Whose Workin The Graveyard???

[Marriott S/O]

What's up? I'm new here and just wanted to ask my fellow S/Os what the hell do you do all night at your post to keep from going insane? Obviously, most of us "play" :D on the internet so let's rule that out.

[OccamsRazor]

No internet, so I'll hit the thrift store and stock up on some books once in awhile, mostly historical non-fiction stuff.

[Taser]

I work graves, but I'm on patrol so I stay pretty busy on calls/alarm responses and just doing rounds. I generally just drive, drive, drive.

[bigshotceo]

I watch movies on my laptop.

[EMTGuard]

Watch movies on my laptop or read books. I read alot. I also keep my radio scanner with me and monitor the local fire dispatch frequencies.

[Lawson]

At some graveyard posts, I would draw funny pictures on ms_paint.

[exguard]

Ahhhhh the days gone by of the famous Grave Yard Shift.

When I first started in Security back in 1988 I worked for a priviate contracted firm and was assigned diffrent sites {Construction sites, land-fills, office buildings} and after doing a round or two and securing what had to be secured I'd read, do cross-words, and sure doze off......We've all done or do it...it's human nature.

In 1990 I started graves in Casino Security still we were pretty consistiant with our duties / patrols even overnight. Yet there were posts in garages and maintenance areas that could get pretty boring. -- You look for something to do....get creative. I did. In the casinos I got to know who was who among the employees, and contractors and talk to them...Even learned a thing or two about diffrent trades. I remained in security positions mostly casino and LP until 2000 when I was appointed to a Career Firefighter Position and than sleeping on the job was permitted.

[The_Mayor]

drive around constantly. I wish I had the time to watch movies and do my homework.

[1stWatch]

I work graveyard 12 hour shifts. Actually I prefer to work that shift. I worked day shift on a few jobs over the past ten years, but it just wasn't the same. The only complaint I have about it is it takes its toll on personal life.

[Lawson]

Heres one of the few pictures Ive done in my time of boredom.


http://www.freewebs.com/brian4prez/sesame%20stree.JPG

[FiveSeven]

I draw pictures.....

Here's some of them (all drawn at work), I use color ink pens.

http://photobucket.com/albums/0803/sergey25/Artwork/?sc=3

[jakeslife]

I work 2300-0700. When I'm not responding to alarms, calls, or doing regular checks, I'm usually doing extra checks at city parks that kids hang out at or I meet up with coffee with local police.

24 hour Starbucks are nice too.

[EMTGuard]

I work graveyard 12 hour shifts. Actually I prefer to work that shift. I worked day shift on a few jobs over the past ten years, but it just wasn't the same. The only complaint I have about it is it takes its toll on personal life.
Agreed. I work 12 hour shifts, 6pm-6am. When I finally get a day off I spend it sleeping. I'm working 6 out of 7 nights right now. Came on Monday night and did 12 and another Tuesday night. Got Wednesday night off and then back to work Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sunday. By the time I get off Monday morning I'm going to be a zombie. But those 60 hour weeks sure do help pay the bills.
By the way, I'm posting this from my desk at work.

[Mr. Security]

The graveyard shift is a young person's shift (I know there are exceptions). I never could handle it because I just can't sleep well during the day. Several of the guys who work this shift have admitted to me that they sleep a couple hours on the job. Personally, that's not an option for me and I never allowed myself to fall asleep on those occasions where I had to work that shift.

If you prefer that shift, I give you a lot of credit. If it was up to me and I had a diligent officer working that shift, I would try to increase their hourly rate to encourage them to stay on. It's not easy finding good officers for that time period.

[Lawson]

I refuse to work days, and work swing only if ABSOLUTELY necessary.

[Mr. Security]

I refuse to work days......

You're hired! :D

[EMTGuard]

Several of the guys who work this shift have admitted to me that they sleep a couple hours on the job. Personally, that's not an option for me and I never allowed myself to fall asleep on those occasions where I had to work that shift.

