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 retired last year, age 62, from an unrelated occupation. In my early years I was in law enforcement and really enjoyed the work. I'm very interested in corrections and my state will hire me. What are your thoughts?

Asked by Dave about 9 years ago

As long as you can physically deal with the job I see no problem.  I had very good luck with prior military people in the system.  They understood chain of command, following orders, SOP and the desirability of keeping control of situations.  It can however be very physical, and I don't mean just the occasional fighting with people.  Just stomping around on concrete floors for eight hours a day can be very rough on the body.  Good luck no matter what you decide.

I'm currently going to college to get an associates in criminal justice. I would like to pursue a job in corrections. I am a little concerned about the tattoo on the side of my neck. Are the prisons really strict about this on their guards?

Asked by Deanna over 10 years ago

They didn't use to be, but some are now fussy about visible ink, especially if it something that even looks like it might be gang oriented.  You might have to invest in some really good cover makeup or tattoo removal.

How do you write a report writing if you a prison officer

Asked by Paul over 9 years ago

A proper police report is very much like a proper news story.  Who, what, where, when why (if known) and how.  Most of them have a boilerplate appearance to them because of this, but we are not talking about literature here.  We are talking about imparting needed information in a clear, straight-forward fashion.    i.e.     On Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at approximately 0900 hours, while working Tower 9 over the yard gate during morning yard release, I observed an inmate later identified as Smith `A12345 attack and stab an inmate later identified as Jones B54321.  I immediately picked up my weapon (identify weapon specifically) and fired one round striking inmate Smith In the chest, ending the attack on Jones.            there would be a lot more information but that is the general idea.  Kind of like Joe Friday.  Learning how to write a decent report is a huge advantage to an officer.  The academy spends a lot of time teaching people how to do it.  .              

What to expect from inmates on your first day??

Asked by acegirl07 over 9 years ago

You can expect a certain amount of "hazing" and resistance.  The inmates will normally want to see if they can push or fake you out.  Normally on a first day you will be in the company of an experienced officer who will (hopefully) give you a feel for what is going on.  You will, however, obviously be a newbie.  Your uniform will be new, you will not know the language and you will probably seem a little unsure or hesitant.  You will not even know where a lot of things are.  Its not a big deal, and it is not generally speaking personal. 

I am white, 26, very well-educated, upper-class, not athletic, socially awkward. What could I expect in prison? Would I probably be left alone if I kept to myself, or would I be a target for violence, harassment, or extortion? Just curious!

Asked by Alex almost 10 years ago

A white guy has a much easier time of it in prison, generally speaking, than would a black or a Hispanic, at least in the CA system.  There is a lot of pressure for blacks to choose sides, and even more than that on Hispanics.  As long as you hang out with white guys the others will leave you alone (mostly-probably) and the whites will not apply undue pressure to join gang activity (mostly-probably).  If they believe you have money they might target you for "rent payment." 

If you work by yourself an every prisoners shouted at you they want something who will you do first

Asked by Paul over 9 years ago

You have to prioritize obviously.  Someone who is bleeding from a cut arm will get quicker service than someone who wants you to pick up a cell change request. 

How long does it usually take to reach range K? Thank you.

Asked by Patrick over 9 years ago

Sorry, I am unfamiliar with the term.