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 over 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.

What gender prison do Trans people go to?

Asked by Andy almost 7 years ago

That is a good question and the issue is very much in flux right now, especially now that the courts are getting involved more and more. Under the old rules, at least in CA. it was simple. If your birth certificate said MALE and you had a penis you went to a male prison. Anything else was up for debate. Now the courts are in some jurisdictions mandating that prisoners be allowed to self-identify according to gender and the agencies housing them often are not permitted to question that self-identification. The matter will get messier before it is sorted out.

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 about 6 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.

I have a guy that owes me money and isn't paying me back. He's locked-up in county jail. Do the guards read hid letters and if so what can I put in a letter to him that will make his life miserable while he's locked-up? He's in for DUI.

Asked by OwedByConvict over 6 years ago

He is probably already pretty miserable. If you can PROVE he owes you money you can file a small claims action against him and when / if you get a judgement you can attach his canteen account, meaning he won't be able to buy any goodies at the canteen until he pays you. That's the only thing I can thing of that would do the job and is also legal. Most other stuff could get you in as much or more trouble than he would be in. The staff CAN read incoming mail except legal mail, but they seldom do. Takes too much time and not enough staff to do it.

Have you ever asked someone a question on here? If so do you mind saying what it was?

Asked by QUESTION TO ALL almost 6 years ago

Not so as I remember. In this forum my job is to respond to questions, not ask them.

What do you think of the program Beyond Scared Straight?

Asked by 892374 almost 7 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.

Hello now I have a question what is the difference between IA and HR?

Asked by Sadie over 6 years ago

I am GUESSING that IA is internal affairs and HR is human resources. Internal Affairs specifically investigates wrong doing, including possible criminal activity, by department personnel, usually peace officers. Human resources is responsible for personnel management. This includes hiring, firing, tracking promotions and investigating some sorts of internal complains, like sexual harassment. This of course varies tremendously from agency to agency.