. I never sleep on shift and take pride in it. When Working for the State as a Corrections Officer I lost count of the number of my fellow COs who were fired after being caught asleep on post. You can get away with alot at a prison job but sleeping is automatic and immediate termination. I got the job I'm at now because an EMT working the guard shack one night was sleeping when the plant manager showed up and Videotaped her crashed out at the desk. :eek: I just so happened to call because I wanted a job reference from my old security supervisor for a new job when I was going to leave the Fire Department. "Job reference, hell, do you want a job, Q-beam? I need an EMT now. You can start this weekend and I have a 1,000,000 CP spotlight with your name on it. I need someone I know won't be sleeping on duty." That was all I needed to hear. Q-Beam was back on patrol.
I'm lucky that I work with a partner now who also doesn't sleep on duty.
We will find SOMETHING to keep us occupied to we stay awake.
On the other hand the night team that works opposite of us is known for sleeping regularly. I won't go any further in an open forum but I'll just say that the way I do things and the way the other shift does things is VERY different.
Oh well, Gotta go. There are cats that need to be spotlighted.

[N. A. Corbier]

I refuse to work days, and work swing only if ABSOLUTELY necessary.

I hate days.

[Mr. Security]

.....Oh well, Gotta go. There are cats that need to be spotlighted.

I'm still laughing as I type this. :D The cat part reminded me of the only "arrest" I ever had to make. We used to have a lot of Canadian geese where I was posted. We had been advised to call a special agency if we located a domestic goose. They are white and cannot fly. One day I spotted one and placed the appropriate call to the agency. Two representatives arrived shortly thereafter. One was a heavy-set woman and the other was her young helper. After observing their attempts to catch the "fugitive" it soon became apparent that backup was needed, namely me.

My supervisor directed me to assist. Keep in mind that there was a heavy coating of dew on the grass that morning. So there the 3 of us are, trying to apprehend this goose. I'm telling you the truth when I say that that goose could RUN and I mean FAST. As I slip here and there on the grass trying to change direction to keep up with the goose, I notice cars slowing down along the road to see what this crazy guard (that would be me) was chasing. :eek:

Finally, the goose tried to duck under a perimeter fence and got snagged for about a half-second, which was just long enough for me to firmly but gently pin it to the ground. Needless to say, my coworkers all had a good laugh at my expense and I only wish I had a video of it to send in to some TV show about funny animals$$$$ :p

[Mr. Security]

No one likes a liar.

Another allegation (no proof of course) by EMTFirefighter. :rolleyes:

[Taser]

Another allegation (no proof of course) by EMTFirefighter. :rolleyes:
Perhaps some guilt about his own sleeping?

I have definitely slept on shift before. Only when I can barely keep the car on the road. I think anyone who works graves, police officer or security, has at least taken cat naps. It's better than running your car off the road. The longest I have slept on shift is around 30 minutes.

One night I practically drove my car off the road on I-5. That was not cool. I got off the highway, pulled into a dark corner of a site we patrol, Nextel'd my boys and told them where I was and that I needed a cat nap and that they could call me if they needed me. I set the alarm on my cell phone and woke up a half hour later and finished my rounds and went home. Without dying. :D

[Mr. Security]

Perhaps some guilt about his own sleeping?

I have definitely slept on shift before. Only when I can barely keep the car on the road. I think anyone who works graves, police officer or security, has at least taken cat naps. It's better than running your car off the road. The longest I have slept on shift is around 30 minutes.

One night I practically drove my car off the road on I-5. That was not cool. I got off the highway, pulled into a dark corner of a site we patrol, Nextel'd my boys and told them where I was and that I needed a cat nap and that they could call me if they needed me. I set the alarm on my cell phone and woke up a half hour later and finished my rounds and went home. Without dying. :D

I can understand why sleep may be necessary at times. Some companies might stick you with a triple shift because the officer assigned to relieve you didn't show (I usually work doubles). Since you cannot abandon your post, the only option may be to take a brief nap. Granted, this is not the way things should work, but as long as you have the human element to factor in it's going to happen. If you go w/o sleep for too long, you're probably not fit for duty anyhow.

[Echos13]

The last time I had nights was about 10 years ago. 2nd shifts I can handle and maybe a little over time into the 2nd hour. But all nighters. Yuk. You guys have my respect that can do them. I pray to God I never get any more of them. This old bod though not over the hill yet seems to dislike seeing stars all night. Besides I am starting to believe in an old saying. If God intended man to work all night he would have given him ether a flashlight built into his forehead or a third eye that could see in the dark.

