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

I know someone has been a correctional officer for 15 years. If they failed a drug test is there a way they wont be fired if they have never been in trouble

Asked by Anonymous over 4 years ago

It depends on the jurisdiction and the exact circumstances I expect. My GUESS is that one bad test for weed would get you a nasty note in your personnel file. One bad test for coke or heroin might get you fired. Of course the tests are not 100% reliable and, if the person being tested protested his innocence they might very well put him/her on the mandatory test list for a few months. Unless the agency has a hard and fast policy there is a lot of wiggle room and good, long term employees are too valuable to be discarded lightly.

What do detectives do that work inside the prison system?

Asked by Seth about 5 years ago

Inmates continue to commit crimes while in prison. Sometimes serious crimes. It does require a certain amount of training and experience to be an effective investigator.

Is working for a public or private prison better? Or is there other types of prisons?

Asked by Peyton about 5 years ago

Public (government) and private is about it. Public is "better" in that it pays better, you have more authority, more legal protection and as far as I know always better benefits and retirement.

4. Is a degree required? Would it help? What would be the best degree(s) to have? What about military experience?

Asked by Peyton about 5 years ago

I don't know that any system requires a degree for Correctional Officer. A criminal justice degree might help. A degree in Organizational Behavior might help. Military experience is often helpful and military people are used to the command structure which some people have trouble with.

Is the average IQ of a criminal really 85?

Asked by Starfish Peppersocks over 5 years ago

That is pretty close. What used to be called DULL NORMAL or slightly below. Also as a group they are severely undereducated. About 10% total illiterate and about another 15% functionally illiterate, plus a fair number of monolingual non-English speakers.

What is the minimum age requirement? Under 18? 18+? 21+?

Then what would be a preferred age?

In addition to minimum age is there a maximum?

Asked by Peyton about 5 years ago

Minimum age depends. As far as I know to be a peace officer in the U.S. you must be 21. Often they will hire you at 20 `1/2 so you are 21 when you actually get out of the academy and go to work. If you are a :"jailer" (non peace officer) you can be hired at 18 in most states.

What is your personal opinion of females being CO’s?

Asked by Peyton about 5 years ago

Some are very good. Some are hopeless idiots. Most are in the middle. Just like males.