It's easily one of the largest and most overcrowded jails in South Texas. However, those who overseethe inmates in the Bexar County Detention Center are a small fraction compared to the thousands of inmates housed in the facility.
Yet, that does not hinder their consideration of being an organized mighty force.
You just have to set them in their place and let them know that you are running it, said Sgt Zamora. They can run their mouth if they want to but there will be repercussions.
There are 934 detention officers who work for the BCDC. Sgt. Zamora is one of them. First names are not used for security reason. The less a prisoner knows about you the better, said officers.
Zamorahas worked with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office for nine years. In fact, mostly everyone who works with the sheriff's office has to come through the county jail before being promoted.
I didn't come here knowing anybody, said Officer Salgado of the inmates. I'm not going to leave here knowing anybody.
Salgado has been with the sheriff's office for two years. He has dreams of moving up in the ranks. But, first he must continue to do well at his job as detention officer. Part of those responsibilities is being able to work in the county jail as a focused employee in the environment but not of it. He said there are just boundaries with the inmates that should never be crossed.
You're not going to become their buddies, he said. You're not going to become their best friends. That's out of the question.
The detention center has4600 beds available forboth male and female inmates. The lion's share of the prisoners are males who arehoused in the toweringmain jail in the 200 block of Comal Street. Inside this building, the towers are designated byunits A, B, andC.
Saldago is working in unit AJ.70 inmates are under his care at one time.In other units, some officers have as many as 88 jailhouse residents tomonitor.The numbers can almost seem intimidating. But, for those who work in the BCDC fear and signs of weakness are a definite no.
You can't have fear. You can't, Salgado said.
He said the moment he shows fear he's gotta go. That's because there's what some could describe as a constant game of watchful cat and caged mouse always going on. So,the mice are watching closely too.
Any chance an inmate gets they'll try to push you over the top tier (of a railing), said Sgt. Zamora. They'll try to jump on you.
Nearly every facet of the county jail is monitored by cameras. The mental health unit, the infirmary, the elevators, the doors, and the cell blocks are under the constant glare of detention officers in a computerized room calledmaster control. They are stationed for inmate and employee welfare. At a moment's notice, they can deploy the sheriff's Special Emergency Response Team. Duress devices on detention officers can signal the team too.
Salgado is a member. They respond to fights, extreme misbehavior, suicides and even contraband searches. For instance, it's not unusual to see these officers in full gear in one of the jail's most notorious units. There are several including where gang members are housed.
Unit BJ is where we keep our high profile cases, Salgado described. The death row inmates. Inmates that are completely disruptive.
During the searches, inmates areasked to strip. Theircells are turned inside out. Sometimes the probes arefruitless which is good news. Then, other probes turn up interesting material.
In AJ, Officer Salgado has found a garbage filled with water. He said it could be used for weightlifting. It could reportedly also be part of the formula for hooch or jailhouse moonshine. They consider a drunk inmate a dangerous one.
You always have to be on your toes. Expect the unexpected, said Zamora.
Being on your toes means remaining free from the on the jobtemptations. Prisoners have been known to bribe employees for cell phones and other contraband in exchange for supplemental pay. In fact, Zamora said some even offer to arrange sexual favors outside the jail for detention officers.
I tell them I'm not going to jeopardize my job for you, she said. Why should I?
Some have given into the underhanded deals. If caught, they're arrested and/or fired. The temptation could exist because first year officers make under $31,000 annually.
Still, the majority of the detention officers maintain their honor and respect. They manage to work inside where thousands live on lockdown.
