Being a C.O.

Data from the New York State Dept. of Corrections and Community Supervision. 

The average New York State Corrections Officer makes about $47,000 and can retire after 25 years of service.

But does this pay account for the increased emotional damage officers often suffer from?

According to Corrections, officers face a 39% higher suicide rate, higher divorce rate, and are more likely to abuse substances than the rest of the population.

“The job is hard,” said Cpl. Providence Crowder. She has worked as a Deputy Sheriff in the Monroe County Correctional Facility for 12 years.

When we think of the dangers of the position, most of us think of riots, assaults and other forms of physical damage, and Crowder says.

“You begin each day, hoping nothing will happen. And it’s by the grace of God that we get through each day.” 

However, the nature of the job itself can be very taxing.

"It's a very thankless job" -Cpl. Providence Crowder

Too often, officers don’t make a difference in inmates’ lives. The cyclical nature of incarceration means they often meet their inmates’ children as well. .

“It opened my eyes to reality,” said Crowder. “I was sheltered.” She said she saw firsthand how drugs and poverty can be such large roles in incarceration rates.

And even if she was able to change an inmate’s life, she’s likely to never see them again because they wouldn’t be returning to jail.

“The most rewarding part is when you don’t see them again,” said Crowder, who admits it doesn’t happen often.

And yet, the officers retain hope. The ones I spoke to only seemed tired because their shift had begun at 6 a.m., not because of the daily stress of the position. They genuinely wanted to help the inmates and were frustrated that they were unable to do so because they were up against forces too large. Often they watched helplessly as inmates reentered through the jail’s “revolving door.”

Crowder’s close relationship with God helped ease the stress. She also channeled her frustration into higher education. She began the position with just her Associates degree, but is now completing her Master’s at Roberts Wesleyan.

“I would look at job boards and for other jobs,” she said. “And I would pray to God for guidance but he just kept bringing me back here.”

She said she appreciates the time she spent here because she grew as a person.

“I still recommend the position,” she said. “And I get happy when I hear people are interested. Just do it early, put in your 25, and get out so you can do what you want with your own life and with what you learned.”