Personal Narrative: My Interest In Criminal Justice

I have acquired an interest in criminal justice for some time now. I have recently gone through some experiences that have opened my eyes to the many hypocrisies that are ingrained into the criminal justice system. As a child and up until now, I have always thought that the courts were just and law enforcement officers stood for something more, that is not the case to me. I see a lot of corruption and a lot of nonsense, Especially towards minorities. Anyway, before my disinterest in corrections, I interviewed my father and my brother who are Correctional Officers for the state of California. My father worked for the Department of Corrections for 26 years, he recently retired this year. I had asked him if he enjoyed it, He said that he had enjoyed his career and the pay was very rewarding to him. He had worked his whole 26 years at Tehachapi State Prison (CCI) . My dad preferred to work on the higher level yards with the more dangerous inmates. He didn 't really enjoy working the lower yards because he didn 't like how they had so much freedom and you never know what the inmates are up to. My dad has seen a change in the Corrections system since he started working there in the late 80’s to now, back then was more hands on and now it is more political with less …show more content…
I believe that, we all go through different experiences. For example, my mom and dad gave me everything I have ever wanted. They put me through private school, they support me in college and always encourage me to do my best, best parents I could ever ask for. What about the kid at home that has a dad who encourages gangs and drugs, and a mom who is an alcoholic. WHAT ABOUT HIM? HE IS SET UP FOR FAILURE. IM SUPPOSED TO LOOK DOWN ON HIM JUST BECAUSE HIS LIFE EXPERIENCES WERE DIFFERENT THAN MINE? THAT IS ALL HE KNOWS. WHAT IF MY DAD WAS A DOPE DEALER? WHAT IF I GREW UP IN A GANG INFESTED NEIGHBORHOOD? WOULD I STILL BE