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

Hi. My husband is a retired C/O (we laugh and say he served 21 years in jail). But in all seriousness it's true. He spent more time with the worse of the worse than his family. Now he's retired and he treats us like inmates. He's veryIntolerant.

Asked by Dannysgirl almost 11 years ago

That is truly unfortunate.  I don't know if maybe he just misses the job or is projecting some of his habits and insecurities onto you guys.  I admit I find is surprising after soemone has retired.  I wish I could offer some helpful advice, but I can't.  Sorry.  I don't have the training or backgrtound to serve as a family counselor.  That is the direction I would recommend.  Good luck. 

My wife is applying to be a correctional officer here in California. I am a felon recently off probation from prison. Can she still gain employment there

Asked by anthony almost 11 years ago

Yes.  There is no civil service regulation or law that prevents the hiring of the family of ex-felons to be correctional offiers.  If you are, or even were, heavily gang involved that will possibly cause her to be looked at somewhat suspiciously for fear she may be a "mole" but it would not in and of itself prevent her from being hired. 

I have a felony for breaking n to my ex home to get MY property. I went to jail for 60 days. Ive been involved with a CO for 6 years. We met at beach...we are terrified he will lose job if were found out..are we allowed to b together ? Florida

Asked by dallasflorida about 10 years ago

I don't know the law in Florida that well.  In CA (which I suspect is strongly similar) he would have to report the relationship only if you are under supervision, i.e. parole or probation.  Failure to report the relationship is the problem, not the relationship itself.  Also there is an issue with firearms, if he has any issued to him there are probably requirements about storage.  He can not leave an unattended, unlocked firearm around you, or possibly ammunition is an issue too.  YOu might want to spend a couple of bucks on a Florida attorney that specializes in legal matters like that, ESPECIALLY if you are still under supervision.

In the state of Calif. can a correctional officer date a ex felon? It has been several years, and i'm not on probation or parole. However I have a past.
Thank you

Asked by K.Helmer over 10 years ago

Yes.  It does not even have to be repoted to the employer (or at least did not when I was working) AS LONG AS THE EX-FELON IS NO LONGER UNDER DEPARTMENT SUPERVISION, I.E. PAROLE OR PROBATION (OR SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION MAYBE TOO, I AM UNSURE OF THAT ONE).  There is still a law against ex-offenders coming on prison grounds without the permission of the warden.  There are also issues about firearms storage and access if the C/O owns personsal weapons.

I just got cleared by the CDCR a couple of weeks ago, and I'll be starting my new career with them soon. Do you have any advice on how to climb the ranks? By the way, thank you for answering these questions. It is very helpful.

Asked by CO2015 over 9 years ago

Take every promotional exam you are eligible for, even if you do not think you will do that great.  The experience is helpful. 

Learn your job.  Do your job.  Show up to work on time.  Help other cops do their job.  Learn how to write a superior quality report.  All of these things will stand you in good stead with other cops, which will help you get promoted.  Try to get along with the suits, even the ones who are clearly idiots.  You don't have to like them, you do have to get along with them.  Try to get along with the union, even if you don't like unions.  They are important, and they do good work. 

Try to figure out who the dump-trucks are.  Avoid them as much as possible.  That way when something stupid happens you don't get splashed with it by accident.  Don't do stupid stuff.  Especially don't do REALLY stupid stuff.  Ask questions.  As a newbie you will learn more with your mouth closed than otherwise.  Try to find a couple of good, senior officers who believe in development of new staff and learn from them.  (Many senior officers hate newbies.  It isn't as bad as it used to be, but it is still there.)  Keep your personal life straight.  If bill collectors start hounding you at work, a lot of people will get pissed at you.  I would also advise you to not fish off the company pier, but with the weird hours and days off it is sometimes hard to socialize outside the job.  WATCH THE BOOZE.  Stay AWAY from drugs, even the semi-legal weed.   

(If you are an attractive female the flat-back school of promotion still works in many prisons.  It is tacky and sleazy, but it does work.)

Your first year is a learning experience.  View it that way. 

I'm in the deep stages to becoming a CO, I have a speech disorder (slight stutter) which I let them know about in the original application. Will this be an issue later in the process? Will restrictions be applied to the task I'll be able to perform?

Asked by cesar about 10 years ago

The real problem will be if it slows you down much, especially on the radio.  If it does it could become a serious issue.  Some people their stutter becomes worse when they become nervous, or frightened, or otherwise stressed.  As far as I know there is no such thing as a no-radio position.  I would be much more concerned about that than about a slight stutter in face-to-face confrontations. 

Greetings, is there a list of approved visitors that is given to the inmate for them to know?

Asked by M Guzman over 10 years ago

I don't quite follow your question.  Visitors must be approved to visit inmates.  Background checks are done on visitors, at least in California.  The visitor obtains a visiting form, usually by mail from the inmate.  The visitor fills it out and returns it and it is processed.  The visitor is approved (or denied).  If I remember correctly if the visitor is approved the prison notifies the inmate and it is up to him to notify the visitor.  If they are denied the prison notifies the visitor directly.