It is interesting to read all the posts from readers about this horrific murder. Some touch the heart, while others fuel a resounding fire in the pit of your stomach.
What are the facts? Correctional Officer Jayme Biendl is gone. In the line of duty to the citizens of this state, not to mention those incarcerated at the Washington State Reformatory.
Trained to be a professional in keeping with the motto, Firm, Fair, and Consistent. I doubt the layman on the street actually realizes this precedent is core to the values set in the training. Some are better at it than others, but most practice it to their own extent.
Finger-pointing should be off the table, for now. What so many opinions resounding on our news programs and online prove is the lack of knowledge of the system. Prison is meant for incarceration. The punishment factor is determined by the court and the loss of freedom has its own impact on the lives of those incarcerated. As a correctional officer, punishment is not the goal. Enforcement of the policies and procedure is a mandated charge placed on the officer on line.
I see so many people wanting to blame the state for budgetary impacts to highlight the safety and security of these officers. Cuts do and always will have an impact in operational issues. Being asked to do more with less seems to be a fact of life in our world today.
Jayme’s murder was a senseless act. The suspect will have his day in court. The sentence will again be carried out.
The “what ifs” and “how comes” will remain. Those who worked in her hour of crisis will have this haunting query in their hearts and minds.
Jayme will not be forgotten. The charge of the duty will go on. Knowledge is golden. Get to know how this entity called prison really works. It isn’t anything like the movies or television.
Richard Allis
Monroe
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