There are many different types of wardens in the world, but most people think of a prison warden or a game warden when they hear the term. A prison warden is in charge of the overall operation of the prison, including money disbursement, guard management, and policy direction. A prison warden could also refer to any corrections officer working in a prison without any administrative responsibilities in the past, but this is less common nowadays. A game warden, on the other hand, is a law enforcement officer who works in a natural preserve or handles law enforcement in the area of wild animal hunting.
The modern prison warden is primarily a manager, serving as the highest-ranking official in a jail or prison. In some cases, he may be promoted from the rank of corrections officer, but he does not act as a corrections officer directly. In general, some business training is required, as is a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, including the laws that govern inmate treatment. A prison warden will also be involved in the prison’s community outreach efforts, such as organizing talks and workshops with local youth to encourage them to stay away from crime, as well as answering questions from the public and the media.
A typical prison warden’s day usually starts with a debriefing with his or her staff. The staff informs the warden of any issues that have arisen during the night, as well as any concerns that need to be addressed. The morning staff is then given their instructions for the day, as well as any information they need to know about any special events taking place that day. The warden will also be informed if any specific inmates have concerns that need to be addressed at this meeting.
The warden will then proceed through the facility, speaking with any inmates who have issues or suggestions. He or she will also take calls from inmates’ relatives who want to know what’s going on, as well as calls from other concerned members of the public. Wardens working in prisons with a death row may also be responsible for handling the administrative aspects of a death sentence, such as arranging for a chaplain to visit the condemned, providing them with a final meal, and conducting a practice session to ensure that the sentence is carried out properly and with the least amount of risk of cruel and unusual punishment.
A game warden’s job is quite different from that of a prison warden. A game warden is a law enforcement officer who specializes in wildlife or wildlife preserves on the ground. It is the responsibility of the game warden to ensure that poachers are not illegally killing or trapping animals, and that those hunting in a given area have the proper permits and are abiding all applicable rules. Although many people enjoy being alone in nature every day, the job of a game warden can be quite dangerous. Because many poaching operations are lucrative, those involved are willing to use lethal force to protect themselves, putting the game warden in danger.