My Job

[Jimd]

Well, I'm now a "Treatment Specialist". I've shed my cumbersome caseload, and now I just teach america's violent, psychotic criminals how to be kinder and gentler. In short, I teach people how to act like human beings.

Even though it sounds hokey, I still feel as if I'm somewhat making a difference and helping people. Given the fact that I have almost 18 years in the system, that's not the rookie in me talking, either. I tell them straight out, "When I help you guys, I'm also helping your families, because they're really the ones suffering, and they didn't do anything wrong to deserve it."

Interesting situation yesterday morning. Inmates were reporting to one of my classrooms for class. Most were pretty chilled out and somewhat personable.

Enter King Jackass, stage left. "Man, **** this ****, I done took all these bull**** classes already!" I looked at my partner, Bob, and said, "Here we go" as I rolled my eyes.

Long story short, we got into it, the inmate and I. Turns out he hadn't taken our class, but a pile of other ones in a treatment facility on the street. I said, "Looks like they didn't do very much good."

"YES THEY DID! I GRADUATED!" Now he was on the edge of his seat.

"Yeah", I replied, "You graduated right back into jail. That's where you are right now, isn't it? Must've done a hell of a lot of good!"

Now we're in a staring contest, and he's twitching and tensing, ready to jump out of his seat. I met his glare, as I wasn't about to bitch up in front of the class, and wasn't about to let him intimidate the class and I.

The other inmates were laughing at the dude by this time. Bob jumped in and diffused things, which was probably for the best.

Amazingly, we didn't kick him out right then and there. More amazing was that, by the end of the class, he was participating and actually shook our hands.

Some of these guys are really "out there". They resort back to what they know: intimidation, bullying, all that street crap. It's amazing to see some of their progress once we show them there are other ways to handle things, ways that actually allow them to achieve their goals without pissing off the entire Western Hemisphere.

[Chucula]

I would not be able to help those kinds of people. So long as you aren't just separating the good actors from the bad, I think you are doing good work.

I do not envy your job, but I guess it is necessary. Stay safe out there.

[David Lowry]

Jim,

You make a difference. I've said before that even if it's just 'one' person, it's worth it.

I find even in my job that people tend to fly off the handle because that's all they know. If I counter their "flying off the handle" with nice cordial talk and try to help them they become less frustrated and want to help me help them if you will.

I'm sure there are guys that are just jerks and will not change and/or don't want to change. I however would put a large chunk of money on the fact that there are quite a few (20% or more) that do want to change and be productive citizens.

When I was 19 years old I spent 10 days in jail for being a jackass. I needed it. If I hadn't served my 10 days, I would have probably turned out to be a bigger jerk. I was mad that I had to serve the time but looking back I deserved it and am now glad that I did the 10 days. I learned from just those 10 days and I never ever want to go back. Never.

Keep your chin up Jim.

[stonyman]

Good job Jimid, you know if you can turn some of the bad apple in the class, many times it has a trickle down effect on the others. Those butts turn out to be leaders of the pack...............Knifebro, I am glad you are fighting the good fight. Keep it up, we appreciate your hard work and sacrifice!;)

[jaislandboy]

some folks are beyond help, hang in there Jimd ;) :)

[Ted H]

Jim-

As a therapist, all I can say is, "Way to go!"

[cdf]

Well played that man , I pray you will be able to reach some of them !

Chris

[psimonl]

Hello...

Long time no talk....

I too teach to those hard boiled stare at you people. But in my case, they are teenagers who dropped off school and are back in school under a court order... They don't really want to be teached...

But once you get under their skin, you can find some wonders and sometimes, I do think all are born as nice peoples...

I hope not all my "students" will end up in jails... Some did this years ... And I hope that if they do, they will meet an understandable guy like you...

Take care my friend,

Simon

[Jimd]

As always, I'm appreciative of everyone's support here. It does help to know that some people on the "outside", the "World", care.

We carefully work the class. I always try to include a few "old head" inmates, the older guys are often wiser and more experienced, with less ego and pride than the young guys. And, as we suspected would happen, today in class, a few of the older fellows were talking some sense into a young, pride-obsessed inmate.

We've found that inmates will sometimes more readily listen to their fellow inmates. I can tell them, word for word, the exact same thing and they'll believe it from a fellow inmate before me. And truthfully, we're fine with that, since the message is being imparted.

After class, I often thank the more seasoned inmates for helping to teach the younger ones. They wouldn't have to do that, but even they derive a sense of accomplishment from helping out.

David pointed out that perhaps 20% of inmates want to be helped. I think that's a fairly accurate statement. Sometimes, we get lucky with a higher percentage; right now, in my classes, I'd say the percentage might even be over 50%, but time will have to tell on that one.

There's an attrition rate. A few guys from each class will go to the RHU. One or two might leave on parole. Maybe one will drop the class because he just hates it. We might weed out a couple ourselves if they're disruptive and just won't go with the program.

I agree that if we can just help a few of them, then it's worth it. And it won't just help them, it will help their family, whom they'll go to after their release.

Today, the secretary of the commissioner for our state's corrections department (the top guy) sat in on my class to observe how our program is going. It was kinda cool, because she came at a time when we were into some very heavy dialogue with one of the "young bucks", and the youngster had what we call an "Aha!" moment.

[cdf]

Jim , many years ago I did some volunteer peer counslling with inmates . I have some LE time but no corrections time , an eye opener , to say the least ! Had to teach some real basic stuff . Probably nowhere near as effective as you , just hope I helped someone .

Chris

[dialex]

Hi Jim,

You know, I respect you very much for what you are doing. You are not only a talented graphic artist, ;) but your commitment to do your job well is outstanding. I think pepole like you are the pillars of society - and they are the ones who actually make a better world for us common people, not the politicians with their crooked justice. :(

[Jimd]

Dialex, I'm certainly a "common people", nothing special. As always, I appreciate the dialogue here, and the support.

I look at my involvement on a few different levels: First, it's my job. If I'm there, I might as well do it to the best of my ability.

Beyond that, I want to make society a better place. You know, when you go camping, you try to leave the campsite a little bit cleaner than when you arrived? Something along those lines. Plus, I might be helping out other good people, ie., the inmates families, or other potential victims that are in society.

Finally, I think that any time we help others out, it pleases God. Pleasing God brings joy to my heart. I'd rather not have to do it in such a horrible environment (why can't we do this thing in a nice, plush office building, where I could have a moder suite???).:)

[Agent Starling]

Finally, I think that any time we help others out, it pleases God. Pleasing God brings joy to my heart. I'd rather not have to do it in such a horrible environment (why can't we do this thing in a nice, plush office building, where I could have a moder suite???).:)

I really like that part about it pleasing God! Great way to think about it...hmm...maybe it's like, when we're trying to help the "lost souls" of the human race--whether in the way that you are, or when any one of us does their part, however small--maybe we're trying to reawaken the good that has been obscured in these people's hearts...I'm of the mind that we're all born good, but that good becomes obscured somewhere along the way...that's how it looks to me, anyway. :D

Agent Starling

[David Lowry]

Hi Jim,

You know, I respect you very much for what you are doing. You are not only a talented graphic artist, ;) but your commitment to do your job well is outstanding. I think pepole like you are the pillars of society - and they are the ones who actually make a better world for us common people, not the politicians with their crooked justice. :(

Dude, well said. I couldn't agree more.



http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1345/thumbupaw5.gif

Also, by the way Jim, you're not just "common people, nothing special".