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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

454 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on February 10, 2022

Best Rated

As a former CO, what advice would you give someone interested in claiming allowances with w4? Have you ever done it, and was it worth it? I was thinking about claiming 2 or 3 a year.

Asked by Newbie CO almost 10 years ago

I am sorry but I have no idea what you are asking about.  Is this income taxes?

If you go by yourself with the two prisoners and one ran away, what is your fast action you will do

Asked by Paul over 9 years ago

For starters you should NEVER be in that position in the first place.  Assuming it did happen, you go with the bird in the hand and keep custody of the prisoner you have.  You might be justified in shooting at the fleeing prisoner, but you would not deliberately loose the one you still have to maybe catch the one who is running. 

My boyfriend is on TS " transitional supervision " I'm his sponsor and I got asked a question from parole do you or anyone in the house hold work for CT DOC and I'm soon to get a job at a work release program does that effect sponsorship?

Asked by Alli over 9 years ago

Sorry, but I don't have enough information on how things work in Connecticut to give even an educated guess.  If I were to make a WAG (wild-ass guess) I would say that they don't like employees being sponsors, but if you were already a sponsor when you hired on they would be OK with it.  That is, however, a GUESS and not an informed opinion. 

Sorry, I meant to ask how long it takes to reach the max pay range for a CO.

Asked by Patrick almost 10 years ago

When I was there it was five years.  Now there is a separate step for the academy as well, which is 14 weeks.

Hello I'm in the academy and I have tattoos on my right hand and neck. I plan on getting them removed by laser, but my instructors have told me it's not a problem for most agencies. I'm in Florida so I'll be recruited by fdoc. Can you give some info?

Asked by Dylan over 9 years ago

Not familiar with the rules in Florida.  A lot would depend on the content and general appearance of the tattoo.  If the one on your neck says MOM you are probably OK.  If it looks even remotely like a gang tattoo I would invest in some really good cover makeup and the laser work.  Same with the hand.  Look on the bright side, if you are getting it done for employment purposes it is probably tax deductible.  Good luck.

How would cognitive therapy help in counseling inmates?

Asked by Neal Bracken over 9 years ago

My opinion, for what that may be worth is, generally speaking, no.

Have you ever met another CO who liked to rat on other COs whenever they made minor/honest mistakes on the job? How did you deal with a "rat" CO? The person I'm talking about is a new guy that just graduated from the academy.

Asked by Carl S. almost 9 years ago

Yes I have.  Since it is no longer permissible to thump such a person in the parking lot after work you are advised to avoid working with such a person and avoid screwing up when they are around, which is good advice in general.  Usually such people become well known quickly and become very unpopular very quickly.  People avoid them like the plague and let others know about them.  Sometimes that serves to change their habits.  Sometimes not, especially if they have friends or relatives in high places.  There  are jerks in any workplace and you have to learn how to deal with or avoid them.