It has been brought to our attention yet again on issues concerning one of the prisons. This time it is Montana State Prison. The officers are discussing inmates cases with other inmates. This is a breach in confidentiality. A female officer has been accused of discussing an inmates case to a group of inmates. This officer is on the low side. We looked into the inmates case and what she is saying is wrong. Why would an officer tell other inmates unless they are just trying to stir up trouble or up to no good? Why is a female officer loitering around with enough time to be buddy chummy with a group of inmates to even be talking about an inmates case? This is too personal and not the job that an officer is hired for. These inmates on the low side are usually going to be up for parole and some of them are in appeals process or working on a post conviction. Some are working on their innocence if they are innocent. A guard should not set someone up to fail because they can’t keep their mouth closed or they can’t get sex elsewhere. Is this done on purpose just to maintain the warehousing of inmates?
This is are the code of ethics that officers are suppose to go by from Montana Department Corrections Own Website:
Code of Ethics
- I shall perform my duties with high standards of honesty, integrity and impartiality, free from personal considerations, favoritism and partisan demands. I shall be courteous, considerate and prompt when serving the public.
- I shall maintain respect and professional cooperation in my relationships with other department staff members. I will not sexually harass or condone sexual harassment of any person. I shall treat others with dignity, respect and compassion.
- I shall report job-related illegal or unethical behavior to the appropriate authority.
- I shall provide offenders with humane custody and care, void of retribution, harassment, abuse or mistreatment. I shall maintain confidentiality of information that has been entrusted to me and designated as such. I will not incur any personal obligation that could lead any person to expect official favors.
- I will not discriminate against any offender, employee or member of the public on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, creed, political belief or national origin.
- I shall conduct myself in a manner that will not demean offenders, fellow employees or others.
- I shall uphold the tenets of the United States Constitution, its amendments the Montana Constitution, federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and policies of the department.
- Whether on or off duty, in uniform or not, I shall conduct myself in a manner that will not bring discredit or embarrassment to the Department of Corrections and the state of Montana.
- I will not use my official position for personal gain.
- I shall maintain acceptable standards of personal hygiene, grooming and neatness while on duty or otherwise representing the department.
Source:
http://www.cor.mt.gov/About/codeofethics.mcpx
- Without a doubt these officers are not only breaking the Department of Corrections standards but in some cases they are breaking the law. Montana this is ludicrous with what these department officials and staff are getting away with. We have to hold them accountable!
Well then you haven’t been to CCA up in Shelby, there are a hand full of good Co’s. But with high turnover and cpts / lts that are inmate lovers. Its hard for the good co’s to do there job. If a inmate is caught taking or doing something wrong. 98% chance they are going to drop the write up. If a inmate hits a co he is put in seg for about 2 days then let back out. As well CCA likes to hire anyone, CCA in shelby hires alot of right out of high school females that sleep and bring stuff into the inmates. I would say that is the number one problem up there.
Yes, CCA up in Shelby definitely has some issues. Just as MSP in Deer Lodge does also. Seems to be a real problem with opposite sex staff working with the opposite sex inmates, at all the prisons. A lot of young ones also at MSP. Then there are the staff that do not take the training seriously. Female officers breaching confidentiality and safety issues. Also, those that are knowingly trying to get inmates attention. Females do not need to be working at a facility that needs attention of inmates, that is a serious self esteem issue. At the same time, I do want to acknowledge that there are some really good co’s that take their job seriously and do a good job at it. Same way as corruption in the political system or state departments, not all are corrupt. There are some good people doing their jobs. But those that go against the rules or are out for their own agenda make it bad for everyone. It’s the corruption within that is such a concern. Also, the scale of justice has to work both ways, it is not right to lock up individuals on the outside but allow certain female staff to get away with the very same thing. There also has been mention at the Law and Justice about female inmates being sexually abused at the women’s prison by male officers. Since it is a problem they need to have same sex work with same sex inmates. Revamp the system.