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Stefanie Bush, CJM, Assistant Jail Administrator,
Scott County Sheriff’s Office–Jail Division, Davenport, Iowa

Hello, my name is Stefanie Bush. In 1999, I started my career as a corrections officer at the Scott
County Sheriff’s Office. I worked my way up the ranks as corporal onto a sergeant then a lieutenant. In
2017, I was promoted to the rank of Captain/Assistant Jail Administrator. I reside in Davenport, Iowa
with my two sons John and Liam.

• I decided to enter the field of • The hardest thing I’ve ever who helped mold me into
corrections and make it my done is… learn that you who I am today.
career because… As I learned have to work harder at times • My motto is… “Today,
quickly, corrections is a spe- to get things done correctly. choose to be the best version
cial field that not everyone Other departments within of me.”
can handle. I enjoy coming the county organization do • If there is one piece of
to work every day because not always find the jail to be advice I’d like to give to
I have become more knowl- an important place of pri- anyone considering correc-
edgeable in inmate behavior, ority. However, when you tions as a career, it would
staff safety, staff morale, and have major functions that be… Do not go into this field
inmate programming. are affecting the rights of an thinking you are better than
• The most unusual job I’ve inmate, it is vitally important the inmates, and when they
ever had was…I worked that they correct the problems try to have a power struggle
with juvenile sex offenders at quickly. with you, do not engage
a Christian Children’s Home • My favorite way to relax with them. The best thing
as an Adolescent Treatment is… reading a good book or I ever learned was to walk
Professional. watching a great series on TV. away if necessary, but treat
• I feel it was important to be • My favorite meal is… sushi. them professionally at all
a member of AJA and serve • One item from my personal times. Don’t lie to them and
on the board because… It is “bucket list” is… to go to be true to your word. The
important to be a person who Iceland. comradery of this field is so
has a voice in such matters • The three people, living or unique. You can share a story
as gender equity, diversity, deceased, I’d invite to din- of something people in the
and to be able to serve on a ner are… my Dad (deceased) “outside” world of this field
national level for an orga- and my two sons. may find appalling. But when
nization I have believed you share with your peers,
in for many years. As a • You’d be surprised to learn you’ll get a few chuckles and
Certified Jail Manager and a that… I can sing and speak some words of strength and
graduate of the National Jail and write fluent pig Latin. jokes to follow for a stress
Leadership Academy, I have • I am most proud of… my relief only those in this field
learned many things from two sons and growing up understand.
AJA and have brought this with three awesome brothers
information to my employer.

76 | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 AMERICANJails