Regards.

[N. A. Corbier]

I can understand why sleep may be necessary at times. Some companies might stick you with a triple shift because the officer assigned to relieve you didn't show (I usually work doubles). Since you cannot abandon your post, the only option may be to take a brief nap. Granted, this is not the way things should work, but as long as you have the human element to factor in it's going to happen. If you go w/o sleep for too long, you're probably not fit for duty anyhow.

See, to me, the situation described is negligence on the part of the security company. If you sleep, you abandon your post - there is no one there who is capable of protecting the client in accordance to the contract. Employers also like to hit people with "theft of time," since you are not providing the duties your assigned to provide - your physically incapable of patrolling and observing while asleep.

So, if the company triple schedules, it creates a situation where the client can be assured that the company will fail to perform the assigned duties.

Always remember, civil law believes that the sleeping guard is personally negligent in the performance of duties. If the guard is incapable of leaving due to being assigned a triple shift, then it is the company's fault as well, for failing to take action.

[N. A. Corbier]

My proof is human nature. Barely anyone can work 12-hour midnight shifts, 6 days a week and not fall asleep at work. Also consider his weight and the nature of the work we're talking about here and I consider it a near impossibility.

That's 72 hour a week. I'd hate to try to schedule that post. 32 hours of overtime per employee, built into the contract? Wow.

[Taser]

I can understand why sleep may be necessary at times. Some companies might stick you with a triple shift because the officer assigned to relieve you didn't show (I usually work doubles). Since you cannot abandon your post, the only option may be to take a brief nap. Granted, this is not the way things should work, but as long as you have the human element to factor in it's going to happen. If you go w/o sleep for too long, you're probably not fit for duty anyhow.
Exactly. Basically, the nights that I have slept, my choice was to either drive my car off the road, or take a nap. Pretty easy decision and one that I think the company president would agree with. The longest shift I work without sleep was 17 hours. That was pretty rough. :eek:

[jakeslife]

I believe those are called "Safety Naps."

We aren't allowed to drive for more than 12 hours.

[N. A. Corbier]

That's crazy to me. Contracts I've seen specifically state that the employee will not work more than 12 hours. Its grounds for company material breach of contract to put someone out there more than 12 without client permission.

[Taser]

That's crazy to me. Contracts I've seen specifically state that the employee will not work more than 12 hours. Its grounds for company material breach of contract to put someone out there more than 12 without client permission.
Yeah, well...ya win some, ya lose some. I had just finished an 11-hour grave shift and the day shift officer couldn't come in for some damn reason that escapes me right now. So, I had to stick around for six hours of her shift. I was wiped out by the time I was done and by the time I got off, I had to be back to work for another 11-hour shift in seven hours. It was a rough couple of nights.

[DaveD]

I'm another one of those guys who loves nights. I've always been a night person-I have problems staying awake during the day! :rolleyes:

I love the night shift, but I have definitely had some nights where it was hard to stay awake. I go with the old Eskimo saying: food is sleep. I eat every couple of hours and try to vary my activities if I'm desk-bound. That usually helps. I've slipped into the land of nod on occasion, but I always wake up like I've been tasered from behind. The adrenaline rush keeps me awake for the rest of the night.

Speaking of which, it's time to make the rounds (I'm working my other job now, doing night security for a hotel). For those of you working, hang in there!

[1stWatch]

But you only work 3 days a week, right?

Actually I work 5 or 6, sometimes 7 nights a week.

[1stWatch]

The graveyard shift is a young person's shift (I know there are exceptions). I never could handle it because I just can't sleep well during the day. Several of the guys who work this shift have admitted to me that they sleep a couple hours on the job. Personally, that's not an option for me and I never allowed myself to fall asleep on those occasions where I had to work that shift.

If you prefer that shift, I give you a lot of credit. If it was up to me and I had a diligent officer working that shift, I would try to increase their hourly rate to encourage them to stay on. It's not easy finding good officers for that time period.

