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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454 Questions

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Last Answer on February 10, 2022

Best Rated

What is the most rewarding part as a CO?

Asked by Esmer almost 7 years ago

General speaking (IMHO) people gravitate to this line of work because they are process oriented, the structure appeals to them.  Once in a while you get to do something that is THE RIGHT THING just because it is the right thing.  During the time I ran the reception center I had three new arrivals tell me "This is a screw-up.  I shouldn't be here."  All of them were telling the truth.  It would have gotten taken care of eventually but I got to fix it promptly because of the position I was in and because I choose to believe them at that point in the process.  It wasn't all rainbows and sunshine, but it was nice.

My bf has been locked up since june he gets out this month n has a sudden new charge for possesion of a substance but he says its fir an old case what does this mean?

Asked by Curious over 7 years ago

Hard to do this sort of thing by delayed-action remote control, but I will hazard a guess.  He has an old case for possession which they chose to not prosecute for at the time but now, for some reason, they are prosecuting it.  Maybe they have better info now and think it will stick.  Maybe they want to keep him in custody for something totally unrelated to the charges and it is just a stalling tactic.  It is completely kosher as long s they are within the statute of limitations.  You and he are gonna have to roll with it unless you have a good lawyer.

I'm just starting my 2 year diploma for correctional studies and I think I want to become a CO. My biggest fear is dying in a prison from weapons or riots. Do you have any advice for me? What should I expect my first year on the job?

Asked by A CO student over 7 years ago

Your chance of dying on the job from those causes is very, very small statistically.  You are much more likely to be seriously injured or catch some nasty disease.  Best advice there is to keep your situational awareness dialed up and don't do anything really stupid.  First year on the job is a learning curve.  Ask questions, keep your eyes and ears open.  You will find out quickly which staff are truly interesting in training and developing newbies and which are not.  Learn from the good ones.  Avoid or ignore the jerks as much as possible.

If I am married to an inmate will it disqualify me from getting hired as a correctional officer. He is in prison in a different county.

Asked by Shanellika about 7 years ago

I am only strongly familiar with the CA system.  In California the spouse of a convict can be hired as a correctional officer.  In other states, or in county jurisdictions, the civil service rules may be different.  That being said, generally speaking employers can not discriminate against the families of convicted felons without a very good reason for doing so. 

If a inmate has a 6 o’clock visit how long does it take for the inmates to get ready and what is the procedure

Asked by Jenn over 6 years ago

I depends a whole lot on circumstances.  If the inmate is in his cell and the tier officer is not doing anything else he can notify the inmate very quickly.  Then the inmate just has to get dressed, get out and go.  If the inmate is on the yard or at a work assignment it can take a LOT longer.  Sometimes they can not get off of work assignments to visit.  Sometimes they don't answer pages off of the yard or they take their time about it.  They may have to return to their cell from the yard or work to clean up and get properly dressed.  That takes yet more time.  Obviously the time lag varies tremendously.

How can a inmate contact his lawyer through a prepaid or debit account

Asked by Keteauna over 6 years ago

I have absolutely no idea whatsoever.  This is a question that should be directed to the individual lawyer or the bar association. 

What is the most dangerous thing that has happen to you as a CO ?

Asked by Esmer almost 7 years ago

I ended up in the middle of a couple of full-blown riots that were pretty scary and could have gotten nasty.  Such things are generally not focused on staff but that doesn't mean that staff can't get badly hurt in them.