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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

454 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on February 10, 2022

Best Rated

Why are Tasers only black, yellow, or clear?

Asked by Chase over 5 years ago

I have never seen a clear one. They make them black and yellow for the same reason they used to make Taxi Cabs in Black and Yellow. Makes it easy to identify visually. They want to ensure as much as possible a person knows when they have a Taser and when they have something else.

Did you get to pick what area you did or did they pick for you?

Asked by Carla about 5 years ago

I am not sure I understand the question. If you mean a particular job assignment, once you get enough seniority you get to bid for a particular job. Not all jobs are open for bid, and you do need a fair bit of seniority to bid for the good ones.

I don’t think PRIVATE CITIZENS should have public records it sets people up for people to take it and misuse it. People who need the information should have a process of getting it not just have everything about you online unless YOU publish it. Absurd

Asked by Xnxn about 5 years ago

I don't publish anything. Also by law, public records are available to the public. That is why they are public records. A police blotter is a public record. You can walk in off the street and see it. You don't even need a reason. Same thing with a police watch record, or mug shots. Same thing with who is in custody at any given time, as long as they are adults. If you object to that, you should contact your legislators and have the law changed.

Do you think not wearing a mask should be a crime or do you think people who create these laws, ordinances, policies, etc should be the ones arrested

Asked by Jamie over 4 years ago

Assuming it can be proven, or at least convincingly demonstrated, that the current level of medical science says mask DO substantially inhibit the spread of Covid-19 I have no problem with it being a law. Of course as far as I know in most locations it is NOT a law, it is an administrative order enacted by a governor, mayor etc. We have been dealing with this for a year now. There is enough time for legislative bodies to have made up their minds and taken action. I have no problem with using administrative or executive action for a relatively short period of time to deal with something new or unexpected. Doing it long-term is not a great idea, for what my opinion may be worth. I also have no problem with property owners saying that YOU MUST WEAR A MASK TO COME INTO MY STORE-RESTAURANT-WHATEVER. If you don't like it, take your business elsewhere.

Did you have to go through the police academy and do you have to be a post certified peace officer?

Asked by Haylee over 5 years ago

In CA there is a C-POST for correctional officers. The academy runs about 14 weeks right now. Many street cops have an academy that runs six months. Correctional Officers don't need to know a lot of what street cops need, like search and seizure. You have to pass the academy to be sworn in to legally do the job. Correctional Officers fall under a different section of the penal code than do street cops and our police authority exists only within the course of our employment. Typically this is persons and property under the jurisdiction of the department, though there are exceptions to this, such as escape pursuits.

how often do you have to have physical, mental, and firearms proficiency testing?

Asked by blue tiger almost 5 years ago

Never, as I am long retired. Firearms qualifications were either once per year or four times per year depending on job assignment. (I DO have to qualify to maintain my retired carry status.) When I retired, 15+ years ago, there was no specified ongoing physical or mental testing.

Why are you pointing a gun at me sir?

Asked by Tim about 5 years ago

Somebody has to do it. You could be dangerous.