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

Best Rated

Can a correctional officer date an ex-felon?

Is there any specific policy that prohibits correctional officers dating ex-offenders.

And I would appreciate an officer in the Virginia Area or anyone thoroughly familiar with Virginia to respond.

Asked by John almost 11 years ago

I don't know if you will get a response from Virginia.  I can tell you that, as long as that person is under the jurisdiction of the department (i.e. on probation or parole) it would be a serious no-no.  The California rules (Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations) are available on line, I strongly suspect whatever they call the prison rule book in Virginia is also on line.  You might want to do a little web surfing and you may be able to find it chapter and verse.  Good hunting.

What happens if I turn myself in to jail on a traffic warrant for failing to pay a ticket? How long am I held? Do they take contact lenses away? Would I be changed into jail clothes? Do they actually take you to court in chains, etc?

Asked by Chris about 10 years ago

Not really my area of expertise.  I worked in prisons, with already convicted felons rather than jails, with misdemeanants.  I BELIEVE that if you are in a position to post bail you can do an in-and-out.  If they actually book you they would take your clothes but probably not your contact lenses, those are considered a medical appliance, like glasses.  You would be transported with waist chains and leg irons in all probability though you would probably not appear in court shackled.  However, sometimes the courts really frown on FTP as it is a violation of your promise to the court and even if you are in a position to pay immediately they might hold you to appear anyway.  Like I said, not really my field. 

on the corrections officer exam can i refer to the paragraphs in the reading comprehention portions

Asked by exam almost 11 years ago

I have no information on the current testing procedure.  Sorry.

How long do you need to be a Correctional Officer to move up the ranks?

Asked by CJmajo almost 11 years ago

If it hasn't changed since I was working, you need two years in grade before you can take the test for the next step up.

how have U.S Supreme court decisions about corrections impacted your job/your life?

Asked by lily almost 11 years ago

As I have been retired for some years they don't impact me at all.  The court decision on the population cap has had a huge effect, moving many prisoners out of prison and onto the streets.  Also, federal court decisions at a lower level have mandated huge expenditures of resources for medical care for inmates to the point where state prison inmates get much better health care than do most people on the streets.

I saw a fascinating news report on drones now being used to deliver drugs and other contraband over prison walls. Have you seen that yourself yet, and what kinds of plans are jails formulating to prevent it? Seems diabolical!!

Asked by candlesugar over 10 years ago

Not me personally.  I retired just a tad over ten years ago, such things were unheard of then.  Other than the perimeter tower staff keeping their eyes open I am unaware of any specific plans for interdicting drones.  I am confident that something will be developed, well behind the curve.  Correctional systems are almost always reactive rather than pro-active.

I am interested in applying to be a correctional officer. I am kind of hesitant because I am married to a prisoner. Can I still apply?? Couldn't I work at a different facility?

Asked by miss me about 11 years ago

It would in fact be required.  They would not allow you to work at the facility where a close family member was locked up.  The fact that your husband is a prisoner would not prevent you from being hired, probably.  If there is heavy gang involvement they might seriously wonder if you are a plant.  YOu could count on your background being rather more detailed than would somebody elses.