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 would you do if someone tried to escape? and what would you do if someone escaped?

Asked by dylan over 10 years ago

If someone tries to escape we shoot at them.  If they do actually escape we pursue them, go to places they are likely to be (mothers house, girlfriends house, etc) and otherwise try to catch them. 

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 about 10 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.

What do you see as the most important role a Corrections
Counselor has in the prison system?

Asked by Neal Bracken almost 10 years ago

Critical thinking skills and report writing skills.

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 10 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. 

How would cognitive therapy help in counseling inmates?

Asked by Neal Bracken about 10 years ago

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

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 11 years ago

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

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

Asked by Patrick almost 11 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.