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

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 7 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.)

How effective do you feel probation/parole is?

Asked by Jade almost 7 years ago

If it is funded and administratively supported properly with properly trained agents who spend at least as much time in the field as they do in the office, it can be very effective. As it is currently operated in many jurisdicitons it is a farce.

Thx, but no, I am not being jerked around. He says all other COs are fine, just 1 guy bullies him. He is scared to complain.

Asked by in Boston over 7 years ago

If he is scared to complain I don't see a lot of options.  Either he complains, or you complain on his behalf (which, assuming he is right, will not insulate him from problems) or he puts up with it.  Sometimes in the real world there are no good answers.

Have you ever seen mistreatment or even abuse by staff to inmates?

Asked by Cain about 7 years ago

Inappropriate treatment, yes. Abuse, no. I wrote two people up over the years for it. I am sure it happens more than that, but people who are going to beat on prisoners tend to do it when nobody is looking.

Did your views of corrections change during your time employed?

Asked by K Roar almost 7 years ago

Not really.

How do you break out of the Bob Walsh prison?

Asked by SDAFKJ almost 6 years ago

It is escape proof.

Do you think that felons and especially sexual offenders and murders should be able to vote?

Asked by Uncle Sam over 6 years ago

Not while they are in custody, no. Once they are out of the slammer and off of parole, yes.