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

As a former CO, what advice would you give someone interested in claiming allowances with w4? Have you ever done it, and was it worth it? I was thinking about claiming 2 or 3 a year.

Asked by Newbie CO about 9 years ago

I am sorry but I have no idea what you are asking about.  Is this income taxes?

As a male correctional officer in a prison/jail. Is it possible to have longer hair? Above the collar bone but longer than the ears. Can it be kept in a bun or ponytail tight to your head?

Asked by quinn over 8 years ago

Every jurisdiction has its own rules on grooming and appearance.  My GUESS is that in most jurisdictions the answer would be NO, but that is a guess and not an informed response. 

Hi Bob-
I paroled 26 yrs ago after invol vehic mansl. case. Recently met a retiring lt. correctional officer from Folsom Prison. What are the rules as far as him and I dating? Even if we can date, what about visiting his friends who haven't retire

Asked by kerry about 9 years ago

Assuming you are no longer on probation or parole it is not an issue having normal social interactions with working peace officers.  it is no problem at all with retired peace officers either.  as a convicted felon you do, however, have issues with being on prison grounds (you can't go onto prison grounds without the expressed permission of the warden) so if some of them live on grounds that might be an issue.  you also want to avoid being in personal possession of firearms or ammunition.  good luck. 

Can you become a corrections officer if you're married to an ex feon?

Asked by Tannerrr about 8 years ago

In California, yes.  There is no legal prohibition against the spouse of a felon of ex-felon being a peace officer.  You can count on a very close background check and if he is gang involved there may be issues as you may be regarded as a "mole."  There is, however, no outright prohibition on the istuation.

Hello I'm in the academy and I have tattoos on my right hand and neck. I plan on getting them removed by laser, but my instructors have told me it's not a problem for most agencies. I'm in Florida so I'll be recruited by fdoc. Can you give some info?

Asked by Dylan over 8 years ago

Not familiar with the rules in Florida.  A lot would depend on the content and general appearance of the tattoo.  If the one on your neck says MOM you are probably OK.  If it looks even remotely like a gang tattoo I would invest in some really good cover makeup and the laser work.  Same with the hand.  Look on the bright side, if you are getting it done for employment purposes it is probably tax deductible.  Good luck.

What do you see as the most important role a Corrections
Counselor has in the prison system?

Asked by Neal Bracken about 8 years ago

Critical thinking skills and report writing skills.

If you go by yourself with the two prisoners and one ran away, what is your fast action you will do

Asked by Paul almost 9 years ago

For starters you should NEVER be in that position in the first place.  Assuming it did happen, you go with the bird in the hand and keep custody of the prisoner you have.  You might be justified in shooting at the fleeing prisoner, but you would not deliberately loose the one you still have to maybe catch the one who is running.