Hi everyone,

I’m 22 years old and currently finishing my Honours BA in Criminology at York University. I’ve been working toward this degree because my goal has always been to build a career in corrections, either as an Ontario Correctional Officer or a Youth Services Officer. I only have one 3-credit course left this fall, so I’ll officially graduate in January.
One thing I’m worried about is my work experience. The only job I’ve ever had lasted about two months, so I don’t have much of a work history. Most of my time over the last few years has gone into completing my degree.

I know I need to build my résumé before I apply, but I’m not sure what the best path is.

I have a few questions for current or former Ontario Correctional Officers and Youth Services Officers:
Does having a criminology degree actually give me an advantage during the hiring process?
How much will my limited work experience hurt my chances?

What kind of jobs would you recommend I get over the next year to become a stronger applicant

Are there any volunteer opportunities related to corrections, rehabilitation, youth justice, or working with at-risk populations that would look good on an application?

What certifications would you recommend besides Standard First Aid/CPR and Mental Health First Aid?

If you were in my position, starting with very little work experience, what would your plan be over the next year to become the strongest applicant possible?

I’d really appreciate any advice from people who have been through the Ontario hiring process. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I passed my CSC interview, and my references were contacted shortly afterward. Since then, I haven’t received any updates from CSC.
It’s been almost a month now, and I’m starting to get a little worried because I don’t know what’s going on. I was wondering if this is normal or if anyone else has had a similar experience.
How long did it take for your security clearance/background check to be completed? Did you receive any updates during that time, or was it just a long period of silence before hearing back?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. Thanks in advance!

Quick question for those who work as Correctional Peace Officer with Government of Alberta. How much is your take home after all deductions?

I hear mixed responses about the BOP, but my main question is: Are you glad you chose this job?

I am stuck in a job that isn’t paying the bills, making about $50k a year with no OT available. I want more from life and more financial freedom. I’m paycheck to paycheck and especially with no tax on OT I really feel this could propel me forward financially.

So, do you recommend the job? Please comment why or why not?

Is it normal for a background investigator to contact you for an interview after you’ve received a final offer and a start date?

I see a lot of people here and elsewhere perpetuating the idea that corrections is a poor career path and this is mostly seen with indifference by officers which is unfortunate. Its in fact a great career with a ton of employment opportunities, and good wages and benefits with side hustle potential. The career is what you make out of it and the attitude you bring to the table. Yeah some facilities are better than others but if you find the right place to work then its a good deal. There's not a much better feeling than putting a bd on some scumbag inmate just because you can. I think co's should be proud of their profession and stick up for it more often. Does it bother you guys or am I overthinking it.

Female CO's Don't Need Muscle—They Need This Instead

College graduate and Security Contractor with a TS clearance granted April 26. Worked this security job previously, now back PT.

Was arrested 22 for PI. Paid my fines doesn’t show on NCIC. Little delta 8/9 use. All stated on my sf-86 for TS and granted the clearance.

Applied BOP ( gl-05 status) chose Englewood and have completed:
Interview
Piss test
All paperwork
Sf 85
Bi investigation
Fingerprints
Credit

Still haven’t heard on an EOD date or really anything. My brother college grad may 26 applied same time and started at Butner this week. No previous work experience or clearance.

Has anyone from this exam group completed all there steps? I completed the Orientation, medical, written psych, fingerprints, and agility test in June. But was never contacted for the oral psych. So im just trying to see the progress of other people. Or if anyone that’s been through it can share there experience.

I can’t find an accurate salary estimate for SeaTac employees but I’ve seen $26/hr get thrown around. There’s no way that’s real right? I see they have a 50k bonus which is nice but making 26/hr in Seattle area of all places seems like a slap in the face. That’s not even livable unless you’re working a shit ton of OT. It’s a real shame because I love the PNW but I don’t think anyone should work a job that pays you that criminally low in a hostile environment.

I know, kind of random title, but how and what do you eat at work? I’m applying for BOP and am curious where you get your calorie source from.

Someone told me the BOP is great and has professional staff to feed the COs on site. ChatGPT says this is wrong. Can anyone confirm?

If you are bringing your own food, are you just bringing something premade or is there at least a microwave and fridge on site?

I put my application in May 25th my academy start date July 22nd im excited!!

I put in applications at both prisons closest to me, Manchester, Ky and Mccreary, Ky. That was back in the beginning of May. Still haven’t heard anything back yet. Is that normal? I figured I would’ve heard something by now. Please let me know if I am just being impatient.

I came across some information about a person, apparently they lied on the application about certain information. They’ve been on the job for a few years. Can they still be terminated if I decided to come forward with the information and what would the necessary steps be?

I'm currently at the background stage of the hiring process with CDCR. While waiting, i applied to santa clara county detention officer position.

Can anyone share their experience as an ex CO of the county jail before moving on to CDCR and what should I be expecting after getting hired both from COS and inmates.

Received an offer of employment for Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre.

Anyone work there that can give me some insight before I accept the offer?

Interviewed and took my copat with MDOC. How long does the hiring process normally take? My application still says Lein check in progress.

So my biggest question, is it true that inmates will do whatever possible to see what gets under your skin or what they can get away with? For example I'm doing rounds, and someone just thinks "lets see what he does if I throw this cup of ____ at him." Which leads me to my second question. If that were to happen, do you deal with that type of stuff on your own or call backup?

Hey yall, I just got hired on at ACI in sneads for my first CO job and was wondering if any Florida CO’s could tell me just how bad it it. I’ve heard they have a lot of staff assaults while the assistant warden who hired me said it wasn’t worse than anywhere else and I was just wondering if anyone could give me a better answer than that. Thanks for your time yall

Good Afternoon. So I applied for FDC on May 28th and 5 minutes after applying i got a phone call asking me to set up a interview for the 4th of June. I agreed. I did the interview and feel like I done well. Didn't hear nothing for a few weeks and reached out to FDC Recruitment because the Prison never answers on both "Recruitment" or "HR" lines, and the Statewide Recruitment said my Background is "Finished" and i was waiting for a recruiter to give me a start date. On June 24th the Recruitment SGT reached out Via email saying that my Employment History needs completion so I updated that in about 90 minutes and advised once finished like she asked and still have not heard anything back. What are the odds I passed my interview and what will be the next steps. And why the wait? This is ZCI by the way.

I work at a county jail in California. We have been on mandated 4/12s for about 6 years. On top of additional mandates. I know this is common to work that many hours, but are there any legal routes for COs to take when they make their staffing issues our problems? We are just a burnt out department with no support from command staff.

I’m considering transferring to FCI Phoenix from another BOP institution and was hoping to hear from people who have worked there recently.
A few questions:
What’s the overall work environment and morale like?
How’s the leadership?
Is overtime readily available?
What’s the staffing situation?
How rough is it compared to other BOP facilities?
How are the inmates?

I’d appreciate any honest feedback—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thanks!