Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

Bob Walsh

Stockton, CA

Male, 60

I worked for the California state system, starting as a Correctional Officer and retiring as a Lieutenant in 2005. I now write for the PacoVilla blog which is concerned with what could broadly be called The Correctional System.

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Last Answer on February 10, 2022

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I was offered two prisons. A medical facility and san quinton. How different are the two prisons? How different is it working in cmf compared to a notorius prison such as a san quinton or pelican bay? Is one more dangerous? Are job duties the same?

Asked by Pal about 12 years ago

I never worked at either.  Back when I was working SQ was much more rough-and-tumble than was CMF Vacaville.  However, except for death row, SQ is now largely mainline medium security I understand.  Vacaville has a lot of sick or disturbed prisoner-patients, and there is a constant tug of war over who actually runs the place, the Chief Medical Officer or the Warden.  I would be inclined to make my decision if I were you on othe factors, such as commute and housing costs.  Unless you already live in the SQ general area those factors would tend to favor Vacaville, plus there are other prisons nearby that you could transfer-promote into later, where SQ is kind of just there by itself.  Job duties are generally the same but the clientel can be very different.

A follow up question to one I asked before about drugs in prison. I was referring to illegal drugs not prescribed drugs. Why would family members supply inmates with drug money? Inmates would not make much in prison .

Asked by Pete over 11 years ago

Inmates are very good at guilt-tripping family members to send them money, or to send money to a third party on some pretext, such as for "protection" or for jailhouse lawyer legal help.  Also inmates can buy stuff from the canteen and they need money for that so it is reasonable for them to ask.  If they can get 3 or 4 people to send them money they can get a fair income, then send that out to third parties to pay for drugs.  It isn't that hard.  Inmates are not, for the most part, stupid and they have lots of time on their hands to come up with ideas.

My relative is on probation for 3 years, served about 2. He is driving on suspended or revoked CA. Lic. And crossed into Texas. His P.O. knows .what is likely to happen now. Texas police know he's broken probation. Thank you.

Asked by just a mom almost 12 years ago

That isn't really my end of the business.  Even if the Texas cops decide to go after him, which they might not, California may not pay to extradite him back to CA.  CA will enter a warrant into the system on him.  If he comes into contact with the cops after that they will arrest him.  What happens depends a lot of what he was actually convicted of.  Sorry I could not help more.  It is completely possible that nothing will happen.  It is also compltely possible they will ship him back to CA as an absconder.

When getting married to inmate in ca is it required to have HIV testing ?

Asked by Amy over 11 years ago

Not as far as I know, though the rules may have changed since I retired over nine years ago.

I have a bachelors and a Masters
Degree in Business. How easy will it be to become a Correctional Counselor?

Asked by Anthony almost 12 years ago

You certainly meet the educational requirements.  In CAlifornia at least you still have to pass the physical, background and get through the academy.  The department generally prefers to hire counselors that have some custody background but it is an open, entry level position and you can hire directly into it (or at least that was the case when I was working, nearly ten years ago).

I have a felony for breaking n to my ex home to get MY property. I went to jail for 60 days. Ive been involved with a CO for 6 years. We met at beach...we are terrified he will lose job if were found out..are we allowed to b together ? Florida

Asked by dallasflorida over 11 years ago

I don't know the law in Florida that well.  In CA (which I suspect is strongly similar) he would have to report the relationship only if you are under supervision, i.e. parole or probation.  Failure to report the relationship is the problem, not the relationship itself.  Also there is an issue with firearms, if he has any issued to him there are probably requirements about storage.  He can not leave an unattended, unlocked firearm around you, or possibly ammunition is an issue too.  YOu might want to spend a couple of bucks on a Florida attorney that specializes in legal matters like that, ESPECIALLY if you are still under supervision.

I just got cleared by the CDCR a couple of weeks ago, and I'll be starting my new career with them soon. Do you have any advice on how to climb the ranks? By the way, thank you for answering these questions. It is very helpful.

Asked by CO2015 almost 11 years ago

Take every promotional exam you are eligible for, even if you do not think you will do that great.  The experience is helpful. 

Learn your job.  Do your job.  Show up to work on time.  Help other cops do their job.  Learn how to write a superior quality report.  All of these things will stand you in good stead with other cops, which will help you get promoted.  Try to get along with the suits, even the ones who are clearly idiots.  You don't have to like them, you do have to get along with them.  Try to get along with the union, even if you don't like unions.  They are important, and they do good work. 

Try to figure out who the dump-trucks are.  Avoid them as much as possible.  That way when something stupid happens you don't get splashed with it by accident.  Don't do stupid stuff.  Especially don't do REALLY stupid stuff.  Ask questions.  As a newbie you will learn more with your mouth closed than otherwise.  Try to find a couple of good, senior officers who believe in development of new staff and learn from them.  (Many senior officers hate newbies.  It isn't as bad as it used to be, but it is still there.)  Keep your personal life straight.  If bill collectors start hounding you at work, a lot of people will get pissed at you.  I would also advise you to not fish off the company pier, but with the weird hours and days off it is sometimes hard to socialize outside the job.  WATCH THE BOOZE.  Stay AWAY from drugs, even the semi-legal weed.   

(If you are an attractive female the flat-back school of promotion still works in many prisons.  It is tacky and sleazy, but it does work.)

Your first year is a learning experience.  View it that way.