A Thought After the 'Great New Orleans Jailbreak!': Treat Security Like A Career, Not An Afterthought

10 escape from New Orleans jail through hole in cell wall while lone guard left to get food (AP News, May 17, 2025)

You know a case like this caused the private protection advocate in me to start typing. I just posted this thread on x:

'The intense Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office press conference pointed the finger at the civilian correctional monitoring technician, OPSO equivalent to a security officer for arguments sake, who went to get lunch. How did inmates know this? No one was available to man cameras in the meantime?

Great time to note that same talent pool which supplies deputies also staffs correctional monitoring technicians. Fiction that security officer equivalents are lower tier talent isn't true unless Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office (OPSO) deputies aren't top talent either. Same talent, different jobs.

Solid security officer equivalents are invaluable during deputy (and police officer) staffing shortages but if their pay and benefits are much lower in an already underpaying agency, this support resource will also be understaffed. Until security staff is elevated to career status, expect shortages.

Like private sector counterparts, OPSO may not value security officers or equivalents, correctional monitoring technicians. It shows after critical incidents like 'the Great New Orleans Jailbreak.' Upgrade it to a career not an afterthought.

Security firms should take note too.

This lapse (or suspected collusion being investigated) could've easily happened on a private contract with someone employed by the lowest bidder offering starvation wages and no benefits.

Security is undervalued. This undermines its protective contributions.