Joan Kirkpatrick

Joan Kirkpatrick was the former governor of Highmore Prison, who worked alongside Meg Morris, and spent 10 years of her own governorship fighting cancer. Joan died peacefully in her sleep at 84.

Time at Highmore
Joan began her career at Highmore like many other officers, as a trainee, Joan was seen as tough but fair, but always had her finger on the pulse. Joan became the deputy governor quickly after 5 years of service, working alongside Meg, and when Joan's promotion to Governor was made, Meg was made her deputy. During the same day, Joan was diagnosed with cancer and spent 10 years fighting her battle, even handing over executive decision making to Meg. Joan also oversaw a deal with Adena Ferguson to get Jackie Miles transferred to there.

PU Season 11 ep 7
As Ferguson was working in the office she was listening to the radio chatter of the guards, when she heard a knock on the door. "Come in." she said. "Governor, Joan Kirkpatrick is here." "Let her in then." Greg let Joan in and her deputy as well. "That will be all Greg. Thank you." Greg nodded and left the room closing the door behind him. "I guess this isn't a social visit then." said Joan. "I have a proposal. The board has given me a directive, and that's to see this prison runs smoothly. I intend of being the interim governor this prison never had." "You do understand Adena, that I make the decisions regarding my prison. I don't know why you requested my presence." "Highmore's security is the stuff of legend and I'd like to transfer three of those guards to here. We've been understaffed for the last 4 years, so much so many staff here have done 20 back-to-back shifts and many of the guards are often found sleeping in the staffroom." "I understand that predicament. But I can't spare anyone. I'm sorry." Adena then said "I have the perfect solution then." Joan raised an eyebrow and said "What's that?" "I transfer one of mine. I have contacts back in Blackmont Prison. I can use for the transfers, it's time this prison learned the meaning of discipline and hardworking. It's going to start with respect for the guards." "I think that's a wonderful idea. Any news of Julia?" "Surgery was successful, but she hasn't woken up yet. Normal for someone who had quadruple bypass. I just hope for her sake, she pulls through." Joan then said "Indeed." Ferguson reached into the draw and put a folder on the table. "This is the guard I will transfer to you guys. As acting governor.." "You can do whatever you want as acting governor." said Meg. "It's what I do.. Joan here is terribly ill, but refuses to stand down. I've taken on the responsibility." "I see.. But I'm sure we're all aware of your duties Mrs Morris and I respect that. I am aware of mine." Joan was reading the file and said "You want to send me Jackie Miles? You got to be kidding." "No, of course not. I believe that Jackie would benefit from a different prison." "I'm sure, but Highmore isn't for the faint of heart." said Meg. "I know. Highmore is Maximum Security, Underline is high security." "Well of course, this puts added pressure on other staff. Are you sure you can get her to go on this transfer?" "She'll go whether she wants to or not. It's time my guards realise no family favours while I'm in charge. I'll get her there." Joan stood up and smiled and said "Alright. First sign of trouble and I send her back." "Of course.." Meg stood up as well, as Joan said "We must get going. Get back to the prison. We'll catch up later." Joan walked out of the room and Meg said "I trust this won't be the last time we meet while you are in charge. This will be a great relationship for anyone involved." "It will be." Meg nodded and left with Joan, helping out of the office. Adena then walked out into the corridor and grabbed a piece of paper, it was the new rules. Adena put the rules on the notice board and gathered everyone together and said "While I am in charge, there will be new implementation of rules. Including two musters. One in the morning and one at 12pm, and the regular one before you go to bed. Bed has been changed from 8pm to 6:30pm. Wake up is at 5am. Visits will be restricted to 5 minutes and an officer will be present during every visit, phone calls will no longer be allowed. And recreation and study time is from 1:45pm til 3pm. Work period will be from 9am to 1:30pm. No exceptions, everyone is expected to be at work, if you are ill you go to medical first thing, no fart arsing around. This is a prison and you are here for one reason, to pay your debt to society. If you wish to speak with me, you will do so through the proper channels. If anyone makes trouble I'll have no hassle into sending you to another prison. Underline is no longer going to be a cosy place for you to chat and make deals. From now on, you will be the prisoners society sees you as." Adena looked at the other officers and prisoners and said "If you have any grievances, speak up.." no one talked as Adena said "I thought so. Spineless wimps.." Adena walked away and around to the phone cue, where Jackie was standing on guard. "Officer Miles.." "Governor, don't you think you're taking this too far? You've only been in charge of a day.. And you're treating it like Julia won't be back." "The directive of the board was made clear to me. If you bothered to read it sometime, Julia signed off on the directive when she became governor. If the governor takes ill and is out of action for more then two weeks and they return, the acting governor will either continue in the role until the other officer is ready to return or the acting governor decides to hand the role back." "These rules are insane. Are you trying to cause a riot?" "Among the prisoners? Their here for a reason. Jackie as I said.." Jackie was about to walk away when Adena said "By the way..You may be getting transferred.." "Me? You