Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing
Encyclopedia
Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing is a non-fiction book by Ted Conover
, published in 2000. In the book, Conover, a journalist and university professor, recounts his experience of learning about the New York State correctional system by becoming a correctional officer for nearly a year. The author went to such lengths after being repeatedly denied cooperation by the New York State Department of Correctional Services
. In the book, he divulges the inner-workings of the system.
It starts with his seven week para-military training academy, which extolls the virtues of excellence and diligence. Beside having to pass the academic portion of the academy, recruits are required to face the grueling exposure to tear gas and complete a timed physical performance test. Instructors define the job of correctional officers as the “care, custody, and control” of inmates, but what was never discussed in any of Conover’s academy lessons was the moral aspects. After his graduation, Conover's story continues as he is assigned to Sing Sing
correctional facility. Even though officers have the knowledge of procedures, their inexperience is registered immediately and the new arriving officers are identified by the moniker New Jack.
In his summation, Conover determines the true role of correctional officers to be the “ware-housers of human beings.” Half the time he is in danger and scared for his life. He must learn how to deal with the inmates and survive the nightmarish conditions.
Ted Conover
Ted Conover is an American author and journalist. A graduate of Denver's Manual High School and Amherst College and a Marshall Scholar, he is also a distinguished writer-in-residence in the of New York University...
, published in 2000. In the book, Conover, a journalist and university professor, recounts his experience of learning about the New York State correctional system by becoming a correctional officer for nearly a year. The author went to such lengths after being repeatedly denied cooperation by the New York State Department of Correctional Services
New York State Department of Correctional Services
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision or NYSDOCCS is the agency of New York State responsible for the care, confinement, and rehabilitation of approximately 63,000 inmates at 71 correctional facilities funded by the State of New York. The department employs...
. In the book, he divulges the inner-workings of the system.
It starts with his seven week para-military training academy, which extolls the virtues of excellence and diligence. Beside having to pass the academic portion of the academy, recruits are required to face the grueling exposure to tear gas and complete a timed physical performance test. Instructors define the job of correctional officers as the “care, custody, and control” of inmates, but what was never discussed in any of Conover’s academy lessons was the moral aspects. After his graduation, Conover's story continues as he is assigned to Sing Sing
Sing Sing
Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum security prison operated by the New York State Department of Correctional Services in the town of Ossining, New York...
correctional facility. Even though officers have the knowledge of procedures, their inexperience is registered immediately and the new arriving officers are identified by the moniker New Jack.
In his summation, Conover determines the true role of correctional officers to be the “ware-housers of human beings.” Half the time he is in danger and scared for his life. He must learn how to deal with the inmates and survive the nightmarish conditions.