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 Experience, education, and training required, the
Desirable personality traits, and
General working conditions.

Asked by ashlee over 9 years ago

Only a high school diploma or GED is required for entrance.  There is significant training at the academy, currently 12 weeks, and regular required In-Service Training.  Work conditions can be difficult.  There is shift work involved, especially when you have little seniority.  Most areas of the prisons are not air conditioned and during the summer they can be unpleasant.  Sometimes people try to kill  you, though that does not happen often.  You have to be willing to listen, willing to learn, willing to take orders and be willing to interact tactfully with people who don't particularly want to listen to you.  It is an entry level position so there is no actual EXPERIENCE required beyond a satisfactory history as a law-abiding citizen, though a stable work or school history before application is highly desirable and looks good.

Is it legal to carry a Fixed blade knife in California as long as it is visible and in a sheath ?

Asked by Chris about 10 years ago

Not exactly my field of expertise, I have never been a street cop.  My guess is that within the city limits it is a no-no and would be considered a weapon. 

In the show jail, I am appalled by the way excessive force is used on the prisoners for no reason. The women are the worst! How the hell do these officers get away with this sick misconduct!?

Asked by Infantry blue almost 11 years ago

I do not agree with your basic premise, so it is difficult for me to make a meaningful response to your question.

Once a inmate goes to the hole is the inmate allowed too still take their classes that are required in under to make parole??

Asked by jasmine about 10 years ago

I have never heard of a case when that was permitted.  Segregation is segregation.  There is some minimal programming within most Ad Seg units but this is normally restricted to things like yard and other court ordered programs.

At the beginning of the year I got a MIP misdemeanor down in Florida but paid the fines and got it expunged off of my record. About a week ago I got another one in Michigan. Would this count as my second offense?

Asked by Rob Parker over 10 years ago

I have no idea what an MIP is.  My GUESS is that the answer is no, especially if you are correct and the record was EXPUNGED.  typically misdemeanors don't go away simply because you paid the fine, but I am not tha familiar with the law in Florida, or for that matter Michigan.  Sorry I could not be helpful. 

What are your duties or responsibilities or your position? and skill and abilities required of a successful applicant

Asked by Ashlee over 9 years ago

Correctional Officer is an entry level position.  The principle skills you must have to GET the job are an adequate educational level, the ability to read and write decently and a satisfactory background.  Other skills you will be taught and develop as you go.  The general duties are to supervise and supply security / custody for prisoners. 

Should I take any action when it comes to my ex, my daughters father, he is selling pot and has a safe of guns and money and I don't want her going over there anymore?

Asked by lunav12 over 10 years ago

Not exactly my field of expertise.  If she lives with you and is a minor, you can and should have some control over her.  However, selling pot is semi-legal in California and have guns and money is not illegal (unless he is an ex-offender).  If, however, he is known ot have drugs and money in the house and is known to be a pot seller he is at increased risk of home invasion robbery.  You might be able to leverage her actions by threatening to turn him in if any of his conduct is illegal, but if she calls you on it and you do not carry through you might be in a worse position than before.  Also if she is still a minor and there is some joint custody you might be able to get CPS involved if you can assert the house is a dangerous environment for her, even if his conduct is not horribly illegal.  There are also safe firearms storeage laws in CA which might give you some leverage, if he is not obeying them.  Good luck with your situation.