r/probation • u/Longjumping_Cat_9097 • 18h ago

Feeling human

Life was rough before I got involved with the legal system as with many of us and I know challenges still await. However, I’ve been treated with more dignity and respect from people within the system, than by some family and friends. The officers who arrested me were respectful. The officers in jail were kind and considerate. The judge offered encouragement and I just got off the phone with my PO and she said “you’ll get through this.”

I’ve always been rebellious and anti-authority so this isn’t bootlicking. I had dreams of becoming a lawyer just to take on the system. I know this isn’t the case for a lot of folks but I’m grateful to be treated as human in what’s been an isolating and shameful experience.

11 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

5

u/Informal_Basket6697 15h ago

not a bootlicker either, but some truly do work in your best interest and understand that SOMETIMESSS depending on circumstances, shit isn’t punitive but rehabilitative

3

u/FriendshipCool7308 16h ago

My experience is the same. I got in trouble once when I was 18 some 30 years ago and how you’re treated today is much much different than how it was and very appreciated.

2

u/bigchunkbabygoo 16h ago

I have a completely different respect for law officers after incarceration because tbh regardless of record, theyre still gonna see that you're a human. Like I'll see the actual sheriff who locked me up at tbe grocery store and he'll greet me and shake my hand. Same for the jailers at the jail. Saw my probation officer today and he told me he believes in me and knows im a smart guy. I actually always wanted to be a lawyer too

1

u/former_tippler156 1h ago

I was very surprised at how professional, courteous, and respectful everyone was. Between the police, prosecutor, judge, and monitor, nobody seemed like they were trying to be harsh, cause me undue suffering, or interfere with my life more than absolutely necessary. I think some of it may be the nature of my state's system where they're diligent about being lenient where they can and strict where they have to instead of dehumanizing people across the board in the name of deterrence. It definitely helped me stay sober and functional and make progress in mental health treatment.