Other essays on this theme

Essay: "Mind Games"

by Dave Snyder

I've seen enough to firmly believe this is part of a guard's core training.

It's the classic "good cop/bad cop." One cell search will find nothing but the next is a ticket for something allowed the first time. Praise 'em and you're "good." Do a 180◦ and you're "bad." Don't forget the "you'll be back" but "don't come back." The non-mind game officer is harder and harder to find.

Oh, one of my favorites: "You were screwed. You don't belong in prison. That's not right, etc." Oh, it is, until you make a financial claim, claim of harassment, go to court, etc. Then you're labeled a trouble maker, source of jokes and incredulity. Even when you have proof and got them nothing changes. It's so easy for them because they're not us. But would it be so easy if they were or if a family member or friend was us?

A famous quote, by a legal system employee said a very thought provoking thing: "Justice is not justice without justice." I hope I have that right. The mind-games exist. Those who deny it or look the other way are no better than ones who do it, and simply ignorant; willing and by choice ignorance.