DannyBoyinExile

Congratulations to my old nemesis The Queen – who was recently promoted to Assistant Warden and transferred to another Unit. When I called her The Queen, by the way, I only did so because she was a female who happened to run shit, and not anything derogatory. (She just moved another step up the proverbial ladder, so she’s REALLY The Queen now!) =-)
Like any ripple effect, that event created lots of additional changes here on Wynne Unit. For one thing, the other Major (from B wing) came out to oversee population now. Being a Major over GP is vastly different from overseeing the High Security/Transit wing – but it’s nothing he hasn’t handled before, back in his Captaincy days. He’s a big boy (and I do mean that literally!), and I’m sure he’ll handle it just fine. He’s actually a pretty good guy, and I’ve worked for him in the past.
When it comes to the higher ranks on any TDCJ Unit, particularly the Majors and Wardens, they tend to make their own imprint on each particular unit, by way of “Unit Policy”. What that means is, they have the authority to implement rules and policies over the entire unit. Thereby they can place a higher authority on their pet peeves (such as clothes lines or regulation haircuts and beards), as well as lighten enforcement of policies that they aren’t too concerned about – which generally makes the inmates very happy, as we are always happy to have one less infraction to worry about! As for me, there are so many rules, policies, and procedures floating around TDCJ that I’ve just about given up on trying to memorize them, and just try to do what I feel is right, at all times. Generally my method consists of nothing more than keeping my mouth shut when I am reprimanded by a CO. All inmates aren’t as docile, for sure, but I see no point in arguing with them – most of the time! – and find it easier to just do what they say, especially if it isn’t really bothering me to do so. Of course – if it isn’t isn’t bothering ME very much, it shouldn’t be bothering THEM very much either, but when people are determined to run something, I don’t mind letting them. Sometimes I can’t help but argue (especially when I CLEARLY know that I am right, but with over thirty years practice, I’ve learned that it’s never a bad idea to keep my mouth shut.
The Head Warden has the ultimate authority on any unit (so long as he doesn’t contradict the Holy Grail of TDCJ policy, and we also got one of those recently. (A new Warden, I mean, and not a new Holy Grail!)
The only changes I’ve noticed affect things like job changes and the Wynne Unit’s War on Drugs – and I can’t say I blame him for clamping down on that. I’ve written about drugs, drug addicts, and their antics so many times that my wife is complaining that it’s all I seem to write about! (And the LAST thing I want to do is give her any reason to complain, because I may not even SURVIVE long enough to hear the end of it!) (just kidding)
The new policy for job changes consists of requiring the STG personnel to screen and approve who works a particular job, such as job where there is a likelihood of the inmates being up to no good. That may not stop ALL shenanigans (what could?), but people with CB codes for contraband, or who are on “gang file” as active gang members won’t be working there, at any rate.
As for me, I have neither, but I HAVE had several cool jobs in the past – so maybe I’ll be able to maneuver my way back into the hallway, now that the Queen is gone and the new Major doesn’t have a problem with me working there! (At least, not that I know of…) If not, I’ve become accustomed to working in the laundry by now, and I’m not at all bothered by continuing to work there. Keeping my state clothes bleached really white, and perfectly tailored, is a perk I can get used to. Then again, I’ve been used to it for years, as I’ve worked various jobs throughout TDCJ that got me hooked on keeping my clothes looking good. We may all wear identical clothes, but I prefer to keep mine looking as good as I possibly can! That tends to make me stand out (rather like that nail that sticks out the furthest, which is usually the first to get hammered down!)
Oh well. The show goes on, inside TDCJ as well as outside of TDCJ, and I plan to go on with it. Besides – you can’t help but FEEL good when you look good, so it’s best to look as good as you possibly can – even in prison. So says DannyBoy.