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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454 Questions

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Last Answer on February 10, 2022

Best Rated

Have you ever worked as a street cop?

Asked by Carolis almost 5 years ago

Nope. Never.

Did you have to go through the police academy and do you have to be a post certified peace officer?

Asked by Haylee almost 5 years ago

In CA there is a C-POST for correctional officers. The academy runs about 14 weeks right now. Many street cops have an academy that runs six months. Correctional Officers don't need to know a lot of what street cops need, like search and seizure. You have to pass the academy to be sworn in to legally do the job. Correctional Officers fall under a different section of the penal code than do street cops and our police authority exists only within the course of our employment. Typically this is persons and property under the jurisdiction of the department, though there are exceptions to this, such as escape pursuits.

Why are Tasers only black, yellow, or clear?

Asked by Chase almost 5 years ago

I have never seen a clear one. They make them black and yellow for the same reason they used to make Taxi Cabs in Black and Yellow. Makes it easy to identify visually. They want to ensure as much as possible a person knows when they have a Taser and when they have something else.

When you worked in prison was there musaux with the PA system?

Asked by Katie almost 5 years ago

No.

Bob, if you had to do it all over again what occupation would you have chosen?

Asked by Neal Bracken almost 5 years ago

Same one. It was a different time. I might not do it today.

Have prisoners ever taught you anything?

Asked by Dan almost 5 years ago

Not that I specifically recall, no. I am sure it happened, but just wasn't very noteworthy.

Why are you pointing a gun at me sir?

Asked by Tim over 4 years ago

Somebody has to do it. You could be dangerous.