r/Corrections

How common is sexual harassment by superiors? How do you/have you personally navigate/d this if it’s something you’ve experienced and successfully gotten to the other side of? Have you been successful or shunned after reporting it? How do you cope with it if dealing with it is a requisite part of the job? Have you been able to promote in spite of it?

I’m very interested in a career in corrections for various reasons however this is the thing I feel the most anxiety about. I’d really appreciate anyone who was willing to answer this honestly because I want to be the most prepared emotionally for what I’m really facing with respect to this situation.

Naturally, what I hope is that it’s not common but I hope that anyone who has had these experiences feels comfortable to be forthcoming about them. It is much appreciated.

For those looking to ENTER corrections....this will answer MANY of your questions... Watch and learn...

Anthony is a LT in NJDOC and Russ is a retired Sergeant from CDCR and worked at the world famous San Quentin!

Hello everyone! i recently landed an interview to be a potential correctional records officer at my local sheriffs office, and i was wondering what was anyone else’s experience like for the interview process. They told me in an email that it’ll be a “panel interview” and that alone has me very nervous as i’ve never been interviewed by more than one person at once. I only have a history of working in retail and food for very short periods of time but despite letting them know that when i filled out my personal history statement, they still decided to set me up for an interview. I’m getting older now and with getting older comes with responsibilities. I’m tired of working in food and retail and i am ready to settle down and find a career in an administrative setting. So if anyone could give me a heads up of what to expect for the interview, it would be very appreciated!

Basically I currently work for my public works, benefits pension etc. But for whatever reason being a deputy correction officer for the sheriff office intrigues me for a couple reasons. One I’ll be able to make six figures and it’s a higher paying scale then my current job and two I’ve always been interested in some sort of law enforcement. The problem is I do enjoy my job now and where I live is a small town with not a lot of options year round. I have this paranoia that if I take the jump to corrections I won’t like it and I won’t be able to go back to my old job because full time spots get filled with my current job pretty quick. Someone help me make a decision lol

My bike was stolen from outside my place in Middletown, NY and I have already filed a police report I am feeling stressed and not sure what to expect next

In a situation like this should I be contacting a criminal lawyer or criminal defense attorney or is it something the police handle completely?

Any advice or similar experiences would really help. Thanks.

You read that right. Again. To preface, I've worked corrections before from 2009-2015 until I went for a CDL job instead. Around 2024, I decided to take a break from trucking due to mental anguish and nearly ending up in prison due to the dumb idiots that I encountered that year. I also decided to return due to needing to be home for my ailing mother and my spouse as well, so being 2000 miles away was not good. I accepted this job in November of 2024 as they called me while I was on my way home from being laid off. I took their assessment, got an interview and passed with flying colors. I was then hired and started immediately. I even survived on barely enough to get by until I went to our jail academy and received our pay raise. As of now, I've been here a year and a half and today is my final day with this agency as a whole. I'm actually depressed to be honest, because I've met some interesting people here and even helped rehabilitate a few inmates that I still see even now and they've left jail and become successful men after leaving the criminal life behind. I know I can do more here, but the reasons I'm departing will be listed below.

