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Former correctional deputy Kelly shares her journey from San Jose to San Luis Obispo County jail, revealing the challenges and realities of working in corrections during significant policy changes. Her candid account provides insight into the demands of maintaining order and safety within county facilities while navigating political pressures and system-wide transformations.

• Command presence and communication skills are vital for correctional officers regardless of physical size
• AB-109 dramatically changed county jails by transferring state prisoners to facilities not designed for long-term incarceration
• Overcrowding led to unsafe conditions with inmates sleeping on floors and classification officers constantly struggling to maintain standards
• The psychological toll of working with inmates at their worst requires strong boundaries and mental health awareness
• Political pressure and changing attitudes toward law enforcement created an environment where officers feared consequences for doing their jobs as trained
• Setting appropriate boundaries with inmates is crucial, especially for female officers
• Making physical and mental health a priority is essential for surviving a career in corrections
• The decision to leave the profession came after COVID protocols compounded existing challenges

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