Thinking about becoming a corrections officer

[roostersgt]

Why the hell would he leave the CHP academy half way through to start the CDCR academy?????? Did he really want to be a prison guard, more than a highway patrolman? That really boggles the mind. That's like leaving the NFL to go play college ball, or the Canadian League. I've never heard of anyone doing such a thing. Now, leaving CDCR employment and starting at a police, or sheriff's academy happens all the time. Never the other way around.

[QXSOUP]

Because he got a much better offer from CDC. My family is from the Sacto area. He was offered a spot at Folsom. The retirement is better as well I guess.

[roostersgt]

I get the whole location thing, but I'm pretty certain CHP makes more and has the same, if not better retirement benefits, plus he was "half way" through their academy already. I have relatives and many friends who work for both agencies.

[QXSOUP]

I asked him several times when he made the decision to jump ship if he was doing the right thing. He said that it what he wanted to do. I dunno what to think of it honestly.

[1CavScout]

I had a friend in the early 90's that got a job offer from Riverside SO and CDC (I don't think it was CDCR then) at the same time. He went with CDC because he could make a lot more money with OT. Not the route I would have went, but he went where the money was better. He got stuck out at Ironwood though which IMO would suck.

[cuchillo negro]

Why the hell would he leave the CHP academy half way through to start the CDCR academy?????? Did he really want to be a prison guard, more than a highway patrolman? That really boggles the mind. That's like leaving the NFL to go play college ball, or the Canadian League. I've never heard of anyone doing such a thing. Now, leaving CDCR employment and starting at a police, or sheriff's academy happens all the time. Never the other way around.

Maybe the thought of writing tickets and handling crashes all day did not appeal to him.

[cuchillo negro]

I had a friend in the early 90's that got a job offer from Riverside SO and CDC (I don't think it was CDCR then) at the same time. He went with CDC because he could make a lot more money with OT. Not the route I would have went, but he went where the money was better. He got stuck out at Ironwood though which IMO would suck.

I have quite of few buddies that went from CO's to parole agents and some are on the California fugitive apprehension teams which fall under the Office of Correctional Safety. They have the fun job of chasing down parolees at large. That is better gig than pushing a black and white. I know one that went SSU (Special Agent) and he deal with prison gangs. CDCR is not a bad gig once you get on with paroles or as a special agent.

[BadKitty]

If you go to county corrections and you decide to apply with CDCR you have to go through their academy. The state is the best option and once you get hired you can transfer after a year or two to where you want to go.

Yes, it is correct that the OP cannot lateral into CDCR from a county corrections gig. He'd have to start all over again. However, he will not be able to easily transfer from one location to another in "...a year or two to where you want to go". No. That won't happen easily at all - especially if he's trying to get to a highly sought after SoCal institution.

[Sam .223]

while the State jobs look better i think i'm going to stay where i'm at now, if i move its going to be out of state so i'll be looking at another academy anyway. i have the PAT in 2 weeks and i've been practicing the 1.5 mile run, and found out how not used to running i am. i still get it done in under 11 minutes though so its not to bad, wish my knees felt the same way.

[Sam .223]

just passed the PAT, barely thanks to runners knee in both knees. think its time to see a doctor, i had to run the 1.5 miles in knee braces which dramatically effected my running, the humidity didn't help either. I'm happy that test is passed though and onto the back ground packet and investigation.

[BoJackUSMC]

I went through cdcr process 4 years ago. ... they offered me pelican bay or ironwood... i said, "No thank you. "
It's almost impossible to get Chino, Lancaster, Norco, or any other local or close to city population prison without any connection. I am very happy with my current job.

[1CavScout]

I went through cdcr process 4 years ago. ... they offered me pelican bay or ironwood... i said, "No thank you. "
It's almost impossible to get Chino, Lancaster, Norco, or any other local or close to city population prison without any connection. I am very happy with my current job.

One of my friends picked Ironwood back in the 90's and lived in a trailer by himself on the Colorado River. He loved it, but he was a weird dude.

[Sam .223]

i got all my back ground packet done and returned so its a waiting game now, at least i have some time to recoup, i have to see a physical therapist for my knees for a few weeks. knee injuries suck.

[Sam .223]

Talked to the back ground investigator today and have an appointment for an interview on the 27th. I thought this process would take a little longer, but its moving pretty quickly.

[GoatLovin]

Talked to the back ground investigator today and have an appointment for an interview on the 27th. I thought this process would take a little longer, but its moving pretty quickly.

Be thankful. I report to the academy on Tuesday. Total time from first applying to the academy will be just over 20 months.

Clean background, prior service. No clue why it took so long.