Ask a Correctional Officer anything

454 Questions

Last Answer on February 10, 2022

How do you help prisoners come to terms with serving a life senntence?

Asked by sofibour over 6 years ago

Basically that is not a custody function. Also, virtually NOBODY goes to prison the first time. They have probation, diversion, court ordered therapy, restitution, etc. Many are "state raised." The only people who go to prison the first time are murderers and (now) child molesters. Also, by the time they go thru the court process and jail they have adequate time to come to terms with their situation. But, as I opened with, that is not a custody function.

546 Votes

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

Asked by sofibour over 6 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.

543 Votes

So you wanna be a Correctional Officer??

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What did your job specifically consist of?

Asked by Jada about 6 years ago

The basic job description in the employment flier is a pretty good spot to look for that. Basically a Correctional Officer keeps an eye on inmates and provides services to them. We ensure that they are released for meals and jobs, get mail, get laundry done and, as much as possible, get along with each other and with staff. For more detailed info you can go to the CA Dept. of Corrections web site and download a job description from their employment opportunities section.

543 Votes

Bob, I enjoy your remarks. Here's my question. What happens to felons convicted of bunko, money laundering, other white collar crimes? What types of prisons, what are their living conditions?

Asked by Neal Bracken almost 6 years ago

Such people would tend to land in either minimum or medium custody, depending on the length of their sentence, medical needs and other factors (including available housing). Right now, in CA, many of these people would be placed in county jails rather than state prisons, even though they are serving a felony sentence, under "realignment.".

542 Votes

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

Asked by sofibour over 6 years ago

NO, not really.

541 Votes

Are most movies about prisons accurate when it comes to reality?

Asked by sofibour over 6 years ago

Not even remotely close.

541 Votes

I know an educated man, wrongfully convicted. One particular CO is harassing him at every opportunity. Can this inmate do anything to improve relations? The inmate does not flaunt the rules and does not know why he has been targeted.

Asked by in Boston over 6 years ago

My first response would to be that you are being jerked around by this "educated, wrongfully convicted" man. As far as I know every modern penal system has a system where an inmate can complain about treatment by staff, and many have an Inspector General that can accept complaints that will be anonymous, at least to those the complaint is made against. My GUESS, based on inadequate information, is that you are being manipulated by the prisoner. I could be wrong. I find it hard to understand WHY a prison staffer would deliberately harass an inmate who does not break the rules and does behave himself. It is not impossible, but I find the premise to be highly questionable. (Admittedly I may be prejudiced.)

537 Votes