Tom Conover’s novel offers a compelling depiction of the demanding and unsettling existence of a prison guard at Sing Sing Penitentiary in New York State. This experience is not likely to be pursued by individuals who lack the commitment to upholding order within the prison system. The main character, a journalist, willingly plunges into the enigmatic realm of those who choose to spend a considerable part of their lives confined by prison walls.
In the book “Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing,” Conover provides a notable account that captures personal emotions while also highlighting the cultural understanding of a genuine prison guard. This work stands out in our exploration of incarceration, as it presents the prison guard as more than just a violent and hostile individual. Instead, it portrays them as a complex figure with a challenging and conflicting role.
Conover’s masterpiece delves into the perception that prison guards must strike a delicate balance between assertive authority and consent to involvement in a society dominated by prisoners. Conover himself worked as a “newjack” – a term used by inmates to refer to new correctional officers in New York state – for a year. After completing his training at the academy, he was assigned to Sing Sing, the state’s high-security prison in Ossining, where most rookie officers begin their careers.
The book “Newjack” recounts Conover’s introduction to the world of correctional work. Following a brief period of training at the academy and on-the-job experience, Conover was assigned to galleries where he would often be by himself and without any weapons. These galleries held sixty or more inmates, consisting of scared young first-timers, drug addicts, gang members, violent predators, and physically incapacitated prisoners afflicted with diseases such as AIDS and TB. As a newjack, Conover was entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and supervising these individuals.
Conover spent his time at Sing Sing prison closely interacting with inmates. He was often in the presence of prisoners, dining with them, visiting housing galleries, conducting strip searches, searching cells, writing disciplinary reports for infractions, and confiscating contraband. Additionally, Conover dedicated a significant portion of his time to assisting inmates who sought help with various personal problems, as they lived in a state of enforced powerlessness.
Conover’s description of the role of a correctional officer aligns with the perspectives of other individuals who have direct experience in prison. Most authentic interpretations of correctional work acknowledge a disconnect between the training provided and the actual nature of the job. Official policies and procedures often demand regular avoidance, there is often a strained relationship between line officers and administrators, and the stress inherent in the profession can undermine both professional behavior and personal life.
Conover also discusses the various aspects that a new officer experiences during their initial days in a crowded housing unit. He highlights the confusion and overwhelming feeling that accompanies this experience, as well as the reliance of new officers on the assistance of prisoners. Additionally, Conover portrays the clear lack of friendliness and indifference displayed by higher-ranking coworkers. Moreover, he emphasizes the inevitability of making significant mistakes, which can potentially endanger lives, within the tumultuous environment of the prison.
Conover sheds light on the portrayal of correctional officers as ruthless guards and reveals them as individuals, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of how their professional lives in prison affect their personal relationships. Additionally, Conover laments society’s failure to recognize that those choosing to work in these positions face high rates of divorce, heart disease, drug and alcohol addiction, and have shorter life spans compared to other state civil servants, all due to the stress in their lives.
According to page 20, prison guards faced fear of injuries from inmates as well as the risk of contracting AIDS and tuberculosis while on duty. These circumstances have played a role in shaping the negative characteristics typically associated with prison guards. The presence of violence, unconstructiveness, and the existence of threatening or wretched individuals all contribute to the aggression and brutality that is often anticipated from prison guards.
However, the Conover text adds nuance to the thesis by illustrating how the journalist’s mindset sets his work apart from other studies on prison based on penal theory. According to Conover, the ideal correctional officer is one who knows how to navigate the complexities of prison and maintain order without resorting to force. Conover’s sharp and unapologetic portrayal of his fellow officers and their arrogance demonstrates that Newjack is not a simple task. The use of language by frustrated officers and their actions further highlight this fact.
Some readers may interpret fictional stories about inmate manipulation as evidence of sadism and a lack of compassion in American institutions. In these stories, inmates are depicted as the “lowest of the low,” while correctional officers refer to themselves as “warehousers” and “baby-sitters.” One officer even expresses a refusal to assist inmates, regardless of immediate danger. Furthermore, officers nostalgically recall and idealize past times when they were able to physically harm disrespectful and uncooperative inmates in up-state prisons.
In general, this unbiased effort surely angers some officers who regret ever encountering Conover. However, it is clear that the writer has great admiration for correctional officers. Conover goes as far as disregarding many minor inmate rule violations and even breaks prison guidelines by providing inmates with contraband cigarettes and literature during the Christmas holidays.
Conover believes that correctional workers are complex individuals who are neither inherently good nor bad. Their attempts to perform effectively in challenging circumstances demonstrate their deep concern for those they punish. Conover illustrates this point with a quote from Amos Squire, a New York prison doctor who supervised 138 executions, including some in Sing Sing’s electric chair.
Conover’s book, Newjack, highlights the fact that success for correctional officers often involves managing the contradictions between genuine compassion and reasonable frustration, rather than overcoming the extreme cruelty portrayed in popular movies like “Brubaker” or “Shawshank Redemption.” Conover deserves recognition for his skillful examination of the challenges that arise from these inconsistencies. However, his portrayal of prison sexuality is likely to generate criticism despite his overall attempt to provide an accurate depiction of the correctional officer.
His claim that non-consensual sex is rare in Sing Sing seems to be false. It raises concerns about the officers’ effectiveness and suggests a lack of accountability for protecting vulnerable inmates. The existence of a long-standing prisoner code that discourages reporting abuse makes it difficult to determine the extent of rape within the prison. However, Conover’s examination of disciplinary infractions and openly transgender inmates suggests the presence of homosexual relationships.
Evidently, the author observed that the atmosphere at Sing Sing remained ordinary during the mentioned period. Upon reflecting on the significant differences in power and influence between young, vulnerable, and unconnected prisoners versus older, stronger, and gang-affiliated convicts, it becomes challenging to determine if any actions performed for approval within the prison are truly voluntary and not coerced. Additionally, some readers may find disturbing the author’s claim that consensual sexual encounters between female officers and inmates at Sing Sing may occur more frequently than incidents of prison rape.
Despite the possibility of male staff engaging in sexual misconduct on duty, including a situation where Conover himself was approached as a guard, it is challenging to fully explore this subject. While some readers may criticize him for not delving deeper into this issue, others will find themselves still eager to learn more about a topic they never wanted to comprehend. Correctional officers hold a crucial role in ensuring that court sentences become a reality.
Despite our tendency to overlook popular stereotypes, Conover’s book “Newjack” challenges us to do exactly that. This presents a valuable opportunity for deep reflection. (References: Clear, T., Cole, G., & Reisig, M. (2011). “American corrections” (10th ed.). Belmont, CA USA: Wadsworth. Conover, T. (2000). “Newjack: Guarding sing sing” (1st ed.). New York: Vintage Books.)
