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

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

Asked by lily over 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.

what is the max years you can have on a sentences, that is allowed for cdcr fire camps

Asked by henry over 11 years ago

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. 

Do you get a ticket when a cop pulls you over? Do cops consider correctional officers as one of their own?

Asked by CO2015 over 10 years ago

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. 

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 over 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.

Do prisons in general have both an inmate and civilian/staff cafeteria? Are they both serviced by the same kitchen/prisoners? Same building? I'm working on a story about prison dining and would appreciate any insight you could offer. Thank you.

Asked by Justin almost 11 years ago



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.   

What is your opinion about the use of restraint chairs for disruptive prisoners?

Asked by KennyB over 11 years ago

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.

Is it legal to carry a Fixed blade knife in California as long as it is visible and in a sheath ?

Asked by Chris over 10 years ago

Not exactly my field of expertise, I have never been a street cop.  My guess is that within the city limits it is a no-no and would be considered a weapon.