Wasted Honor -- - Say What you Need To Say......: Correctional Officers

Wasted Honor -

Carl R. ToersBijns is the author of the Wasted Honor Trilogy [Wasted Honor I,II and Gorilla Justice] and his newest book From the Womb to the Tomb, the Tony Lester Story, which is a reflection of his life and his experiences as a correctional officer and a correctional administrator retiring with the rank of deputy warden in the New Mexico and Arizona correctional systems.

Carl also wrote a book on his combat experience in the Kindle book titled - Combat Medic - Men with destiny - A red cross of Valor -

Carl is considered by many a rogue expert in the field of prison security systems since leaving the profession. Carl has been involved in the design of many pilot programs related to mental health treatment, security threat groups, suicide prevention, and maximum custody operational plans including double bunking max inmates and enhancing security for staff. He invites you to read his books so you can understand and grasp the cultural and political implications and influences of these prisons. He deals with the emotions, the stress and anxiety as well as the realities faced working inside a prison. He deals with the occupational risks while elaborating on the psychological impact of both prison worker and prisoner.

His most recent book, Gorilla Justice, is an un-edited raw fictional version of realistic prison experiences and events through the eyes of an anecdotal translation of the inmate’s plight and suffering while enduring the harsh and toxic prison environment including solitary confinement.

Carl has been interviewed by numerous news stations and newspapers in Phoenix regarding the escape from the Kingman prison and other high profile media cases related to wrongful deaths and suicides inside prisons. His insights have been solicited by the ACLU, Amnesty International, and various other legal firms representing solitary confinement cases in California and Arizona. He is currently working on the STG Step Down program at Pelican Bay and has offered his own experience insights with the Center of Constitutional Rights lawyers and interns to establish a core program at the SHU units. He has personally corresponded and written with SHU prisoners to assess the living conditions and how it impacts their long term placement inside these type of units that are similar to those in Arizona Florence Eyman special management unit where Carl was a unit deputy warden for almost two years before his promotion to Deputy Warden of Operations in Safford and Eyman.

He is a strong advocate for the mentally ill and is a board member of David's Hope Inc. a non-profit advocacy group in Phoenix and also serves as a senior advisor for Law Enforcement Officers Advocates Council in Chino, California As a subject matter expert and corrections consultant, Carl has provided interviews and spoken on national and international radio talk shows e.g. BBC CBC Lou Show & TV shows as well as the Associated Press.

I use sarcasm, satire, parodies and other means to make you think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Correctional Officers - Overcoming Anger & Aggression

There are two types of anger issues – constructive and unconstructive. The difference between the two is what we call control or in some cases, self-control. Constructive anger is designed to motivate us in a positive manner and give us the means to fight back or overcome both mental and physical barriers imposed by something or someone. Unconstructive anger is negative energy and clouds our ability to think clearly and often clouds our judgment. It is often referred to as an act of hostility associated with a bad attitude and can ruin your relationships or life forever.

Thus it is appropriate to say that anger is an emotion that centers on either gaining self-control or losing control. It may also be an avenue to gain control of a situation or perhaps a perceived notion that you are losing control over some personal important values or pride. These choices are entirely based on the situation at hand and how it impacts your thinking as well as your actions. Remember the difference between personal and professional standards as well and you are on your way to resolve your anger issues.

As a correctional officer you are often faced with situations where your pride is on the line and your ego is personally attacked by those you supervise or manage under your tour of duty. Name calling is the most common style of attacks as well as the physical kind that triggers your emotions to take action and defend yourself or your self-importance. It is this underlying anger to respond to these negative triggers that puts you at risk of being disciplined or harmed if you react to the name calling in an inappropriate manner and observed or caught in the act by someone that reports your acts as misconduct.

If anger prompts you to take negative actions, you need to re-evaluate your ability to withstand the verbal abuse or criticism of your job or your behaviors. You need to make a negative event into a positive event that allows you to come out of it clean and without any questions. When you feel that anger may cause you to lose control and prompt aggressive behaviors, it is time to assess your underlying feelings and re-shape your thinking to gain control again. Something else you should take into consideration are the side effects of having such anger within you creating serious health problems that may range from stress to heart attacks.

Domestic violence is not tolerated and can result in losing your job. Excessive force or other misconduct is reviewed by superiors and may result in criminal charges or “color of law” violations that impacts a person’s civil rights and a situation where you could be personally held responsible for your actions leaving you with expensive legal costs and no assistance from your employer.

Anger management is not just a common phrase to identify tools to control your anger. It is a way of life and must be adhered to in order to avoid serious mistakes and potential run-ins with the law even if you are a certified police officer or correctional officer.

Managing your anger will also allow you to feel better about yourself and attain a healthy lifestyle that will give you longevity and happiness.

1. Keep track of your anger and how often you lose it. Notice how you are provoked or threatened

2. Talk to yourself and agree within your own span of control you will try to delay getting angry. Don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions to further aggravate you

3. Cool it and chill out - stop yourself from any thoughts of hostile acts or attitudes. Walk away if you can

4. Decide what you can do about the situation; then do it and let the anger go.

5. If you are chronically angry, take a look at yourself and determine what it is that angers you and how your negativity can justify the means to act a certain way.

6. Avoid overstimulation. Get plenty of rest and exercise because sleep deprivation is a common factor in poor judgment and hostile behaviors. Manage the caffeine and other stimulants.

7. Learn to listen and refrain from being impatient and quick judgments.

8. Assume other people have good intentions when they talk to you and although you may not trust them completely try to accept the possibility and see it from another perspective.

9. Learn to laugh at yourself and allow your sense of humor to control the situation.