can't do that.." "I can do whatever I like." "You can, but you can't transfer me..I swear if you do I'll hurt you again.. This time I won't regret it." "Are you threatening me, Officer Miles.." "Yes.. Yes I am." "Because if you are. You aren't just threatening me anymore, you are threatening me, this prison, the prisoners and my staff. If you threaten me again, I'll transfer you so fast you wont know what timezone you're in!" Adena walked away as Jackie stood there and said under her breath. "vindictive bitch.." walking away herself, as she made her way to the staff room, Greg was standing there and said "You look like something the cat dragged in.." "You've heard. Ferguson is letting this power go to her head.." "I don't think so. She's going what Julia should've done years ago. implement changes." Jackie's phone started ringing in her locker and she answered it. "Diane, how is she? That's great news. Of course.. thank you.." Jackie hung up and said "Julia's awake. Thank god. Still got the tube in, but she's awake at least." Adena received the same phone call and said "Tell her I send my best. Alright thank you.", Adena hung up the phone and it rung again. "Ferguson." "I hear that you are looking for transfers." "Thought I could trust you Damien." "I'm sending three. Mitch, Douglas and Simpson. Our best. We have many to spare here up in Queensland." "Thank you Damien, this means alot." "Just don't blow this by letting the power go to your head. You served as deputy remember, than you resigned from being deputy to being a senior officer again." "I know.." "I guess you have it all planned then.." Adena continued as Jackie was standing on duty. "Jensen what do you think of these new rules?" "The same as you. it's rotten, but Ferguson is right, prisoners are here to serve their time.. Nothing more, nothing less. Ever since I took over as deputy, things have been down in the dumps." "This will lower them more. Ferguson got handed full reigns, the department went over your head and Julia's." "You're fighting a losing battle." as Ferguson was walking over she was walking over with a file and said "Officer Miles, my office." "You could've saved the trip and radioed me to your office." "Don't' be so smug. move it." as Greg walked over he said "What's that all about?" "I dunno, but I don't like it.." as Jackie and Adena made it to the governor's office, a box full of stuff was one the side desk, Jackie said "What is it governor." Adena reached into the desk draw and plopped a file on the desk. "Your transfer came through. You're going to Highmore." Jackie's jaw dropped and said "You can't do that.." "I can do, whatever I like." "I know we don't get along but Highmore is hours away from here." "And it's also one of the best prisons in the country. The deputy governor of Highmore declined my offer of transferring guards here, so I got some in from Blackmont." "You're sending me to Highmore.." "You should be grateful. With your record, they wouldn't have taken you.." "What made them change their mind?" "Call it an education. A new chance to learn." "Will I be able to return to Underline, I love it here.." "That's up to Julia. When she returns to duty." "That could be months. This isn't fair.." "Tough. Life isn't fair." Jackie looked at the box as Adena said "Oh and by the way.. You were set up all those years ago.." Adena said with a chuckle Jackie turned around and said "I know.. You almost ruined my career." 'But you survived. You always land back on your feet." "Next time I won't be so lucky. 6 months is better than 20 years. And I would do it all again if I had to.." Adena smugly replying.. "Another threat.. Maybe I should have you transferred. to a court room." "You wouldn't do that?" "Try me.." Jackie picked up the box of things and said "You won't win.." "I already have. Again." Jackie opened the door and walked out a slow walk, with Adena lighting a victory smoke. Jackie got into reception and was stopped by Jensen. "Jackie what's this?" "I got transferred.. To Highmore.." "Without notice?" "I had notice, the governor just told me.." "Bloody hell." "Oh, by the way 3 new guards are coming from Blackmont. I'm going to Highmore for an education apparently.." "Blackmont? heard that's a nasty piece of work. That prison is so in line, prisoners have nothing.." Jackie nodded and left sadly. A days later, Jackie was talking with Julia. "You look good, but you're not wearing the uniform I'd expect. What happened?" "I got transferred to Highmore. Ferguson;s idea of an 'education'." "Ferguson is the governor?" "Yes.. the department made that decision. Went over Jensen's head.." "Jensen himself was only promoted to deputy a few years prior, Adena was deputy at Blackmont for about 3 years. Stepped down when the deputy returned from sick leave, fighting cancer." "And,you're okay with this?" "I couldn't care less." "You know she took me out of the picture to run the prison without a hitch.." "I know. Other officers have come to see me and I like those measures she has put into place. I do. We were understaffed for years and whatever happens now Ferguson knows what to do.." Jackie looked at Julia and said "I thought this was all over. Ferguson grinned like a cat when Hampton said that she was taking over as acting governor, I think she had a chat with him before that meeting I really do." "I don't think so, after the ambulance people took me away, she was talking with Hampton about the deputy governor.." Julia was lying of course. "Oh please, the only thing we know about Adena is that she worked at Blackmont served as acting deputy, had a relationship with a female guard mourned her loss and worked alongside Hammer Brennan. And was handed Phil's deputy-ship when he wanted to resign.." "Enough, Jackie please. I don't want to hear it anymore. Adena's a good officer. Shame you can't see that.."

