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

When a belly chain is used are the prisoners arms wrapped under the chain?

Asked by jlindner600@gmail over 9 years ago

No.  Generally speaking belly chains have 1/2 handcuffs, one on each side, welded to the belly chains.  Then the handcuffs are used to secure the prisoners wrists.  I have also seen them with a full set of handcuffs attached more or less dead center front, securing both of the prisoners hands in front of him. 

Have you ever had an inmate get a cavity search at the hospital?

Asked by Quinn20 almost 11 years ago

It does on occasion happen at the infirmary at the institution.  As far as I know inmates are not transported off grounds for such things, but that doesn't mean it never happens.  I suppose it is not impossible to do one on an inmate who was at the hospital already for some reason or other, but I don't know that the hospital staff would do it for custody purposes and custody staff do not do intrusive cavity searches, at least in CA.

Hi Bob,
I am wondering if it is possible to become a correctional officer if I am in a relationship with someone who has gone to prison and has felonies on his record. This relationship started well before he was ever incarcerated.

Asked by Isabella over 10 years ago

Yes.  There is no prohibition (at least in California) on hiring friends an family of ex-convicts.  It would have to be reported if that person is still on probation or parole.  You could also count on a closer than usual background investigation.  They would want to make sure that you were not a mole of some sort (such things do happen).

Can a Co have a convicted felon living with them

Asked by Marie almost 10 years ago

It depends.  In California the situation would have to be reported to the employer if the person was still under supervised release, i.e. parole or probation.  I strongly suspect that is fairly normal in most jurisdictions but I don't know that for a fact.  It might also cause an issue for the agency supervising the ex-con, especially if that meant there were weapons in the house.

I retired last year, age 62, from an unrelated occupation. In my early years I was in law enforcement and really enjoyed the work. I'm very interested in corrections and my state will hire me. What are your thoughts?

Asked by Dave about 10 years ago

As long as you can physically deal with the job I see no problem.  I had very good luck with prior military people in the system.  They understood chain of command, following orders, SOP and the desirability of keeping control of situations.  It can however be very physical, and I don't mean just the occasional fighting with people.  Just stomping around on concrete floors for eight hours a day can be very rough on the body.  Good luck no matter what you decide.

If you work by yourself an every prisoners shouted at you they want something who will you do first

Asked by Paul over 10 years ago

You have to prioritize obviously.  Someone who is bleeding from a cut arm will get quicker service than someone who wants you to pick up a cell change request. 

How would you handle a situation involving a prisoner who has told you he was raped?

Asked by Neal Bracken almost 10 years ago

Turn it over to the Investigative Services Unit and/or medical department to gather evidence, and file an incident report.