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 have (well controlled) epilepsy,) and I want to work in a prison. Is this a good fit?

Asked by J-chambers over 11 years ago

I am afraid I do not have a good answer for you.  In custody, I would say NO.  In certain types of non-custody positions I would say MAYBE.  If you are doing something relatively benign in an area where you would have assistance if necessary (i.e. clerical) it might work.  If you had to operate dangerous machinery or work in an isolated area, I would be very dubious.

What happens if I turn myself in to jail on a traffic warrant for failing to pay a ticket? How long am I held? Do they take contact lenses away? Would I be changed into jail clothes? Do they actually take you to court in chains, etc?

Asked by Chris about 11 years ago

Not really my area of expertise.  I worked in prisons, with already convicted felons rather than jails, with misdemeanants.  I BELIEVE that if you are in a position to post bail you can do an in-and-out.  If they actually book you they would take your clothes but probably not your contact lenses, those are considered a medical appliance, like glasses.  You would be transported with waist chains and leg irons in all probability though you would probably not appear in court shackled.  However, sometimes the courts really frown on FTP as it is a violation of your promise to the court and even if you are in a position to pay immediately they might hold you to appear anyway.  Like I said, not really my field. 

What is tampering with evidence in prison.

Asked by chaz about 11 years ago

Probably the same thing as tampering with evidence in any other law enforcement setting.  Of all of the rules violation reports I have seen I have NEVER seen one for evidence tampering.

I am interested in applying to be a correctional officer. I am kind of hesitant because I am married to a prisoner. Can I still apply?? Couldn't I work at a different facility?

Asked by miss me almost 12 years ago

It would in fact be required.  They would not allow you to work at the facility where a close family member was locked up.  The fact that your husband is a prisoner would not prevent you from being hired, probably.  If there is heavy gang involvement they might seriously wonder if you are a plant.  YOu could count on your background being rather more detailed than would somebody elses.

how have U.S Supreme court decisions about corrections impacted your job/your life?

Asked by lily almost 12 years ago

As I have been retired for some years they don't impact me at all.  The court decision on the population cap has had a huge effect, moving many prisoners out of prison and onto the streets.  Also, federal court decisions at a lower level have mandated huge expenditures of resources for medical care for inmates to the point where state prison inmates get much better health care than do most people on the streets.

Do you get a ticket when a cop pulls you over? Do cops consider correctional officers as one of their own?

Asked by CO2015 about 11 years ago

Depends.  In CA there is, at least in some areas, a lot of friction between the CHP and CDCR and the chippies cut CDCR officers no slack.  In most areas (as far as I know) the locals cut CDCR some slack, as long as the officer in question isn't acting like an idiot.  My way of dealing with it is simpler, obey the traffic laws and avoid being stopped. 

Is there an upper age limit to be a CO? In other words do they force you to retire at a paticular age? Do they move the older CO to paticular jobs? Thanks

Asked by woodeye over 11 years ago

When I first started, back in the stone age, there was a maximum start age.  I think it was 35.  That was dropped.  I have heard a max start age may have again been reinstated, but I have no hard info on that.  There is no mandatory retirement age and I have seen a few cops working well into their 60s and a few even into their 70s (which I think is pushing it quite a bit).  Since the system now operates on a seniority bid system the old timers, who tend to be fairly senior, tend to bid into jobs that they like and that they can perform adequately.