1. It's not about rehabilitation. As I mentioned, I've had some of my inmates depart from my facility and are doing well. In my time here, I've even mentored a few of the 17 year olds that we would inevitably receive. I've gotten in trouble for this as they feel like we were "forming" a relationship. The prime example was when I had a young man who was looking at 20 years for his charges. It was 11:00 at night and he was restless. He asked me if he could pick my brain as I'd worked State Prison before (TDCJ, see above) and I obliged. He wanted to know what he could do to make is time go on and be easier. I then explained to him the different programs he could get into and even earn some certifications. As one could guess, I got in so much trouble for this as I mentioned before. Another was an officer who would come in and bring a cease to the peace as soon as he hit the floor. I literally had to stop an inmate from beating the snot out of him at 7 in the morning. Thankfully, he listened to me as he could've easily beaten me down just to get to him. This wasn't the only time. He also riled up that same cell block and sent four inmates packing after he put his hands on one of them. When asked by a supervisor what I'd witnessed, I stuck to facts, but those inmates were still penalized over that. It's not about rehabilitation at all. Before I'm judged, I get the whole "inmates are not your friends" rhetoric. They still have rights and we can be in violation of penal codes if we violate them.
2. Your co-workers are your biggest obstacle. I've always believed this and it goes without saying. I've had co-workers throw me under the bus when I had no idea what was happening. I've had to walk into a cell block and calm the inmates because the officer previous had mistreated them. I can remember when I had to stay until midnight after being on the job since 6:45 that morning because people refused to come to work due to the annual carnival in town. I still had to return the same day off if two hours of sleep. Also, I sure as hell don't remember getting extra pay for that either. I also don't believe in "clique" culture and have always been a loner. Betrayal is rampant and I've been put in danger multiple times because of them. They're also the reason that administration comes down on all of us who actually do our jobs.
3. Constant targeting. My favorite part. In this short 1.5 years, I've noticed how they always seem to on my case about something. Be it me trying to keep inmates sane (see above), walking on my cell block, while trying to attempt to catch me doing something while I'm keeping peace on my assigned unit or just constantly targeting cameras where I'm working in order to watch everything I'm doing/supposedly not doing. I've told the under no uncertain circumstances that I felt I was being harassed. I can rememeber when they decided to run a fire drill at 10:30 at night (lights out) and watched on my block as it was disaster. It was like trying to move cattle in that dorm while I had over 40 people I had to get out of bed, two in the shower that I told to stay due to there being a possible slip/fall hazard due to the water and one who refused to get out of the bed and enter the gym. I was then called to the office and dressed down like I wasn't stressed enough about that situation. When I was clocking out to go home, I was held back and given a level 1 disciplinary over that episode. I was pissed off.
4. My mental health. If you stayed long enough for this, thank you. I'd recently decided to stop swearing and taking better care of my health due to four previous heart attacks in my early 20's and mid-30's. So I don't get loud with the inmates as there is no reason to run my blood pressure up when I can handle their guff in other ways. About two work cycles ago, I finally cracked. I was called on my block yet again for something so simple. By then, I'd had all that I could stomach that day. When the end of the day came, I had two inmates decide to horseplay which is a huge offense in our agency as it usually leads to fighting. I was on the phone with my wife and she heard me let off about 16 f-bombs after I'd sworn off cursing due to trying to reconnect with God. This is when I knew it was time. It also didn't help that I would go home and eat ibuprofen like candy due to the stress and headaches from situations like I mentioned. I put my resignation in last Thursday.

Before anyone who reads this starts trying to shoot me down over my reasons, understand something. When I did the 5 year stint for TDCJ, I was just the same as I am now. I treated the inmates with respect and about 75%-80% of the time, they returned it. My previous supervisors in the first years appreciated the fact that I could about go an entire night that didn't involve anyone fighting, me being injured or someone dead. In this agency, I've handled emergency situations without it sounding like Little Boy dropped in Japan again and even saved a few lives in the process due to medical conditions. As I write this, my heart is heavy due to the fact that I really love this job. I just can't put up with this malarkey any longer. If you have questions be it the good, the bad or even the ugly, feel free to ask.

I recently interviewed for an entry-level Correctional Officer position and received a conditional offer pending a drug screen and background check.

During the interview, I was upfront about having a misdemeanor that is eligible for expungement next year. The lieutenant told me they have hired people with more serious records, so I’m hopeful it won’t be a major issue. My record has limited some employment opportunities, so this may be one of the best options available to me right now.

A little about me: I’m a veteran, around 275 lbs, and I work out 3–4 times per week. I also hold a bachelor’s degree, an MS, and an MBA, all in business-related fields. They asked for my transcripts and DD-214 during the interview, which makes me think there may be opportunities for advancement once I get my foot in the door.

I completed a one-hour shadow and felt comfortable with the environment. Most of what I observed involved monitoring inmates, supervising movement, and maintaining security. While I understand corrections can be dangerous and mentally demanding, the role seemed manageable based on what I saw.

What appeals to me about this opportunity:

* Stable government employment

* Competitive pay and benefits

* Potential student loan forgiveness

* Pension and retirement benefits

* Opportunities to move into case management, probation/parole, or other state roles

My main concerns:

* Mental stress, burnout, and work-life balance

* Safety and the risk of violence

* A 45-minute to 1-hour commute each way

* Long shifts that could reduce family time significantly

I’m not afraid of confrontation if it happens, but I want to be realistic about the dangers and long-term impact of this career.

For current or former correctional officers:

* Was the job worth it for you?

* How dangerous is the job in reality?

* How does the mental stress compare to the physical risk?

* Is corrections a good stepping stone to other careers?

* Are state prisons more dangerous than county jails or federal prisons?