PU Season 14 ep 1
As Adena was getting ready for work, there was a knock on the door. "Coming.." said Adena as she went over to the door and opened it. "Hampton. What are you doing here?" "May I come in and explain?" "I'm still getting ready for work. I start in 2 hours. Sure." Hampton was carrying his briefcase and he sat down on the lounge. Adena shut the door and said "Whats this about?" Hampton opened his briefcase and said "The governor of Highmore Prison." "What about her?" Hampton put the report on the table and said "She resigned last night. Severe ill health." "Ill health? She looked like hell the last time I saw her.." "Yeah well it is a long story." Adena sat down and started to read the report. "Governor of Highmore Prison, Joan Kirkpatrick spent 10 years in the position of governor, in the time spent in that 10 years the deputy governor Meg Morris has made all executive decisions as Joan was battling cancer and Joan relied heavily on her deputy governor. Deputy Morris has made no intention of taking over as governor, and a new governor should be sought after immediately." Adena put the file down and said "You thought of me?" Hampton nodded and said "of course. No other person at Highmore wanted to take on the role of governor. Morris said she'd be happy to continue on as deputy." "We have a lot to talk about then. Give me two seconds. I need to make a call." Adena walked over to the phone and dialed the prison. "Hello, Underline Prison, Officer Simmons speaking." "Simmons its me Adena, I am going to be a little later today. I have an appointment I cannot miss. Can you find someone to do my half shift." "Of course, I'll do it, no dramas." "Thank you Simmons." "No dramas see you later." Adena hung up the phone and walked back over to the lounge. "I guess we have a lot to talk about." said Hampton. "I spent over 30 years in corrections and 9 at Underline. I don't think I've worked in a worse prison." "Funny thing about Underline." said Hampton. "Reading medical reports over the last few years, and everything has been really weird. Every prisoner and guard who entered Underline has become worse. Their medical conditions are more prominent, depressive bouts are among the highest in the country. it seems just being sent to Underline causes some really bad things to happen to some people." Adena rubbed her head and said "I understand that. But how good is Highmore?" "One of the safest in the country. Everyone who enters Highmore leaves with high spirits. And another thing, Jackie Miles moving to Fairbanks. Saved her life." "All I am thankful for is I no longer have to wet nurse Jackie. That drove me insane." "How?" "I was doing my duties as well as following her around the prison, it wasn't my job to carry diazepam was it, just follow her around and wait for her to drop? The last time.. I couldn't deal with Jackie.. I left her there, handcuffed her to a chair and left her there. She refused to take her medication and it was a scare. The first time you'd think she'd learn but she didn't. And even when she got bashed, she had to be reminded to take it. It doesn't mean she did take it.." "Must've been a hell of a scare. Ever since she became governor of Fairbanks, she hasn't had a seizure since. The working environment of Fairbanks is a lower stress environment then Underline." Adena rubbed her chin and said "So Underline is somehow the highest stress environment? I don't understand that." Hampton said "Everything that happens in Underline is always under the microscope. We've been trying to get the good officers out for years, but sometimes its best to leave others behind." "I understand that as well. Working in corrections the career length is sometimes 10 years. Those who last that is." Adena nodded as Hampton put the file back in his briefcase and said "So what do you say?" Adena said "I wanted a good reason to leave. This is the perfect reason. I'll do it." Hampton nodded and he got out the contract for the prison. Adena signed it and so did Hampton. Hampton said "I have someone else.." Hampton leaned over into his bag and grabbed a dress shirt bag. He placed it on the table and said "Highmore's uniform is a nice black and white. So now you don't have to look like a rejected navy recruit anymore." Adena opened the bag and the governor's jacket was folded neatly. Adena unfolded it and saw the name badge and it said 'Adena Ferguson, Governor'. Adena smiled and said "I've worked so hard for so long for something like this. I won't let you down." "I know you won't. You'll do a much better job out of the environment of Underline. Anything can be better than there." "Can I ask.. Are there any other contenders for the job at Highmore?" "No one else was interested. Quite frankly Highmore has the best measures in place and Morris has been doing a great job for so long, she wants someone she can confide in, but work