Local Corrections: A Devoted Career

I am always impressed when I meet someone who has devoted their career to working in corrections. It’s a challenging position to work in for any length of time, and some do so for decades. When I ask them about it, they invariably tell me how much they love their job.

It takes a special kind of person to have that level of passion and dedication. You have to be driven by a desire deep inside for wanting to help other people and to improve the community that you live in. Most people do not have a solid understanding of what you do or how difficult it is, so any public accolades are few and far between. You have to be OK with that.

The incarcerated individual under your supervision may not appreciate that you are there to help ensure their safety and to return them to the community in a better place. They may even resist your efforts and go out of their way to make it clear that they are not appreciative. That is why having the internal drive and a solid understanding of who you are and why you do what you do is critical to the work that you do.

When I first started my job at AJA, I was repeatedly told that “jail folks”—an affectionate reference to corrections officers—are some of the best people you will ever meet. I have also often heard that for those who work in a jail, their colleagues are like a second family. So, the general public may not understand, but those who work in corrections do understand the motivation to work in a jail, and they are very supportive and understanding of one another.

That’s why it’s important that we pause every now and then and show appreciation for everyone who works in local corrections. This issue of American Jails features those well-deserved accolades, and it is with a grateful heart that we share those moments with you.

Additionally, I hope to see you all at the Elevating Leadership Skills for Jail Professionals Summit in Palm Springs California, October 2–4, 2024. This 3-day comprehensive summit is designed for both mid- and executive-level staff to share tools to help you arise into command-level opportunities.

CHRIS D. DANIELS, MPA, CAE Executive Director American Jail Association