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.
The basic job description in the employment flier is a pretty good spot to look for that. Basically a Correctional Officer keeps an eye on inmates and provides services to them. We ensure that they are released for meals and jobs, get mail, get laundry done and, as much as possible, get along with each other and with staff. For more detailed info you can go to the CA Dept. of Corrections web site and download a job description from their employment opportunities section.
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Yes. During my 24 years we had one "inside escape" (escape from within the main security perimeter) and a fair number of "outside escapes" (minimum security walkaways). The inside escapee was recaptured before the emergency count cleared. (In fact I and one other officer were the ones who caught him. He went out hidden in a bail of crushed cardboard.) That is common in CA. One of the things we are good at is keeping inmates in. Escapes from inside the security perimeter are rare. Walk-aways from fire camps, etc. are common.
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I have not personally seen it, but it does happen. People get fired and sometimes prosecuted for it. At one time tobacco was popular and since it was not technically ILLEGAL to smuggle it some people thought it was OK. Then cell phones. Drugs have always been popular but also always illegal. I don't have any fine details on the profit margins of such things, and since I have been out 14 years now any info I might have had would be stale.
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That depends almost entirely on the inmate, the period of time he was in prison and what sort of support system will be available to him on the outside. No easy answer there.
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If it is funded and administratively supported properly with properly trained agents who spend at least as much time in the field as they do in the office, it can be very effective. As it is currently operated in many jurisdicitons it is a farce.
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The "system" does not, and can not, rehabilitate. Rehabilitation comes from within and can not be imposed from the outside. The offender must WANT to change and be willing to do so.
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NO, not really.
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