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.
I have no information on the current testing procedure. Sorry.
Share Answer: 
The most noticable ones were within the profession. The academy lengthened from 3 weeks to 16 weeks. (It shrank back down to 14 after I retired). We started using papper spray and side-handle batons. Firearms polciies changed so there was fewer discharges of firearms at the institutions. Cell extractions are more controlled and less frequent. They are also video recorded now except in case of emergencies. Custody staff now have the right under the law to carry weapons off duty, before that was a department controlled thing. The entire medical operation is now run thru the federal courts. The overall level of violence in the system has lowered.
Share Answer: 
I don't know. It used to be not more than 3 years. It has, I understand, gone up to 5 since I retired and maybe even has moved further.
Share Answer: 
I have never been a street cop so I am not sure I can help much. Since you are dealing with Drivers Ed you might ask him/her about the department pursuit policies. That should be moderately interesting.
Share Answer: 
Call Center Employee (Retail)
What's the craziest unprofessional-phone-rep story you've ever heard?
Business Start-Up Specialist
Should friends go into business together?
Zookeeper and Animal Trainer
Are a lot of people in your line of work vegetarian/vegan?
My only serious familiarity is with the California prison system. Obviously they have to feed the inmates. The prisons I am familiar with also operate a staff snack bar for the benefit and convenience of staff. Where I used to work (DVI Tracy) the staff snack bar shifted from inmate workers to a vendor operating under contract with non-inmate and non-civil service staff. Also at one time staff could purchase meal tickets which would allow them to eat meals in the inmate dining rooms. I do not know if that is still possible. I was the kitchen sergeant for some period of time and was required to eat the inmate meals and submit a written report. Also housing units where the inmates were fed in the housing units, such as Protective Custody and Administrative Segregation, had to have (or at least were supposed to have) a staff member sample the meal and turn in a report.
Share Answer: 
We did not use them when I was working. They are obviously temporary devices and not a long-term solution and it can be a problem getting the prisoner into them. Once that is accomplished they are very effective and if you need to move a non-compliant prisoner from point a to point b without hurting him or staff, they work. I think they are a very useful tool.
Share Answer: 
Depends. In CA there is, at least in some areas, a lot of friction between the CHP and CDCR and the chippies cut CDCR officers no slack. In most areas (as far as I know) the locals cut CDCR some slack, as long as the officer in question isn't acting like an idiot. My way of dealing with it is simpler, obey the traffic laws and avoid being stopped.
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
