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

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I'm wanting to pursue a career in the DOC as some sort of counselor or case manager. I have two pen pals who are in different states than I, whom I've grown close to. Would I be allowed to work in the DOC while having those pen pals?

Asked by Lauren over 8 years ago

Each system has its own rules about such things.  As long as they are not actual relatives and you disclose the relationship I would be very much surprised if it would present any problem.

When I put money on my sons account, will it be taken for victim restitution? What it is inherited by my death? What are his chances to transfer to another state?

Asked by AlynsMom over 8 years ago

As far as #1 I used to know the answer to that, at least in California, but I don't any more.  I have been retired almost 13 years and I just don't remember.  I THINK the answer is NO but I wouldn't bet on that.  Your inheritance would have nothing to do with your son's status as a felon.  He is free to inherit property and to leave property to others.  Out of state transfer of prisoners are rare unless they have a case pending in the state they are transferred to.  They are not unheard of, but they are rare. 

My brother is serving a 14 yr sentence in a CA state prison behind heroin addiction. hes manipulating our 80 yr old disabled mother who lives on SS out of all her money. What kind of lies do drug addicts tell their families about prison to get $?

Asked by Luniac over 8 years ago

Pretty much all kinds.  They need money to pay protection is a good one, or to buy "necessities" from the canteen.  It is often just a generalized guilt trip.  Sounds to me like maybe your mother needs a conservator.

If I am married to an inmate will it disqualify me from getting hired as a correctional officer. He is in prison in a different county.

Asked by Shanellika over 8 years ago

I am only strongly familiar with the CA system.  In California the spouse of a convict can be hired as a correctional officer.  In other states, or in county jurisdictions, the civil service rules may be different.  That being said, generally speaking employers can not discriminate against the families of convicted felons without a very good reason for doing so. 

How do inmates respond to therapy, typically, at the beginning? Do they find it hard to open up? Are they forced to do therapy?

Asked by sofibour over 7 years ago

Not my department.  Sorry.  They can be required to go to therapy, they can not be FORCED to go to therapy.

If a inmate has a 6 o’clock visit how long does it take for the inmates to get ready and what is the procedure

Asked by Jenn almost 8 years ago

I depends a whole lot on circumstances.  If the inmate is in his cell and the tier officer is not doing anything else he can notify the inmate very quickly.  Then the inmate just has to get dressed, get out and go.  If the inmate is on the yard or at a work assignment it can take a LOT longer.  Sometimes they can not get off of work assignments to visit.  Sometimes they don't answer pages off of the yard or they take their time about it.  They may have to return to their cell from the yard or work to clean up and get properly dressed.  That takes yet more time.  Obviously the time lag varies tremendously.

What is the most dangerous thing that has happen to you as a CO ?

Asked by Esmer about 8 years ago

I ended up in the middle of a couple of full-blown riots that were pretty scary and could have gotten nasty.  Such things are generally not focused on staff but that doesn't mean that staff can't get badly hurt in them.