Rony Wise was recently promoted from manager of records at the Alexandria Detention Center to the newly created position of director. For 11 years, he has had the unsung job of processing and reviewing inmate records and ensuring criminals aren’t accidentally released from jail. Before that, he wasa sheriff’s deputy.
Why did you go into the law enforcement business?
I was originally an operations specialist in the Navy, but I got involved on the security force on the ship that was in charge of protecting weapons systems. From there, I thought I’d be interested in a career as a policeman. Ultimately, I was hired by the sheriff’s department.
How did you like it?
I had never even been in a jail, so it was quite an eye-opening experience walking in a jail and having the door slam behind you. You’re quite as incarcerated as the inmate is, except you can leave at the end of the day.
What are some of the challenges of being a records manager?
The jail is open 24 hours a day, and we’re only here 40 hours a week. Regardless of how many people come in over the night, everyone here has a file that has to be prepared.
Why did the sheriff’s office create a director of records position?
Years ago, they had a problem with people getting out who weren’t supposed to. There was really nobody above the manager — there was no thorough check and review, so basically, that’s what I do.
Do you watch TV crime shows for fun?
I watched crime shows when I was a kid — “Starsky and Hutch” and all those shows — those were big for me. But now I’m not really a big crime show guy. I guess “Grey’s Anatomy” is about the biggest show that I watch regularly, with my wife. My 14-year-old daughter loves that “CSI” show.
