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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455 Questions

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Last Answer on February 10, 2022

Best Rated

What advice would you give someone considering corrections as a career?

Asked by K Roar almost 7 years ago

It isn't as good a gig as it used to be due to politics, but it is still pretty decent, at least in CA.

Can someone sue a police department or a courthouse for false imprisonment?

Asked by They over 6 years ago

It is possible to sue almost anybody for almost anything. Winning is a lot harder. That being said people sue police departments all the time for False Arrest and are sometimes successful. Suing a judge or district attorney for malicious prosecution or outright illegal activity in obtaining a false conviction is almost impossible. Remember a "wrong" outcome does not mean that the officials involved necessarily did anything wrong.

Has working with inmates affected how you view perpetrators of crime, and the prison system in general?

Asked by sofibour about 7 years ago

NO, not really.

What should someone expect when applying to become a prison guard? I heard they have thorough background checks, they may also have lie detector tests.

Asked by Al over 6 years ago

I do not know of any agencies that do a poly any more. Doesn't mean there are not any. CA does a decent basic background check. Obviously they do a criminal records check and public record financial check. DMV. I believe they also mail out questionaires to people you indicate as references. I don't know if they do many personal contact interviews. Drug screen also of course. Psych eval.

Do you think that the prison system rehabilitates or only punishes?

Asked by sofibour about 7 years ago

The "system" does not, and can not, rehabilitate.  Rehabilitation comes from within and can not be imposed from the outside.  The offender must WANT to change and be willing to do so.

My name is Casey Georgi and I'm a podcast producer for Lifehacker. Our next episode we're discussing the art of negotiation. I have a limit on words here, but if interested in an interview, email me: the.curious.georgi@gmail.com and let's talk more!

Asked by Casey A Georgi almost 7 years ago

I have absolutely zero background or training in "the art of negotiation" in this environment. Sorry but I expect I would be remarkably unhelpful to you. Also, my speaking voice is squeaky and does not sound good when broadcast.

Can I request a single cell or solitary confinement and would I be guaranteed a cell? I wouldn’t want to be pissed on or killed in my sleep.

Asked by Yuy over 6 years ago

You can request anything you want. In CA even some death row inmates are double-celled. Your housing situation is determined (in most states) by a check-list type criteria. How long is your sentence. Do you have a history of violence or fire-setting? Are you more likely than others to be the victim of violence? What is your personal preference. (That last one is way down the list.) What is available. Long term or even medium term your personal preferences mean almost nothing. The best way to sleep where you want is to stay out of prison.