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Fatal Errors of Corrections Officers

1: Complacency: Failure to keep your mind on your job and thinking that nothing can happen. Once you let your guard down, you let your fellow officers down.

2: The Lone Wolf syndrome: You are part of a team, don't rush into a situation without your team. What good are you if you rush into a situation and then you become the situation?

3: Not enough relaxation: Make sure you make time for yourself and your family. Don't live the job. Your dedication is greatly appreciated, but remember you must make time for you and your family as well. Being burnt out aint helping anyone.

4: Falling for the Game: Remember, you are the Keeper of the Kept. Do not allow the kept to become over familiar with you, or the other way around. Take a stand, and be firm. Do not allow offenders to stop and start a conversation with you, if they are stopping to talk, they need to move on.

You are a professional, and being a professional you must act like one on the facility and off. Show pride in your job, you are doing a job that not everyone can do. Every time you put on your uniform, you put on a symbol of professionalism, and pride. So make sure that when you wear it, you are professional in everything you do.

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