Law enforcment careers and being a good Catholic

[Brian2944]

2 yrs ago I left my job of being a corrections officer in a max security violent-prone jail. I left the job because I found it very difficult living a spiritual life there. I was offered the same money to go to work for a city hospital. The hospital is in a bad area of town and deal with a lot of psychiatric patients and patients from the streets. My problem is that I’m having a conflict with living a loving caring spiritual life and at the same time being called on to be the “tough” guy with patients/visitors the hospital wants off the property or arrested. Most of the time it involves being physical with the individual, and I’m starting to feel more and more guilty about it.

There is a lot of homeless that refuse to leave so the hopital administration ask me to physically put them out. And sometimes the individuals don’t understand because of drug/psychological problems, so it doesn’t feel right.

Working in corrections for a while made me a very angry person, so when I left I devouted my life to seeing others through Christ’s eyes. And God has blessed me so much because I’m seeing others as if they are my own family. I’m seeing them as a victim of sin, like me, and not the enemy. The enemy is satan and his demons. For the first time in my life I’m starting bear the sins of others. It’s amazing, when I see someone doing something sinful, I feel embarrassed as if it was my own brother doing it, and I feel the urge to ask for God’s mercy on them instead of punishment.

So although I’m loving seeing others this way, I’m finding it difficult to make it co-exist with my work duties. How can I love others as Christ said I should, then at the same time be the “tough” guy at work?

(I also wanted to add that these individuals are rarely commiting sins against others, so I can’t always see it as protecting the innocent)

Any advice besides finding a new job??

 

[cmom]

It sounds like this job has enabled you to grow spiritually .
Think of all the good you can do and the love of Christ that you can demonstrate in this job.

 

[Stephen_Butler]

I really know very little about the details of your job. It sounds from your words that you are Catholic, and that you care. I also suspect you will do the best you can to uphold the principles of love that the Church teaches us.

Is it possible to perform your job entirely within these good bounds? I don’t know. However, even if not, would those poor people be better off if you resigned and were replaced with someone who did not share your concerns? Does the spiritual discomfort you feel perhaps stay your hand just a little more than it would another? I don’t know, but perhaps it’s another way to look at it.

 

[Proeliator]

Brian,
I have twelve years in law enforcement. 5 years patrol and 7 years in the jail. We have some hard core prisoners in our Jail. Some looking at life with nothing to lose so I know where you are coming from. There are days when you just look around you and ask why? Been there just like you. Had my life threatened as you probably did too. I found another officer who is Christian but not Catholic. We talk about Christ quite often. I love to talk about the Catholic faith whenever I can with him and he about his. Well back on path now, I found that praying to St Joseph before I go to work helps. I carry a prayer to St Joseph that promises you will never be overtaken in battle (perhaps referring to going hands on like we often have to).
Ask the Lord to bless your work before you go if you don’t already. I am currently praying about transferring into another part of the Department as I like you am growing tired of the humdrum of Life in the clink. Sounds like your new job is better but still a challenge. I think God calls men like yourself to be an example to everyone around you including the ones you go hands on with. Keep your head high and if your gut is telling you to move on and the circumstances permit it why not. Consider going back to school. If for family reasons its not feasable to make another career change as is my case keep praying and God will lead you thru it. “keep your guards up”!

 

[RomanCrusader]

Hi Brian,

I plan on going into law enforcement myself. Remember, St. Paul told us to admonish the sinner. There shouldn’t be anything wrong with admonishing the actions of sinners (criminals) IMO.

 

[pnewton]

I can tell you what helps me (20 years, BTW): frequent confession. It is not just a matter of absolution, but of bringing sinful attitudes to mind on a daily basis. I catch myself all the time treating those around with a lack of human dignity, but I notice it happening less and not as severe. I also find mercy easier to come by.

Another thing I do is wear the mantle of justice and impartiality like a shield. I do not retaliate, but discipline uniformally. I do not know if you have children, but I know there is a lot of correlation between the discipline at home and the type that
occurs behind bars.

1. Most kids and convicts are basically good. This may surprise many, but I see more good than bad among criminals.
2. Immediate consequences work better than consequences separated by time.
3. Discipline should not be administer emotionaly. This is often hard to do, but it enables one to deal with a criminal, while respecting their dignity as a person.
4. Use only the force necessary to obtain the desire result. For police, this is second nature. For parents, it avoids adding an extra level of frustration to the child tha is unnecessary.

Talk to others. If needed reply back here. I will check in.

 

[wcknight]

Jesus says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

As another poster said, pray before going to work and during if possible. Just be as fair and kind as possible. Some of these folks may not see another kind face all day. They may not hear a kind voice if at all. IF you can be as kind and gentle as possible. BUT be as forceful as the situation calls for and be careful and vigilant because you may be in a dangerous situation. I’d be talking to my GA constantly to make sure he stays alert.

You have a very difficult job that is very necesary to society. I pray the Lord watches over you and blesses you and yours. The most important thing about any job, is do you like what you are doing ? IF you love your job, it is a simple choice, if you find it distasteful, you need to look elsewhere.

My wife’s cousin just retired from being a career corrections officer. He is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I don’t think his job affected him negatively at all. But I suppose that job is not for everyone.