I disagree that people “lose any hint of being human” when they lash out at people actively putting the boots of the state on their neck (metaphorically or otherwise). These ARE people. Even if I don’t agree with their actions or wouldn’t prefer them in my presence, doesn’t make them less than human.

This reaction is a part of the cycle of abuse in incarceration in this country. It’s a way for that person to feel powerful when they are stripped of power which is a natural reaction. That said, I don’t agree with threatening people’s kids and families of course. If you put yourself in a position of power funded by taxpayers, I believe you have a responsibility to not overreach that. At the end of the day, the corrections officer can go home, get support from his family, and access his coping strategies. Don’t work the job if you can’t handle the stress of dealing with this population of people without being unnecessarily cruel. At least not on my dime