Retired peace officer Richard Glassman and formerly incarcerated youth Joseph Herd visited California Institution for Men (CIM) to share their story.
Glassman was awarded the Medal of Valor in 2015 for saving Herd’s life during a riot at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility. After Herd paroled, the pair got in touch, with Glassman learning his actions had done more than save a life, they had changed a mind.
Visiting CIM, they spoke with the Facility A incarcerated population about uniting two sides of the prison system.
The pair discussed how a series of events led to a surprising bond between the two men.
Glassman, Herd share message of unity inside prison walls
“As we work toward the California Model, striving to change the culture on both sides of the system, it’s important for this story to be told,” organizers said. “The first pillar of the California Model is dynamic security, emphasizing relationships between staff and the incarcerated population through purposeful activities and professional, positive, and respectful communications.”
Glassman spoke about the importance of humanizing those who are incarcerated. Herd expressed the same about custody staff, saying everyone has to co-exist within the prison system. He also said being able to communicate can have an overall positive effect.
Participants listened intently to what Glassman and Herd had to say. For many, they said this offered new insight into a better way to interact with each other.
You can learn more about Glassman and Herd in this article.
Story by Angela Wirth, community resource manager
Photos by Mike Fairbanks, rehabilitative achievement credit analyst
Submitted by Lt. Ignacio Vera, public information officer
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