closely with. I know you'll need your deputy." "What's a governor without a good deputy." Adena looked at her watch and said "I must get going." "It was good to talk to you. By the way, you're free to start as governor when ever. The passes will be waiting for you when you get to Highmore." Hampton nodded and grabbed his briefcase and left. Adena closed the door and stared at the governor's jacket sitting on the table. A few hours later Adena arrived at work and heard people talking "Did you here, apparently Joan Kirkpatrick resigned from the governorship last night. Ill health." "I wonder whose going to take over now? I hear Meg's refused to take the position. She basically made all the choices for the governor." and went straight to the governor's office with no one noticing her in the Highmore Uniform and with a box full of things. "Come in.." said Julia who was facing the wall. "Officer Ferguson you are late to your shift." "I'm sorry governor. But as of yesterday I don't work here anymore." "What are you talking about?" "The murmurs in the hallway." "About Joan Kirkpatrick resigning? What does it have to do with you?" "If you turn around, I might be able to show you." Julia turned the chair around and her jaw dropped. "I thought, it was a joke when Kirkpatrick resigned.." "You thought wrong." "how'd you get it if she resigned last night?" "I had a meeting with Hampton and the board. I tendered my resignation from Underline to him last night. I was home this morning when he offered me the job." "coincidence.. the old goat resigns and I'm left an officer down.." "That's not my problem. You forgot one thing governor. I demand all the respect now. This prison is a joke. And has been a joke for a long time. Lack of security, breaches and how badly the people here are. And the in-fighting for governor. May I mention you ousting your own sister in a vote of no confidence. 3 dead governor's and 10 injured officers who could never work again. Vera killed by inmates during her sentence, Hammer Brennan shot and killed on the premises, Phil Purcell stabbed and left for dead on the staircase. Officers failing to take medication, one being found hung in the showers. 2 suicide attempts and Jackie Miles getting shot not once but twice and getting hit by a car, need I go on?. Its a riot here. A real riot. And for 9 years I had a bar of it. Copped accusations and drama. I'll be happy to be rid of this place." "Is that all Officer Ferguson?" "Not quite." Adena lifted the box of things and tipped it upside down on Julia's desk. "Underline's property. I won't be needing it. Now we're done." Adena opened the door and walked out. Adena a few moments later made her way outside and drove to Highmore Prison. Adena got out of the car and was met by her new deputy. "You must be Meg Morris." "Yes, that's me. Welcome to Highmore." "We have a lot to talk about." Adena and Meg went to the governor's office and Meg handed over Adena's new security passes and photos. Adena sat down in the governor's chair and said "I've waited a long time for this.." Meg nodded and said "Of course, Governor." Adena looked at Meg and said "No doubt you've done a wonderful job Meg. You don't have to make executive decisions anymore." Meg smiled and said "I know.. It'll be just a little weird not making those big decisions." "Can I ask.. why did Joan stay on as Governor when she was that ill?" "Joan felt she owed a lot of people. She was a senior officer for longer then I can remember, and the day she took the job she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She refused to take time off, and when she informed the board she said she'd have no time off. Had chemo and worked everyday. In the end, 10 years was her end game." Adena nodded and said "So all executive decisions came from her and were made by you. Takes a lot of guts." "Yeah. It does." "I'll be happy to have you serve beside me." the phone then rang and Adena answered it. "Governor, some person is here to see you." "Alright. Tell her to wait, I'll come down." "Alright Governor." Adena hung up and Meg said "If you need a guard.." "It's alright. But we will discuss the lone guard roaming outside. This prison will undergo major changes." Meg nodded as Adena left the room. Adena went outside to see Julia standing outside with the guard. "What are you doing here, Julia?" "I came to see you.." Adena opened the gate and the guard moved out of the way. "You don't deserve to stand here." "You leave the prison without warning, and next thing I know is you're being the governor of another prison." "I no longer have to justify myself to you." Julia then went off as Adena slapped Julia and the guard went over to Adena and stood behind her. "You treated the entire prison like garbage. Staff and inmates alike." "Do you wish for me to escort her off the premises?" "She's not on prison property. But she's not