Letter from Sgt. J.Bain

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Memorandum

Date: September 23, 2009
Re: CR 07-123 R

Robert McGowan is a man who puts his family first and insures everyone around him does the same. McGowan is a man who truly cares about the people that he works with and considers them family. He is one whom always stands up for what is right and one that everyone would want by their side in any situation.


Correctional Officer McGowan is an officer who takes his job very seriously, although he likes to clown around, when it comes to getting the job done he is one of the most dedicated and professional officers I have ever worked with. Officer McGowan is an officer who could deescalate any situation with his professional verbal persuasion, a partner whom would always hold you to department standards and never allow anyone to take short cuts.


When I first rolled up to the California Institute for Men as a young inexperienced officer, Officer McGowan took me under his wing and taught me how to deal with difficult situations with the art of using verbal communication and told me “if you treat them like they are human and with respect they will respect you more.” It wasn’t just me, it was every young officer that came through the unit’s front door that he did this for. He would always go out of his way to drill policies and procedures into your head, to ensure your safety, the safety of others and the safety of the inmate population. Officer McGowan’s leadership abilities demanded the respect of his peers and of his supervisors.


I could sit here all day and tell you wonderful qualities that Robert McGowan has as a man and as an officer or how much I disagree with this situation. The facts are Officer McGowan is one of the most professional officers I have ever had the privilege of serving with as an officer and now as a supervisor, and I look forward to the day he’s working for me.


J. Bain


Correctional Sergeant
California Institution for Men
California Department of Corrections