Visiting issues

[Luvinmesomehim]

Does anyone have the telephone # posted in the visiting room for any issues you may have will visiting a prison in the IDOC? I was visiting my guy in SWICC this weekend and had a very bad encounter with one of the female guards and I would like to report her. There have been other issues before like missing magazines and newspapers that I bring with me on visits and when I reach out to anyone within SWICC I don't seem to get any resolution. So because of this I know that I need to contact someone higher. I searched for the # before posting this so please forgive me if I have overlooked it on another page. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[blah2u]

I don't recall seeing a # posted in the SWICC visiting room.  If you don't mind me asking, what guard did you have a bad encounter with?  Was she working the visitation room or the front desk?  I guess I have been fortunate that I haven't had any bad experiences with SWICC and I'm sorry that you have. 

If you're having issues, would it be worth a try to go to the warden there?  I heard she doesn't tolerate a lot of crap from the inmates, so I would assume she wouldn't tolerate a lot from the CO's -- but I could be wrong!

[Luvinmesomehim]

Thanks for responding. I have spoken to officers, sergeants and counselors and none seemed to really care or want to assist when I tried to reach out before. I really don't want to say her name but she is an older officer and each time that I have seen her she has worked the 1st shift. This past Saturday she was actually checking female visitors in the locker room. I understand that they must check each person to make sure there is nothing being brought in. I totally understand that but as a visitor I should not feel as if I am being treated as a prisoner. The pat down she gave me was very degrading. Her tone and mannerisms were so offensive that by the time I checked into the visiting room I was in tears. I was truly caught off guard because in the year that I have been going up there I have never been treated that way. So with that being said I really don't want my experience to be dismissed as if it didn't happen. I'm not saying that the warden would but giving the previous responses from the people that work under her I don't want to give them the opportunity to.

 The sign is posted on the wall behind where the officer sits. I actually wrote the # down Saturday with a napkin and crayon and stuck it in my pocket but I forgot to take it out before doing laundry. Oops! I'll just grab it again when I go up this weekend.

[Skully]

You are a lot braver than I am. If I had a bad visit I would be inclined to just let it go and hope she isnt there next time for fear that I might cause problems for my inmate... But thats just me

[lurios2]

I'm also not sure of whether I should report my bad encounters with a particular CO. She talks to visitors like they are prisoners as well. I have very pleasant interactions with everyone else at the prison but her. I've been in the room when there's a diversity of people and she tends to pick on the minorities, I've noticed. These are my observations as I always go on a certain day and time. She has no shame to talk about them like they are not even there and even the officers that happen to work that shift with her are noticeably uncomfortable at times. I've had mostly problems with her in regards to clothing. I'm a curvy woman, so jeans are always going to fit me snugger on the hips/butt than anywhere else. I can't help it. What does she want me to do, wear a mumu?! I shouldn't have to feel like I'm the one that committed a crime 

[blah2u]

I know what CO you are referring to.  I've never had her pat me down on my visit.  If for some reason you don't get the # this weekend, I will probably be going next week and I can get the # for you.

[veracity]

I usually have no qualms about speaking my mind or speaking up for what's right BUT I wouldn't risk getting visits suspended or even the possibility that my l/o could suffer some kind of retaliation.

How would you prove the missing item complaint? What do you mean by bad encounter?

Try mailing the magazines and hanging on to the postal receipt in case you need proof they were mailed. That way he gets his magazines and you aren't upset and putting yourself at risk. I would try the "catch more flies with honey" approach if possible.

[Forevermah]

I usually have no qualms about speaking my mind or speaking up for what's right BUT I wouldn't risk getting visits suspended or even the possibility that my l/o could suffer some kind of retaliation.

How would you prove the missing item complaint? What do you mean by bad encounter?

Try mailing the magazines and hanging on to the postal receipt in case you need proof they were mailed. That way he gets his magazines and you aren't upset and putting yourself at risk. I would try the "catch more flies with honey" approach if possible.

 

Pick your battles ladies and be very careful what you are putting on public boards on the internet!!  Those public boards can be read by anyone 

[chantygirl]

I was thinking that same thing, Veracity.  I don't think I'd be willing to take the chance either.

[Kinnysbaby]

I am sorry you went through what you have gone thru, but like Dazzler said pick your battles. You may get upset with what I am about to post but it is the truth. I have been doing this for 15 years. I am with someone who is locked up after divorcing my ex husbandwho is locked up still. When you step foot on IDOC property you are on state property and just like court houses, police stations then can do as they please beause you are in their house. I work in a hospital and the same goes there, you are in our house and we check all visitors coming into the er with wanding them down. If you pick a battle and pursue this matter, it does not just effect you it effects your love one because they see you are complaining about the guards and they could give your loved one a very hard time because of this. They check you when you come in, they check you when you go to the bathroom, it has nothing to do with you, but some people have ruined it for others. A long time ago you could kiss and hug your loved one for longer then the time you are give now, that is because people who have not respect for themselves are doing things that they should not do. You could go to the venting machines with your loved ones they use to take pictures and visits use to be longer all ruined because of other visitors had no respect for themselves and did not think their actions effect others. I see you are new to the group and we will give you the advice we can because like I said some are new like you and others this has been their life for a very long time. Mine 15 years and I do the best I can to abide by the rules, respect the rules of the visiting room and especially cause no issues when I need to be searched going into the prison or when I go to the ladies room. I don't know what prison your loved one is but we always have to remember one thing this is their house and their rules. Maybe after this guards sees you after a while she will lighten up. SWICC I don't know the prisons by that code is it South Western? Like Dazzler said pick your battles. Just like with your cars being searched they can ban you if you have any contraband in your car, then can have their dogs, the police form the area along with the state police. I know it bothers you, just take it with stride and understand one thing you want to see your loved one and at times their are things we have to put ourselves through to see them but in the end it is worth it.

Cherokee