Does anyone care about the security of our units? We have employees who are retiring because it is painful to see irresponsible decisions being made by the “Head of Security “ and above. I can remember not having to worry about decisions of security because it was done by people who knew security. While everyone gripes about the “good ol’ boys”, at least we didn’t have Wardens and Majors with no security sense. When are we going to get back to the basics of keeping the public safe?
Re: Security
Posted by Gonnawhineafew on June 16, 2023, 9:05 am, in reply to "Security "
It bothers me too. Since when did the units stop caring about basic safety. If you speak up you are either ignored or put on their list.
Re: Security
Posted by Marc on June 16, 2023, 3:57 am, in reply to "Security "
No
Re: Security
Posted by Puddin N. Tain on June 16, 2023, 3:02 am, in reply to "Security "
When will we get back to the basics of keeping the public safe? I wish I could say right now. The truth is, I don’t know if this agency has ever done a stellar job of keeping anything safe.
Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker broke Raymond Hamilton, and I believe a couple of others, out of Eastham, in the 1930’s. Raymond Hamilton got a death sentence and later escaped from death row. In 1974, we hosted what was at the time, the longest prison seize in American history, at the Walls. Marin Gurule escaped from death row, on Ellis, in 1998. The “Texas Seven” escaped from a unit down South a couple of years later. Recently we had Gonzalo Lopez and the state jail escape in Plainview.
I remember numerous escapees from the Wynn, in the late 80’s. I’ve worked an escape at Ferguson and two at Wynn. I’ve worked an escape at Holiday, when one stole the warden’s secretary’s car keys . I worked an escape from Estelle super seg. I could go on and on, but it isn’t necessary. I looked for Arcade Comeaux, when he escaped a transport vehicle. The bottom line is the general public is not safe, near a state prison. I think don’t believe the public has ever been safe, near a TDC facility.
We have a very long and very embarrassing history of doing stupid stuff. I say we because even though you probably played no part in any of this BS, we are all responsible for it, in the eyes of the general public. I really can’t say I blame people for thinking that. After all, we don’t learn from our mistakes.
Re: Security
Posted by Zero on June 17, 2023, 4:09 am, in reply to "Re: Security "
It's no secret that TDC has always hired the bottom of the barrel and that's why they can offer so little pay. The vast majority couldn't care less about security, recidivism or much else for that matter. They don't know policy and do as little as possible during their shift, including several cat naps. Left that ridiculous situation after 8 years and found a career that actually pays well considering not having a college degree.
Re: Security
Posted by Puddin N. Tain on June 19, 2023, 1:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Security "
Very well said. I couldn’t agree more. I’m happy to hear you have a good career that pays well.