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.
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: 
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.
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: 
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: 
MBA Student
How many years of work experience do you REALLY need before applying?
Freelance Writer
Can a freelance writer live comfortably?
EMT
Does your crew ever fake an emergency to slice through traffic?
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: 
Sorry. Question is so general it makes no sense to me. Good and bad? Male and Female? Smart and Stupid? Young or old?
Share Answer: 
When I first started, back in the stone age, there was a maximum start age. I think it was 35. That was dropped. I have heard a max start age may have again been reinstated, but I have no hard info on that. There is no mandatory retirement age and I have seen a few cops working well into their 60s and a few even into their 70s (which I think is pushing it quite a bit). Since the system now operates on a seniority bid system the old timers, who tend to be fairly senior, tend to bid into jobs that they like and that they can perform adequately.
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
