17 DCS In the Community / September, 2016
ride-along with a DCS CSO
We walk back up to the house, and I can feel the man’s eyes on me. I am suddenly very painfully aware of the camera hanging around my neck and wish it were something more useful.
Officer Epiffany Henry tells me about each offender as we approach their homes. She supervises sex offenders, one of the Department’s most intensive supervision assignments. The offenders’ convictions are hard for me to stomach, but Henry says that the vast majority of the offenders she supervises are working hard to comply with the terms of their supervision and to take advantage of the opportunity for a fresh start. “They appreciate being treated with decency,” Henry says, “just like any of us.”
At this house, our last visit of the day, Henry knocks over and over and there is no answer.
The door finally opens as we’re walking back down the driveway to the car. “Hey, I’m here,” the offender calls out. “I was watching a movie.”
Henry walks into the offender’s house without hesitation. All the lights are off. The offender closes the door behind us, plunging us into darkness. This offender is more focused on me than Officer Henry. He’s staring at me. I can feel his eyes. I can feel my adrenaline building.
Henry reaches behind me and opens the door: “Let’s let in some light,” she says cheerfully. The offender continues to stare at me.
It turns out okay. Henry asks her questions and we return to the car. “What just happened?” I asked, still full of adrenaline.
Henry says, “The first time I visited an offender I was terrified. Getting out of my car, I remember thinking to myself, What did I sign up for? As I approached the door, I could feel the same adrenaline rush you just felt. But then my training kicked in and I knew I’d be safe.”