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

My bf has been locked up since june he gets out this month n has a sudden new charge for possesion of a substance but he says its fir an old case what does this mean?

Asked by Curious over 8 years ago

Hard to do this sort of thing by delayed-action remote control, but I will hazard a guess.  He has an old case for possession which they chose to not prosecute for at the time but now, for some reason, they are prosecuting it.  Maybe they have better info now and think it will stick.  Maybe they want to keep him in custody for something totally unrelated to the charges and it is just a stalling tactic.  It is completely kosher as long s they are within the statute of limitations.  You and he are gonna have to roll with it unless you have a good lawyer.

I like a co but I'm not sure I be good for his job. I have past and I would not want to wast are time if it going to be a issue. In my past I been to prison and in known but he don't work where I went and I not on paper. I meat him at Walmart .

Asked by Offinder chick about 9 years ago

As far as I know there is no LEGAL problem with a Correctional Officer getting involved with an ex-felon AS LONG AS THAT EX-FELON IS NO LONGER ON PROBATION OR PAROLE.  Also of course you would, for practical purposes, have to let him know about your past.  It would be a problem for access for firearms and ammunition, assuming he owns a gun.  You are (presumably) prohibited from possessing or having access to guns or ammunition.  Whether there would be some informal kickback against him, that is another question altogether.

I'm wanting to pursue a career in the DOC as some sort of counselor or case manager. I have two pen pals who are in different states than I, whom I've grown close to. Would I be allowed to work in the DOC while having those pen pals?

Asked by Lauren about 8 years ago

Each system has its own rules about such things.  As long as they are not actual relatives and you disclose the relationship I would be very much surprised if it would present any problem.

Are there cameras in prison parking lots? If so, does it cover the entire parking lot and enough to see license plates and faces? Just something I'd like to be aware of, I know many grocery stores do.

Asked by Mike over 8 years ago

The California prisons I am familiar with did not have outside surveillance on a routine basis when I retired nearly 13 years ago.  There is, however, no legal prohibition against doing so.  Were I setting up such as thing I would do it on the entrance road(s), which are usually very defined and limited.  You would get better utility for money spent that way. 

I'm currently going under the process of becoming a CO but my question is will I be disqualified due to the fact that my fiance is in prison . ?

Asked by tina over 8 years ago

Not in California.  Might in other jurisdictions.  Also you would almost certainly NOT be able to work in whatever facility your fiancé is locked up in as that is an obvious security issue.  If you fail to report the relationship and they find out about it later that could get you fired.

What is the most rewarding part as a CO?

Asked by Esmer about 8 years ago

General speaking (IMHO) people gravitate to this line of work because they are process oriented, the structure appeals to them.  Once in a while you get to do something that is THE RIGHT THING just because it is the right thing.  During the time I ran the reception center I had three new arrivals tell me "This is a screw-up.  I shouldn't be here."  All of them were telling the truth.  It would have gotten taken care of eventually but I got to fix it promptly because of the position I was in and because I choose to believe them at that point in the process.  It wasn't all rainbows and sunshine, but it was nice.

When I put money on my sons account, will it be taken for victim restitution? What it is inherited by my death? What are his chances to transfer to another state?

Asked by AlynsMom over 8 years ago

As far as #1 I used to know the answer to that, at least in California, but I don't any more.  I have been retired almost 13 years and I just don't remember.  I THINK the answer is NO but I wouldn't bet on that.  Your inheritance would have nothing to do with your son's status as a felon.  He is free to inherit property and to leave property to others.  Out of state transfer of prisoners are rare unless they have a case pending in the state they are transferred to.  They are not unheard of, but they are rare.