Correctional Officers

[Riflelover]

I'm currently looking at applying for a private prison system and for the state prison system as a correctional officer. Is there anything I need to know about the job? I'm leaning towards prefering the state position if I end up getting a choice.

As a state correctional officer I noticed that it gives you a peace keeper status. What in particular does that mean? Is there any benefits with the state over the private company?

Also any negatives I need to conisder?

[C.W.M.V.]

Are they hiring?

[Riflelover]

Are they hiring?

The private firm will be hiring in the next month according to someone who does work with them. He also said that the state one hires frequently due to a high turnover rate. Not sure how accurate that part is.

[BigDogatPlay]

As a state correctional officer I noticed that it gives you a peace keeper status. What in particular does that mean? Is there any benefits with the state over the private company?

Peace officer status. As a correctional officer for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) you would be a peace officer 24/7, with CCW off duty so long as you qualify on the range. For the purposes of pay, union representation (CCPOA owns Sacramento), benefits and retirement that is beyond huge.

The state will almost certainly pay far and above over what a private company can or will.

Also any negatives I need to conisder?

Negatives. Let's see.... you go work inside a secure facility with all manner and type of felons who'd rather be anyplace else other than someplace with you watching them every minute of their lives. Many of whom haven't stopped capering since they were locked up. Oh yeah, and many of them hate each other with a purple passion and will do anything to hurt or kill their enemies. Or you.

Working in a prison as a correctional officer is, arguably, the hardest job in law enforcement. And I say that as a former street LEO who never had even an itch to go work behind those walls.

[desertdweller]

From what my neighbor told me, the high turnover for CDC is because either the pressure or the state shipping you somewhere crazy, like way northern CA or the desert.

He said after a couple of years and some seniority, you can get close to $100k/yr with benefits and overtime.

Peace Officer status means you are a "cop". Most officers only get it while they are working, but some can have it 24/7. CDC officers are able to apply and get easier a CCW, especially if they work special duty, like SHU - or a max or supermax prison like Pelican Bay.

[Riflelover]

I'm not too worried about applying for the ccw. As far as I know my county accepts self defense as a good cause.

The private facility is a medium security if that means anything important.

[foxracer151]

If u went state u would not need a CCW you would be covered under HR 218 better known as LEOSA .
If you worked for a private facility (CCA,GEO.....) you would have to get a CCW to carry.
TRY and get on state vs private. You are better protected by the dept, and much better pay.

It really isnt that bad as long as you have thick skin and can think on your feet.

[Tallship]

Peace officer status. As a correctional officer for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) you would be a peace officer 24/7, with CCW off duty so long as you qualify on the range.

Incorrect. CDCR officers fall under 830.5 PC which reads (bold added):

830.5. The following persons are peace officers whose authority
extends to any place in the state while engaged in the performance of
the duties of their respective employment and for the purpose of
carrying out the primary function of their employment or as required
under Sections 8597, 8598, and 8617 of the Government Code. Except as
specified in this section, these peace officers may carry firearms
only if authorized and under those terms and conditions specified by
their employing agency:

Prison guards are only engaged in their duties while at the prison, so they do not have 24/7 peace office status as in 830.3:

830.3. The following persons are peace officers whose authority
extends to any place in the state for the purpose of performing their
primary duty or when making an arrest pursuant to Section 836 as to
any public offense with respect to which there is immediate danger to
person or property, or of the escape of the perpetrator of that
offense, or pursuant to Section 8597 or 8598 of the Government Code.
These peace officers may carry firearms only if authorized and under
those terms and conditions as specified by their employing agencies:

[Bunyfofu69]

High Turnover for CO's is common. My old FTO was a prior CO. Had some good war stories. Cell Phone use is a biggie right now.

[BigDogatPlay]

Incorrect. CDCR officers fall under 830.5 PC which reads (bold added):

830.5. The following persons are peace officers whose authority
extends to any place in the state while engaged in the performance of
the duties of their respective employment and for the purpose of
carrying out the primary function of their employment or as required
under Sections 8597, 8598, and 8617 of the Government Code. Except as
specified in this section, these peace officers may carry firearms
only if authorized and under those terms and conditions specified by
their employing agency:

Prison guards are only engaged in their duties while at the prison, so they do not have 24/7 peace office status as in 830.3:

830.3. The following persons are peace officers whose authority
extends to any place in the state for the purpose of performing their
primary duty or when making an arrest pursuant to Section 836 as to
any public offense with respect to which there is immediate danger to
person or property, or of the escape of the perpetrator of that
offense, or pursuant to Section 8597 or 8598 of the Government Code.
These peace officers may carry firearms only if authorized and under
those terms and conditions as specified by their employing agencies:

Well yes and no. You're arguing apples and oranges here to some degree. 830.3 is the section that covers many state level criminal investigators and other state classifications. Roles are wholly separate from that of a correctional officer. I'd also note that the first classification listed under 8305 is "parole agent" and I'd argue they are a lot more active outside the prison's walls than within.

Regardless of the qualification clause you bolded, the correctional officers peace officer status does not end when he leaves the prison grounds. While his authority to take peace officer action may be limited, he is still a peace officer and may concealed carry a firearm under agency policy. I know a number of correctional officers and a parole agent or two and they are all peace officers at all times.

[dougtoni]

Tallship had it right. Being a C/O, you are a part time peace officer. Basically when you are on the job, you are a peace officer. Off duty, you are a private citizen who has a CCW. You are required to pull people over, stop a crime or get physical unless you need to.The CCW actually let's you carry up to three guns at once, as long as you quaifiy with them. It is one of the precks. You don't havee to apply for them. Once you are sworn in at graduation, you are CCW quailified. The benies are great, the pay us to be great. Until furloughs. Hopefully your retirement won't get touched. Who know with the state anymore. Hope this helps.

[BigKevLA]

State is the way to go. Don't you want a nice fat retirement one day?

[Riflelover]

Thanks all for the info. I really want to do state so I can tell everyone I'm part of the problem instead of the solution. Actually thats something that kinda bugs me. I dont want to be part of the problem in our budget. I suppose it doesnt really matter, if I dont do it im sure someone else will.

[SF-Glockster]

I work for a private company, the GEO group. Pay sucks balls. I have my full POST. Waiting to get picked up
somewhere. Go the state route.

[Riflelover]

Will going into a private jail help my chances for when I apply for the state level? Or is it a better idea just to stay away from private ones all together?