May 5th through the 11th is National Correctional Officers Week and for the Greene County Sheriff’s Office there are six individuals who undertake those positions.

Chief Deputy and Jail Administrator Nathaniel Chapman says the six jailers play an important role in keeping the jail clean and orderly, as well as keeping the inmates safe and healthy. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio the jailers provide three meals per day to each inmate that is prepared by the Greene County Medical Center, and make sure that if an inmate is required to be on medications they are given the correct kind, as prescribed by a physician.

“I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve got for a staff right now. They’re all very communicative, they all work with each other. If they’re not understanding something you know they can rely on each other, as well as they can contact myself or those that have been there for a while for any guidance.”

Chapman points out being a jailer can have some risks, especially when they are processing a newly arrested person who could still have high emotions or maybe under the influence of a controlled substance. He talks about when some of the negative sides of being a jailer happens, how important it is for him to recognize when they might need a mental break.

“I keep my door open in the office, when I’m in the office, if they need to vent or if they have something they need to get off their chest, that’s where I want them to go, or at least keep the camaraderie. If they need to step out for a few seconds, make sure the facility is safe, and take that deep breath that’s huge. But if they just need to listen to a tune or something you know, just let them do that. But I can’t say enough for my staff for what they handle, what they deal with, and how they get through it.”     

The Greene County Jailers include Tressa Hatfield, Josh Derry, Shane Monthei, Abbie Warner, Stacy Myers and one part-time jailer with Krysty Melton.