Information on S.O. C. F.
Address:
P. O. Box 45699
1724 St. Rt. 728
Lucasville, Ohio 45699
Phone Number:
(740) 259-5544; Fax (740) 259-2882
Job Title:
Correctional Officer
Duties:
Enforce rules and regulations inside and outside a maximum security facility.
Supervise activities of inmates both inside and on various medical and transportation
trips to and from the institution. Maintain proper security of inmates being transported;
ensure that all transportation permits are completed accurately and signed by the
appropriate authority; institute proper restraints as appropriate for inmate's custody
classification; check transportation vehicles daily.
Assist in rehabilitation and counseling of inmates.
Inspect facilities to ensure security of the institution, make sure it is safe and humane
and above all the security and confinement of maximum security inmates at all times.
Search inmates for various contraband items including (but not limited to) drugs,
weapons, currency, tattoo guns and anything else deemed a security risk.
Report on inmate conduct and take necessary steps to insure proper conduct and
security.
Check mail for contraband.
Make constant counts, at various unannounced times to insure no security breach or
escape had or could possible happen.
Maintain control and discipline including use of physical restraint and restraining devices
when required.
Maintain control in areas such as the inmate food service area, recreation yard and any
other area that inmates are in.
Work watch tower to make sure no attempts are made to escape the facility.
Keep accurate records of equipment, supplies and other items; maintain and
demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms, restraint methods and
equipment and emergency measures; maintain knowledge of communication and other
electronic equipment; instruct inmates in the proper care and use of institutional
equipment.
Reason for leaving:
I worked at southern Ohio Correctional Facility for 6 ½ years. In the spring of 1993,
inmates rioted and took over the facility and held it for 11 days.
At this time, a very good officer was being held hostage and we were not allowed to
make any type of rescue attempt for fear of injury or death of other inmates. Other
officers were in “supposedly” safe areas, but again we were not allowed to make
attempts at rescue. These areas were later found to not be safe and were not
constructed to build (not reinforced as they were supposed to be) thus allowing the
inmates to break thru and obtain the officers in these “safe” areas and take them
hostage also.
These decision were made from the higher authorities and I felt that since I, as a
correctional officer, was held to a lower regard than the inmate population, especially
the rioters, then it was at that time in my best interests to obtain different employment.
I had no problem whatsoever doing my job and duties but when the possibility of helping
and rescuing a brother officer is withheld because of potential harm to the rioting
inmates, then something is seriously wrong.
I fully believe the welfare; health and security of the officer should and always come
first.
