Q: Does it happen often that you know an inmate personally from the outside? Conversely, do you encounter ex-inmates in your regular life?
A: Yes and yes.
Inside, I've run into a couple of guys I went to high school with. Not surprisingly none of them remember me. Most of them were they types of guys I avoided. You know the guys you always thought would end up going to prison some day? Well, you're probably right. I spoke to one guy I'd shared a couple of classes with and he said he didn't remember me. In fact, he claimed he was so stoned during high school that he doesn't even remember most of his teachers.
Outside, I run into ex-inmates occasionally. They are generally pretty cool with me and tell me that they considered me to be a good officer since I am fair and don't play games.
It's kind of funny sometimes. I've run into inmates on the outside who are so sick of being social rejects that they are just happy to see a familiar face. One guy shouted across the crowded restaurant where he was working, "Hey, Officer Hadley! How are you doing? I didn't think I'd see you again once I got out of prison!"
It astounds me that so many of them are willing to let everyone [customers, co-workers, and bosses] know that he or she is a convict recently released from prison.
I just nod and say hello. I really don't hold any ill will against them. I honestly hope they 'make it' this time and stay out. I'm not completely trusting though. If he or she is serving me food or drinks, I'm out of there.
