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 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 10 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.

Is it true that a correction officer can't date an outlaw biker?

Asked by deedee almost 10 years ago

No, but...personal relations with ex-felons who are still under the jurisdiction of the department have to be reported and are generally suspect and not permitted.  In addition, hanging around with groups of known felons can be considered to be incompatible with the job of a peace officer. 

Are Furlow's easy for prisoners to get?

Asked by curious about 10 years ago

Depends.  A minimum custody prisoner who is close to being released has a good chance at a furlough, depending on the reason.  They are granted for family funerals with some regularity.  They are even granted to take employment tests or tests for certification for future employment.  They are (at least in California) virtually 100% discretionary on behalf of the warden.  Other than that they are rare indeed.

hi, what are the laws regarding correctional officers remaining in the room with an inmate in labor?

Asked by sylvia over 10 years ago

I have no idea.  I have never worked a women's prison.  Unless there was a serious security issue I expect it would not be necessarily or desirable, but for all I know there is some specific regulation about it.  The only thing I know for sure (and it may have changed since I retired) was that, even if the birth takes place at the prison, the birth certificate does NOT say State Prison as place of birth. 

How easy is for CO's to transfer prisons?

Asked by cesar about 10 years ago

Depends.  If you want to go to a "desirable" prison, like Folsom or Susanville, it can be difficult.  If you want to go to one of the desert prisons, not so much.  The trick is how badly do they need you at the old prison and how badly do they want you at the new prison.  They have kept people from transferring out of prisons due to a compelling staff need at the old prison.  Then there has to be space available at the new prison and they have to be willing to take you.  Desirable prisons have a lot of people who want to go there.  Less desirable prisons, not so much. 

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

Asked by henry about 10 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 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 10 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.