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Friday, March 18, 2011

More of my First Night Locked Up!


Where did this week go? I had no idea that it has been this long since I wrote you last. So much to tell you but first thanks for all your comments about my first night locked up which was my previous post.

Most of you ask if I would continue about what happened during my first night. Actually in truth my first night was probably one of the few nights that not a whole lot happened.

I did have one incident that occured during count time. Count time is one of the most crucial jobs you are assigned to do. As you can guess it is the only means of keeping track of the 2000 or more inmates in your facility.

If your working the dorm as I was the first night when count time is called every inmate has to go to his house which is a cubicle . These cubicles have a partition that stands about three feet around their bed and a small area to sit at a shelf attached to the cubicle for a writing desk. It is what they call their house'. When Count time is called no matter what that inmate is doing he has to return to his house and sit or lay on his bunk. Count is done in this way so an inmate can not be missed or counted twice.

Prison counts of course are the only way possible to make sure there has been no escapes and therefore crucial that you get it right the first time. I do remember on my second count that night lights were out and everyone had been turned in for the night. The only lights on in the dorm were from the ones in the restroom area. I started my count and about half way down the first aisle I passed a cubicle with a bunk empty. It of course startled me because I knew that no one had left their cubicle. My eyes did a fast search and there on the floor lay the inmate right at the opening of his cubicle. He was lying face down wearing only his boxer shorts.

I immediately ordered him to stand up. I really believe he had been sleeping but I did not know this for sure. It was very dangerous for him laying there on the floor because he could of grabbed my leg when I walked by. Thank God that was not the case and I don't think his intentions.

Of course, I ordered him to put his clothes on and after I finished count that he and I would talk. He claims that he was just trying to cool down by lying on the concrete floor with out his uniform on. I explained to him that I could lock him in solitary for this act and of course when you mention lock down you get their attention.

It was a hard decision but I let this slide but made a note of who he was and where he lived knowing that if I ever had anything else happen concerning this inmate I would show no mercy. Turns out he never gave me any trouble so I guess I made the right decision. The thing that I remember the most about him was that there was not a place on this man that he did not have a tattoo. Believe me when I say from the top of his head to his feet was solid tattoo's with different colors and patterns. Honestly I had never seen anything like it and that alone was frightening. lol

Also that very first night in that dorm I met an inmate by the last name of Waldrop. Turns out after ten years of guarding this inmate he was paroled. He was serving time for killing his girlfriend. After his parole a  detective was getting ready to retire and he wanted so badly to close some cold cases. Most of these cases were horrible murders of young women in that area. Studying these cases he found Waldrop's name in a couple of the cases which should of caused a red flag to someone years ago but he diuring his investigating he found out Waldrop had served time for murder and now was paroled so he managed to get a DNA from him and it matched at least fourteen of the killings.

Another post if your interested I will tell his story. You can imagine my surprise when I found out this information. I also had several inmates that were once pro football players and two actually had super bowl rings on if you can imagine that.

Most of you mentioned in your comments how you could not have done this job. YES if I could do it I truly believe that you could do it too. That is if you had to do it. There is the difference. It takes people skills more than courage and from getting to know you like I have I know that you could do it. Thank goodness though you did not have too.

I wanted my three children to get a college degree and living in a small town with only two years of college there were no jobs that paid women enough to send three children to college especially if at one time they were all three enrolled in college. I knew if I could do this job they could have a better chance at life than I did so for that reason I knew I had to do it. You would of done the same too for your kids. For that reason I am so grateful I did it because they all have done well with their educations.

Speaking of my kids. Christi finally had her knot removed yesterday. That is one reason I have not posted. She did really good through the surgery and her doctor explained to me that he thought everything looked good even though it was a large tumor. He feels positive about it not being cancerous. They sent it off of course to the lab and we will know for sure next week. So once again thank you so much for all your prayers and well wishes for Christi. I spent two days with her and hated to come back home but I could not miss any more of my rehab and Tinkerbell was here doing who knows what so I came home this evening.

I did get to see my two sons and grandbabies for a short visit. As all of you know even a short visit with family can lift your spirits. 

Our friend JoJo is having a Spring giveaway on her site that she is excited about so if you get a chance go by  My Random Insanities and enter. Hurry it ends I believe Sunday.

Hope you have the best weekend and I will write again soon. I have something I want to share with you and hopefully my next post.

Sweet dreams
Maggie





20 comments:

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Maggie,

Sounds like a very busy week for you.
Glad that the inmate obeyed your orders and must be very scary at times.
So glad to hear that Christi has had the procedure and I will keep her in my prayers and hope that the results will come back fine for her.

Have a lovely weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

joanne said...

