Sergeant Furman Camel spent 27 years in a North Carolina Prison. That’s as many years as Nelson Mandela spent behind bars. But Camel did his time, as likes to say, in 8 hour shifts.

“I wear this uniform with pride. Everyday that I come in here I’m creased down. My shoes are shined. And I smell good. The uniform is 90% of the job. Looking the part.”

Listen to Camel’s story and more audio diaries from officers who work behind bars at the Polk Youth Institution.