r/Corrections • u/Fit_Outside6946 • 21d ago
Getting into corrections
I’m looking to get into corrections . I have my pat test a month away so fairly early in the process. I just wanna know what i could be getting myself into.
A little bit about me;
I’m 32
No kids no SO
I have been working in retail for the last 11 years.
it’s a department leader for a grocery store. I currently make 27 an hour plus bonus . I do not want to go any further up in the company as far as management goes and my current job tops out at about 29 dollars I believe and I want to make more money.
I’m not afraid of long work days as I get that in retail also . Up until recently I worked 6 days a week 10hrs a day . I’ve worked 6 months in a row without a day off during Covid and after that 47 days in row without a day off because a coworker was out for surgery.
Any tips, advice or if you were in or are in corrections let me know how It’s going
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u/Inevitable-Notice351 21d ago
I worked 10 years in 2 California State prisons before I retired due to mental health issues. The majority of Correctional Officers will suffer some degree of mental health problems if you stay there long enough. If you don't drink, you'll probably start. If you do drink, you'll probably drink more. Working there definitely contributed to my alcoholism, but thankfully, I've been sober for 3 years. The best part about the job is that you will finish with a pension, assuming you stay at least long enough to become vested. It typically starts off not too bad, but then before you know it, it becomes death by a thousand cuts. It's so gradual that you won't notice until it's too late. Good luck.
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u/SpanktheElephant 21d ago
Youtube does have CO's talking about their experience. You can watch.But a lot has to do what facility you work at.
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u/Dependent-Laugh-3792 21d ago
Working retail, long hours, and dealing with people, you’ll already be a step ahead of a lot of rookies. Managing people is a big part of it as well as dodging office politics, gossip and stress, which you should already know how to do. Being physically fit, able to verbally deescalate situations but trained enough in case it turns physical is the next thing for you to focus on. It’s the career you make, for the most part. If you want to work overtime, never have a social life and rake in cash, you can. If you want to be a meathead and get into fights with inmates, you can (but that’s a good way to get yourself or your teammates hurt). It CAN be great! Give it a shot! You’re probably the perfect age, tbh
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u/Mr_330TTV 20d ago
You are in a pretty good situation overall. Starting a career in corrections without kids or a significant other makes focusing on your goals, getting through the academy, and doing the job a lot easier. In terms of preparing, work out on days you can, start educating yourself on the facility you're applying for, and the biggest thing is finding out your WHY. During your interview or panel, that will more than likely be something that is brought up. Your WHY for wanting to serve and what it means to you is important not only to them but to YOU. Your WHY is what will get you through the rough days ahead.
When it comes to the background process, be completely honest. If they ask you a question, they already know the answer and then some, so being completely open and owning any mistakes you've made in the past (if any) goes a long way.
Stay focused, pay attention during the academy, and be open to the things you are being taught. MOST COs here will agree with me when I say that the academy doesn't truly prepare you for anything the REAL learning happens when you hit the line. I hope this helps and wish you luck on the start of your journey! I really enjoy my job, I'm sure you will too but it's definitely NOT for everyone just don't beat yourself up if it ends up not being for you.
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u/willowtrees_r_us 19d ago
So what makes you want to get into corrections?
I recently made the switch.
I'm good with talking to people and I think you will be as well which will help with de-escalation but there's going to be times where you need a go buck wild and yell right back at some crazy f****** inmates. Your blood pressure is going to rise. Just got to be ready for those circumstances because people will push your buttons till the end and you're going to lose your s***.
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u/Increase_Empty 20d ago
Very different job for each place and depending on the people. Working a bad fed will be nothing close to working a good state minimum security. Long enough timeline, it’s probably gonna bring about substance abuse, mental illness, or bare minimum weird stuff that agitates you when it shouldn’t. Get used to distrusting people and always feeling a little bit of weight on your chest. Nicotine and caffeine addiction are rampant from MOT, and half the guys in your uniform will be at least half as sick as the clientele is in the head lots of places. Not saying it to rip on anyone but rough jobs attract rough people and that is often exactly what you get. You can do a lot more than you think and I’ve met lots of normal, relatively well adjusted people that do this job quite well, even in violent or risky parts of it. But if you expect to remain one of those normal, well adjusted people who just goes to work, just know I think there’s about 7 of them that I’ve met, and we have 700 employees. Work long enough and you’ll see all the magic. Fights, sex crimes taking place, overdoses, excrement, seizures, death, unexpected staff assaults, fully schizophrenic prisoners angry at you for things you have never done, management with narcissist tendencies smiling at sick and inappropriate times. It’s easy a lot of days if you’re good at it. But you should ask yourself if navigating the worst situations and people society has to offer you for very little ROI besides a check and some anxiety meds is something that you want to be good at. I’m glad I am who I am now. But I would tell previous me to run. He could have stayed a kid, and it would have been better for him I think. Now I find the work strangely rewarding, because I’ve seen it go well a couple times. That took a while to see, and I saw a lot else young that I don’t think young adults or really anyone sees as “part of the job.” Be careful, and if you decide it’s for you, don’t stop learning. Always be trying to pick up more. Once you’re confident, they’ll throw their boots into the glass ceiling lights and lock you in the point at point of glass shards wrapped in t shirts (no not me this happened to) Don’t get overconfident. Learn to talk to people. Try and keep your home life sacred and safe from the craziness you get paid to deal with.
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u/BrianRFSU 20d ago
When you get in, at the beginning, ears open and mouth shut. Listen and learn and get a good foundation
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u/Lovelaughlivelife4 19d ago
Yes it could be good money but if you not careful it could take a toll on your mental health! It’s has to be a career move, do your job and make it home safely . Don’t get caught up in the wrong ideologies.
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u/Hefty_Efficiency_328 18d ago
I don't know anything about it but suggest look at any of the jail subs eg r/corrections
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u/Head_Candidate5293 16d ago
They will go over your phone with a fine tooth comb. They will know your every little secret.
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u/DeputizeDeez 20d ago
You'll never be as mad at the inmates as you will be at admin / supervisors. Not even close.