entering the prison, ever. I'm sure governor Miles, knows where to go." Julia rubbing her face saying "Yeah.. Back to Underline." Julia turned around and walked away as the guard said "She could have you done for assault.." "She wont. Her sister spent 6 months in Underline. Now she's governor at Fairbanks." The guard nodded and said "Can we bash her and dump her in the Underline carpark?" "Don't be stupid. I'm not risking anything, I worked my arse for years to be in charge. Things aren't about to get worse for me." "Understood." "How long have you been working here?" "10 years. Mostly patrol the outside." "Is that a security measure?" "Has been for a while now. One officer out here, another at the second gate. 40 officers at any one time on duty." Adena rubbed her chin and said "I think I can make these changes easier. Thanks." Adena walked away. As Julia got back into her office, Jensen was standing there with Hampton. "Oh what now.." said Julia. "You know damn well. I just had a call from Highmore, you showing up to the gates, demanding to speak with the governor. Then verbally abusing her in front of a guard. I don't know what to say.. But I guess you deserved the slap." "I had to talk to her.." "Had to, or wanted to?" said Hampton. Jensen decided to get out of the room. Hampton began yelling and said "Julia, the board had to be informed of your idiotic actions. Underline has been blacklisted from sending prisoners as transfers, you've done a wonderful job Julia. A really good fucking job. You just couldn't keep your trap shut." "We've been what? can Ferguson do that?" "Yes, Ferguson had every right to inform me, the board made the decision." "I'm sorry.." "I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. Ferguson is the one you should apologise to. One more thing goes wrong at this prison, and this prison will be shut down so fast you wont see your hand in front of your face! Let this be a warning to you and to every idiot officer who works here. No more chances." Hampton then walked out of the room slamming the door shut and Jensen trying to speak with him.. "Mr Hampton please stop." Hampton continued walking and someone tried to talk to him. "Fuck off Miller." Julia was sitting in the office and she reached for the phone to call Adena. "You've reached Highmore Prison, the governor is unavailable to take your call, please try again later." so Julia tried again. "This number has been suspended from your service." Julia put the phone down as Diane walked into the room. "Great going you fucking idiot." "Don't you start." Diane then slapped Julia and said "You can't just leave it alone can you." "You're the same.." Diane then said "Forget it.." A few days later a news report came through with Adena speaking infront of the camera. "Yes, thank you for coming. A few days ago I began here at Highmore Prison as Governor after spending 9 years at Underline Prison, after Joan Kirkpatrick took ill. Unfortunately I received word this morning that Mrs Kirkpatrick passed away this morning at 6am. I send my condolences to her family, and colleagues. And my colleagues today will be working and remember Joan Kirkpatrick for the amazing woman she was. In the 10 years she was governor she was battling cancer and never backed down from her fight, her deputy governor Meg Morris made the executive decisions. Mrs Morris will remain on as my deputy governor because Mrs Morris has been a strong, capable, trustworthy, everything a governor wants in her deputy. After all what is a good governor, without a good deputy. And I have a few security measures I will put into place. 40 guards work here at any one time and I am placing 4 guards outside 2 inside the gate and 2 outside the gate. After the last mess at Underline I will take a hard line protecting the prison from danger. I have also just been informed by the department that Underline Prison has been blacklisted from transferring prisoners after an incident occurred a few days ago." as Adena went on she ended with saying "Thank you everyone. It's time for a new era at Highmore. And I can bring that. Thank you." Adena walked back into the prison with a guard moving on the crowd. Hampton waiting in her office with Meg. "That was well done." "Thank you.." Adena opened her draw and got out a smoke and lit it. "It takes a lot of guts to say what I did. But I do mean it. This prison will run on security measures and trust." Hampton smiled and said "Keep up the good work Governor." Adena smiled as Hampton left the room. A few months later Adena put her tactics into place and made conditions much better for prisoners, but was known as fair. Adena was standing in the rain talking with Meg. "I believe that Joan would be proud of what you have done Governor."

Trivia

 * NOTHING IN THIS EDIT IS REAL AND IS A WORK OF FICTION


 * Served as governor for 10 years while fighting a cancer battle