Thank you Maggie, you are a sweet friend and I don't know what I would do without you! Your stories are giving me shivers! I know what you mean when you say you could do anything if it was for your kids but I think you are really brave, or crazy to work there!! love ya..;j

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Your welcome JoJo....and I guess crazy would fit in there somewhere. Thank goodness I know longer work for the prison system...Christi actually ask me just today if I missed it and all the stories that came with it. You can imagine my answer!
Good luck with your giveaway
Maggie

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

First, I'll be praying for your Kristi, Maggie. I can't imagine what it must have been like. I think I would have been on high alert all time, which can't be good for a person. I like to think that I am a people person, but sometimes part of the criminal mind is getting you to trust them. I have to give you credit, Maggie!

Arkansas Patti said...

Here I was thinking they were in cells but all that separated you from them was a cubicle???
It is hard to imagine the logic in having anyone solely in charge of convicted murderers with out their being confined. Wow girl.
I would love to hear more of these stories. Knowing you are still with us will make them less scary.

Debby said...

I still think you are way too brave and I still think I couldn't have done this job. You are a great Mom to do that for your kids. Glad Christi is doing okay. The doctors can kinda tell when they see the tumor but the color. Pray for good results.
Can't wait to hear more. Is that guy still out of prison?
What stories you have storeed in that brain of yours. Have a nice week-end. (((((HUGS))))

Anonymous said...

Now, Maggie, add this little fact, you are only 4ft 11 in tall, but the inmates were faster to giving you respect than the lard-ass, red-necked ranked....go fiqure....I also remember a tidbit after finding about Waldrip gave us both a laundry problem, as all of the women he killed were small stature...you were in the ADMINISTRATIVE COUNT ROOM THEN, AND HE WAS the Chaplain's clerk & he would talk to you for hours after everyone else had left.....love you baby sis.....pat T

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

I beg your pardon Ma Tuttle I am 5'1" at least I was when I worked there. Can't believe you can comment on my site. How cool is that.
Give me a call if you can this weekend
Love ya

Julie Harward said...

Yes..I can see you doing this and I know you are that tough! I don't think I could stand it, not my cup of coca! ;D

Darlene said...

It still scares me to think of you being in that place. I am also a bit concerned about the word cubicle. Surely it was enclosed with bars or something, wasn't it? I can't imagine them being open so please elaborate. Every time I see movies of prisons, it always shows the prisoners behind bars, so please reassure me. Otherwise I just can't imagine them employing women guards at all.

Please please tell us the rest of the story about Waldrop. I agree that you must have many many interesting stories to tell us. Keep them coming!

Love ya
Darlene

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

No Darlene there are a lot of prisons who have immediate contact with inmates. The dorm of course had bars all around it and we were locked in but the cubicles were open no bars. I wish I could draw a picture for you but inside of the large area you have rows and rows of cubicles where you can walk in between the rows. You are in there alone and yes I am sorry to say women do it too.
At the front of the dorms were sitting areas where the inmates had benches and a TV which they called this a day room.
Also on one side of the dorm was the restrooms where they had toilets and sinks...these were also with a half wall around them but open no privacy.
When the inmates went to the restroom I walked to the front of the dorm where the day room was to give them some privacy. Otherwise no privacy and no protection
Love
Maggie

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

One of our former Pastor's wife was a prison guard who walked the beat in the worst of the worse. She also rode a motorcycle. Just a little different! Heehehehe!!!

It takes a special person girl to do what you do no matter why you chose to do it. Not all of us could.

God bless ya and have a beautiful weekend sweetie!!! :o)

Lisalulu said...

I AM SO GLAD I checked in on you today! you have such great stories!!! although all a bit worriesome!

Tracy said...

Maggie,
I think your job sounds thrilling and I might be scared initially but then I'd settle down and the people would intrigue me! I am fascinated by the human mind and well, it makes for great stories. So when are you going to turn your stories into a book? That would be fabulous!
Take good care dear!

Julia said...

Maggie, it must have been your big boobs that had the men intimidated and powerless, right? I used to be 5' 2" and I'd be too scared to intimidate bad guys, but then I don't have big boobs... lol Hugs, JB

Anonymous said...

I am really enjoying your stories about your work sweet Maggie. I am so glad all turned out well with Christi's surgery...praying the tests come back as the doctor expects them too. It was great you got to spend time with your sons and grands even if for a short time. Looking forward to hearing what you have to tell us. Have a great weekend sweet friend. Love and hugs

Susan Anderson said...

You are something else, Maggie!

And I'm so glad Christi's surgery went well and that the doctor feels sure it's benign. Keep us posted, please.

=)

Julia said...

Maggie , here I am rushing to leave comments on my friends blogs and I remembered that I had forgotten about your daughter's operation. I'm sorry that she had to have surgery. I sure hope that it is benign. Keep us posted. I'll keep Christi in my prayers and I still pray for you and Gary. Take care. JB

Darla said...

Let me just pray a hedge of protection around you in Jesus Name....

Hootin Anni said...

Oh I hear'ya about the full body tattoos...they're just creepy looking. I know that's all kinds o' wrong for me to even think that way, but I do. And that's my final answer...I'm stickin' to it!

My Saturday link:
Sister's Day

Thanks for visiting with me. Have a super weekend!!