Leo Glynn - Character Overview

Character Overview

He began working as a correctional officer (possibly Oz's first African American CO) in Oz in the early 1960s and is a very old-fashioned, conservative official. As described in the Journal of Augustus Hill, Glynn's philosophy of running a prison is based more on retribution than redemption and rehabilitation. As stated in the journal, the reasoning behind this is so that Glynn can one day be promoted to the position of Commissioner of Prisons. The journal also states that Glynn wishes to do this in order to one day become the state's first African American Governor. He runs the entire prison answering mainly to Governor James Devlin, a right-wing politician with whom even Glynn has policy disagreements. Throughout the series, Glynn is well respected by the staff and for the most part, treats the prisoners as justly as need be. Despite this, he has had moments which show another side of his personality. He can be petty and vindictive at times, notably refusing to move Andrew Schillinger due to dislike of Vern Schillinger and making Alvarez miss a meeting with his family out of a dislike of Latinos. Furthermore, he is often prone to take sides against those he works with. He fired and quickly rehired Sister Pete for protesting an execution. He was unwilling to defend McManus and Em City from Devlin as well as siding with black inmates on some issues. Glynn can also act on his disdain for prisoners on occasion like letting Alvarez starve and nearly commit suicide after he blinded a guard