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

What all have the liberals screwed up in prison and justice systems do you think? Or do you think it helps? Also did you work with males, females, or coed mainly?

Asked by San almost 6 years ago

I worked in an exclusively male facility. Some of the "liberal" notions have been long-term helpful, some not. The idea of forced integration of cells is stupid, it is an idea pushed by people who have never worked inside a prison. I am also bothered by some of the issues with medical care. Spending $1.2 million for a heart transplant for a death row inmate is IMHO stupid. Also, forcing the state to buy name brand (rather than generic) drugs for prisoners is a significant cost for no good purpose. It is still too early to sell what issues gender identification / gender identity may bring to the system. It was of course easier in "the old days" when prisoners had zero rights and the courts did not stick their noses into prison operations. Easier was not necessarily better however.

I have always wonderd why people make so many excuses. Oh they grew up with the wrong people, got with the wrong people (how did they get with them in the first place), etc when many people have the same issues and are great people?

Asked by Diane over 5 years ago

Very few humans are willing to blame their own problems, or the problems of their family, on themselves. Therefore they blame others, or forces beyond their control, to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions. It is human nature. Humans are funny critters.

What do you think of the program Beyond Scared Straight?

Asked by 892374 over 6 years ago

I am unfamiliar with that particular program so I am unable to make a reasonable response. Generally speaking I did not find that "Scared Straight" type programs were helpful in the long run. They could have a positive effect on wobblers, but the hard-core wannabe criminals were not impressed. It should be noted that my personal contact with any of these programs was minimal so my opinion may not be worth much.

What is the scariest situation you have ever been in?

Asked by Donald over 5 years ago

I have been in the middle of a couple of full-fledged riots. That is very scary. Even if you are not a specific target it is completely possible to get hurt. I was't, but it was still scary.

Was there anyone you did not like?

Asked by Hu? almost 6 years ago

There are a great many people in the world I do not like. Since it is illegal to shoot them for being unlikable I just have to avoid them as much as I can.

Is there really any "correcting" in prison for the most part? I mean how do we get people justice and also get people the help they need so they wont do it again as soon as they get out of prison or later down the road even?

Asked by Diane over 5 years ago

For the most part NO. We can not enforce correction on unwilling participants. Most criminals are criminals deliberately, they didn't accidentally fall in with a bad crowd or other crap. They made a conscious decision to adopt a criminal lifestyle. Once they get too old, or too tired, or get tired of the madness the system may be able to provide some useful tools for them to stay out of the slammer. They have to be interested in doing so on their own or it doesn't work.

Maybe my wording wasnt right. My question. Is it legal or would it be construed for the captin at the jail to come to medical where my wife is and shove my mugshot in her face asking personal questions ie why this loser what gang is he in ect that ok

Asked by Outlaw1211 over 5 years ago

As far as I am aware there is no law against it. She is, however, under no obligation to answer. Also, depending on the exact circumstances there might be some HIPPA situation going on. Prisoners have almost the same level of MEDICAL INFORMATION privacy as does a free citizen and if the captain was inserting himself/herself into a medical situation or medical interview it is likely there would be some legit privacy issues to address. If all he was doing was entering medical housing or a medical clinic area to pursue legit custody inquiries, that is probably kosher. Basically the cops can ask pretty much anybody pretty much anything. You don't have to answer them. I should also think that if your wife has some legit mental health issues whoever is in charge of medical might have some problems with custody jumping into the middle of their program. That, however, is more of an internal procedural issue than a legal one.