[jopsen]

There are many ways to justify evil.

[syrrim]

Motherjones had a reporter get a job as a prison guard. His experience was similar: if he doesn't play nice with the inmates they will make his life hell. This was at a private prison, so the under-staffing issue might be more pronounced, but the principle applies.

[jopsen]

The problem starts when a guard yells at an inmate without provocation.

Such action should be grounds for termination.

But yes, you need a good culture to start with, and you need trained personal to establish that.