huge amounts of abuse towards staff, prisoners aren't even allowed to swear in the presence of nursing staff.
Now in prison the inmates have 2 gymnasiums 2 tennis courts flat screen TV and a running track Adult education is supplied free medical treatment has a doctor and psychologist on hand 5 days a week and a dentist goes out 1 day a fortnight. I ate all meals in the guards dinning room as good as any restaurant ( never worried about contamination as every prisoner wants to work in the kitchen and if they can catch someone doing the wrong thing they have a mate who wants in).
Yes you are locked up and it is a violent place but keep out of trouble and time passes quickly. One of the old lags was talking to me just before I was released and told me
"Doc when you retire, go out have a great holiday then when you run out of money rob a bank just wait for the police surrender and plead guilty. Come out here and go into protection the kids can visit and no more worries."
I don't intend to do that but it is tempting. as they say it's a different world.
That was a really interesting insight to life on the inside. Glad you are "out" and it all went well for you. Certainly different in real life to what is portrayed in Hollywood.
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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can.
There is that damm work thing (you spoke of when I was welcomed to GN) getting in the way of our travels. I wonder if women's prisons are much different? I assume not. Good places to stay out of.
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Polar Bear
Traveling - it leaves you speechless then turns you into a story teller!
