Thursday, February 03, 2005

I’m sure I’ve talked about the phone calls we get from prisoner loved ones - they want to know where they are or whatever. We have a blanket policy of not giving out that information to anyone but attorneys for security purposes.

So I just got a call from a man looking for his wife who must have been moved to another jail. I asked him if he was family to which he said he was her husband.

ME: I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t give out that information. You’ll need to contact her attorney.

HIM: I have and he says he can’t get the information either.

ME: Well, he’ll have to continue calling because I can’t give you the information.

HIM: *highly sarcastic tone* Well, thank you for being so nice. What’s your name, please?

ME: Jen

HIM: Last name?

I gave him my last name.

HIM: Badge number?

ME: I’m not a deputy, sir. I’m administrative.

HIM: May I speak to your supervisor, please?

ME: Sure, I’ll transfer you.

ECD was in my office during the call and she was cracking up that the guy got so irate. She stood in my boss’ doorway while he listened to the guy complain about me and then he defended me for abiding by the policy, which I’m sure that guy hated.

When the call was over, my boss came into my office and told me to keep on doing what I’m doing. Thanks, boss!

I feel for the family members because I know that it must be frustrating to get the run-around. But while I’d like to help them, I just can’t because our policy is very clear. I would hate to be the one responsible for something negative happening because I tried to help out a supposed loved one that turned out not to be so.