up against the wall!

There are lots of changes coming up at work.  Lots.  And because of some of those changes, I'm not sure I'll continue to work for the department of corrections.

I have worked medium custody, and minimum, observed how the lack of officers affects security, admired the officers we do have, who do a great job.  I have been astounded by the number of women staff members who get involved with the residents of the prison system, and have been shocked at the number who get walked to the gate.  And I never minded when they searched my purse, didn't care at all when they put up the gate log to see who is going in, staying in, or going out...but I will just be damned if I'll allow them to pat me down when I enter the gates for work.

There's just something about being patted down that, to me, is demeaning.  It says to me that the upper echelon somehow believes we are guilty of something that we have not done, and therefore, are putting us on the same level as the inmates, who have committed crimes and are serving the time. 

And so, I have taken today for myself to ponder all this.  Do I check my dignity at the gate and spread 'em while somebody frisks me?  Do I submit to what I consider humiliation in order to keep what few benefits are left in state employment?

And..if they start patting us down - what's next?  Cavity searches?

This is just going too far.