CDCR Officers

[Watchur6]

This is a question for active correctional officers with CDCR. How does your dept. Look as far as layoffs? I am currently employed by a local probation dept. And have 4 years senority. Im about to start the hiring process with CDCR but I would like to know if its worth leaving my 4 years senority. I would really like to leave my dept. But my partners keep telling me its a very risky move. I don't want to end up jobless if CDCR does layoffs after I get hired(if I even get hired). Just looking for a little insight. Thanks for the help.

[RacinK6]

Why would you want to go work in inside the prison? I got 12years of working in the prison and most I know including my self are going back to school to get into probation or the streets. Now that Jerry Brown is in office I dont think you have anything to worry about as far as layoffs. He loves CDCR. If your wanting to get out of your department trying looking into state paroles.

[jayhuh]

A couple of other investigators I used to work at another agency a few years ago with went to CDCR as special agents and one I believe went to parole. They all got a huge pay increase and I haven't heard that they are looking at layoffs.

One thing to keep in mind though, in case of cutbacks is, last hired, first fired. In the States case, I believe if you have made probation (one year) they put you on an excess list so to speak (SROA?) and you get preference at spots in other agencies.

Personally, I'd say that if you have a job you enjoy, stay put until things settle down and see what happens with Brown and the budget.

[stphnman20]

"Why would anyone work in a human zoo?" quoted by my friend who is a LASD office. lol. He loved it at first but after a while he just got bored. He's not leaving, he just can't wait to start working the streets.

[Watchur6]

I currently work in a juvenile instituion in graveyard shift and there's no getting out of it for a couple of years or unless I leave. Im greatful for my job but I really want to get out in the field. I figured CDCR might be he better way to go since they continue to have parole agent academies. We stopped our probation officer academies and there's no classes scheduled anytime soon. Im just lookingfor an alternative. I appreciate the advise and input.

[CaptMike]

I work for the largest Probation Dept. In the country. I have had several friends leave to go to CDCR Parole. They all love it but they don't know where the state is headed fiscally. They left with the understanding that if they were DQ'ed from Parole Academy, they would not be offered positions back in our Dept. It is a risk that they took and so far they are doing great. The concern in the back of their minds is if the State continues to tank, then the last hired are the first fired. I would personally wait a little longer to see how Jerry is going to clean up this mess.

[antonio]

Watchur6 Sounds like you work for Sac County Probation

[formulad97]

Watchur6, when I went through the academy and graduated , along with my badge was a surplus letter( AKA pink slip) It scared the crap out of me. But after being in the department for 8 years and have promoted once , I have realized there will always be a need for new officers. Officers retire, medically retire, transfer to different departments , and promote. Don't worry about getting laid off. You will most likely double your current salary , whether you want to or not. Best part is , if your not divorced or an alchole

[formulad97]

(I hate my i touch). If your not divorced or an alcoholic , you will be. Yea

[beerbudget]

I agree with LtMike70. Wait and see what Jerry does. Start the process. It can take a while. By the time you are offered something, the mess should be worked out or at least headed in one direction or the other.

[Bizcuits]

I applied with CDCR back in late 06. I made it all the way through only to have Arnold freeze hiring on me right before the Academy. I've spent the last year going through the entire hiring process again, just like before I've cleared every single step along the way. I'm waiting for my psych appointment and then I'll be done and eligible for hire for the second time in a little over four years...

My point? Apply, by the time you get around to actually having a job offer things may have changed for the good or the bad. What's the worst that will happen? You say no to their job offer?

[pulserifle99]

I've been an officer with CDCR for 3 years now and I like it. The job itself does not lend to a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, because most of the programs that were run today will be ran again tomorrow, but the pay is nice. As far as beinng divorced or an alcoholic, the job is what you make it, if you run around and play high school you will probably get in some trouble. But if you do your eight and hit the gate and stay focused on your real goals, all will be well.

I highly doubt there will be layoffs because most prisons are short on custody staff as it is, and that results in forced overtime ( I get at least 1 forced OT every month and around December it's 2!!! LOL they force money into your pockets!). The academy has not been putting out a lot of new officers, so if I were you, I'd start the process as soon as possible even if later you decide not to take a position.