The part about it being a young person's shift I agree with; however, at 29 I'm the youngest person on the squad. The others are 35, 41, 45, 49, and 54. They work the same kind of hours. Sleep really isn't an option since there's so much driving involved and timed assignments where we have to do foot patrols on camera or lock up buildings or respond to calls. It's too active to go to sleep. A raise for working nights? Heh heh, I wish that could happen. :)

[1stWatch]

That's crazy to me. Contracts I've seen specifically state that the employee will not work more than 12 hours. Its grounds for company material breach of contract to put someone out there more than 12 without client permission.

During the days I worked for WBS the longest I stayed up on post and then at dispatch was 28 hours.

[Taser]

That's 1 hour over on a double shift... no biggie.
Haha, all right, tough guy.

[bigshotceo]

I used to work 48s when I was an EMT. 17 hours is nothing.

In a row :eek: Don't take this the wrong way but if I was having a heart attack and you showed up having been up the previous 47 hours, I'm stealing your ambulance and there's no way in hell I'm letting you drive me anywhere :D

[Taser]

I used to work 48s when I was an EMT. 17 hours is nothing.
How many hours out of 48 were you sound asleep?

[1stWatch]

You don't get a night shift differential AND you work 60-84 hours per week? Sounds like it's time for a new job...

Show me one in my area that's worth a durn and isn't full of goobers..

[wvd1979]

I work graveyards. 2330-0800 hours. Mon-Fri.

[1stWatch]

Time for a career change then? Become a cop, you're already an armed security officer... at least they'll treat you right there.

I could never imagine working somewhere where I didn't get a night differential and was required to work so many hours.

I tried to get that job once. I don't qualify.
Let me put it this way - no security company in Texas will pay you a differential for working nights. Night work is what they have available so that is what you will work if you want to work there. The wage probably isn't as high as where you are either. Most people here who make a full time living make it from regular time-and-a-half overtime every week like I do.

[EMTGuard]

Most people here who make a full time living make it from regular time-and-a-half overtime every week like I do. Thanks goodness for regular overtime. The extra 20 hours overtime I got on my latest check is paying my overdue cable tv/internet bill today.

[N. A. Corbier]

How can you have any overdue bills working 72 hours a week? :confused:

Have your car blow up. That'll do it right quick.

[EMTGuard]

Have your car blow up. That'll do it right quick.
Don't even get me started on car bills. I drive 100+ round trip for work and recently had to put it in the shop for repairs. The Check Engine light was on and it wouldn't pass inspection. Repairs cost $465 and change. Then there's the gas to keep it on the move. If I work a 3 night weekend that's 300 miles and that means about 10-11 gallons of gas. It adds up fast.
Back on topic....Found out that I will have to work at least 2 DAY :eek: shifts next Friday and Saturday. Must...Find ...Sunglasses....aaaaahhhhggg..
:cool:

[EMTGuard]

I don't even have a emergency fund of 4-6 WEEKS at the moment. :(

[Mr. Security]

You should have an emergency fund of 4-6 months' living expenses put aside. I don't know of any car bill that will exceed $8000 (my fund size) without being covered by insurance.

I agree with the emergency fund. However, it may not be possible to have such a healthy account if one's hourly rate is low and the check just covers the expenses. This doesn't mean that a review of the budget can't be done to trim unnecessary expenses in order to save 10 to 20 bucks per week.

[Mr. Security]

I tried to get that job once. I don't qualify.
......

Why not, if I may ask?

[1stWatch]

Why not, if I may ask?

I've been fired from no less than four positions, I have severe unpaid honorable debt, I made bad grades in college 12 years ago, I do not have 45 or 60 college credits, I have trouble passing a polygraph, and I am unable to provide 5 personal references and 5 credit references.

[Mr. Security]

I've been fired from no less than four positions, I have severe unpaid honorable debt, I made bad grades in college 12 years ago, I do not have 45 or 60 college credits, I have trouble passing a polygraph, and I am unable to provide 5 personal references and 5 credit references.

Have you checked with the larger PD's in your area, the ones that have a thousand or more officers? Might be easier to get in.

[1stWatch]

Have you checked with the larger PD's in your area, the ones that have a thousand or more officers? Might be easier to get in.

No, those are the standards I speak of. The suburban p.d.'s have higher standards. The small town p.d.'s would be easiest to apply for, but they are highly political in the sense of little village politics and there are a few I absolutely refuse to work for because of things that have happened between them and me or members of my family.