# 1) Think of a moral or ethical dilemma you have faced where every choice seemed unsatisfactory. What did you ultimately decide and why did you choose that decision?
Being a newly certified correctional officer I have learned the “policy and procedure” way of doing things from the academy, but now I am seeing the “hands on” way of doing things from the more seasoned correctional staff. To say the least some of the ways are completely opposite. One of the main dilemmas I have been faced with is “whether or not to give out inmate request forms” to the inmates if they ask for them. This may seem like an open and closed question, but it really isn’t. See according to policy and the inmate handbook, the only way for the inmates to communicate or request anything is through the inmate request form. This includes but is not limited to signing up for classes, chapel services, medical call outs (sick or well), laundry changes or request, etc. This list really goes on! This is where I am happy to give the form out as long as I have them, because I understand that point. However I have several fellow officers who will tell them “I don’t have any request forms!” Even if they have a stack of them sitting within arm’s reach. I believe this is wrong. I feel that though the inmates made poor decision that landed them in my care and custody, they are still human beings, and should be treated as such, therefore if they need a request form they should be given one.
# 2) What do you do when you face conflicting work or family obligations? How might critical and creative thinking assist in prioritization of obligations?
Although I always try to put my family first and foremost it has been a little difficult lately. Since leaving my Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm job, that I was at 4 and a half years, to take a swing shift position working everyday 2 pm to 10 pm except Wednesday and Thursday, and now starting back to class is has been quite a challenge to juggle family, appointments, and sleep.
So I have had to become quite creative yet critical in the way I try to deal with things. The creative part of my brain tells me to find the silver lining in the situation and run with it! Yet the critical part of my brain say “hey wait a minute, is that possible?” What I have come up with so far is (fun stuff first) Just because I don’t have the weekend off, does not mean I can’t do things with my family. I schedule any appointments early on my two day off, while my children are at school (this is also the time me and my husband have together) so that when they get home it is all about them. Homework first and then a movie night, and a family game night. I sleep whenever possible….that is still a challenge. 