* Which system (state, county, or federal) offers the best pay, safety, and opportunities for advancement?

* Would you accept this opportunity if you were in my situation?

I’d really appreciate any honest advice or personal experiences before I make my final decision.

Does such a thing exist? I’m lost in life and wondering what to do for a job. I’m a long time lurker and it seems like this job sucks the soul out of many. I understand they have mandatory OT often. I’m wondering if any places offer part time positions say 2-3 days a week?

I'm newer to Reddit, and normally don’t post much, but I know a lot of people in Corrections might want a change of scenery that actually pay enough to live comfortably, have benefits, and want an easier time in this field.

I’ve worked for Alaska DOC for 14 years now, and while corrections definitely isn’t for everybody, it’s honestly given me a life I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise. Alaska DOC inmates are FAR easier to manage then the lower 48. Just the seclusion of some areas makes it different. My current prison is 300 + and its been extremely low stress but i guess it depends where you work. Corrections can be stressful, frustrating, and exhausting at times, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. You deal with difficult people, staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, and situations most people never see. Some days absolutely test your patience and mental strength.

But at the same time, it’s one of the few jobs where you can come in with no degree, work hard, and realistically build a solid middle to high-class life in Alaska. The overtime opportunities are there if you want them, the benefits are good, retirement is above average (possible pension incoming) and there’s a real sense of teamwork when you have a good crew around you. A lot of people don’t realize how much corrections teaches you about communication, confidence, staying calm under pressure, and handling conflict.

Some of the actual benefits people ask about:

• State medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement/pension system
• Paid leave and sick leave accrual
• Overtime opportunities/ recent Double Time pay/ NO Cola
• Shift differentials and geographic pay in some locations
• Job stability and strong union protection
• Opportunities to promote or move into specialized positions
• Ability to make a strong income without a college degree (I made 184k)

I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that the job is just “babysitting inmates.” It’s really not. A huge part of the job is professionalism, problem solving, communication, and keeping situations under control before they become dangerous. Some people end up loving the structure and purpose that comes with it. Lots of ex military really excel with this job.

I’m not trying to sell people a fantasy or anything. There are hard days. There are days you’ll be tired of the politics, tired of the overtime, and tired of dealing with people at their worst. But there are also people making a genuinely good living, supporting families, buying homes, traveling, and setting themselves up financially because of this career. My week on and off schedule is great with tons of traveling and vacations involved not many jobs could offer. The available overtime seriously helps your goals. I make more than some friends with bachelors degrees since they are straight salary.

If you’re someone who loves the outdoors/ hunting/fishing, and can handle stress, stay professional, and wants a career with stability and opportunity, it might honestly be worth looking into. I've already gotten 2 Arizona CO's and 1 North Carolina CO to come over and they cant believe the difference in pay and stress. Just trying to help out others if i can. If anyone has questions about the job itself, feel free to ask. I’ll give you the real answers, not bullshit.

https://joinakdoc.com/

Hey guys, I'm a 21-year-old graduating from Michigan State University within the next 3 months. I'm graduating with a bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Psychology and looking to start my career in corrections, with the hope of pursuing my master's with tuition reimbursement further down the road. I don't know where my career will take me, but I do know I have a strong interest in helping people post-release. My interest in this line of work started after taking the Inside-Out Programs course, which I was selected to participate in through my university. I'd appreciate advice from people working in this field. My partner is starting med school next fall, so we anticipate several moves for med school and residency, which will affect my job options. Because frequent department changes aren't ideal for applications, I'm planning to wait to apply to state departments until we know our “long-term” location. During my gap year, what are the best steps I can take to strengthen my application for corrections work? Should I pursue certifications like CPR, first aid, or mental health first aid? Would volunteering in relevant organizations improve my profile? What other actions would you recommend to help me stand out in this field?

I want to be very clear and careful here because I know some of us have heard of or been around the job long enough to know someone who was a CO/Probation Officer/Detention Deputy who was caught or investigated for misconduct or bringing in contraband for inmates or former inmates. Have any of you been suspicious of this happening with a coworker, or have know someone who was indicted for this? Do you know how it started? Do you know how they got away with it? Please don't put your or their personal information out there (I want everyone safe). I'm sure anyone can look up any state and find stories, but I want to know if you have had this happen during your time. I personally was around for a nurse who started a relationship with an inmate and was fired, I know not contraband, but that also is easy to do. I hope this finds you all well! Stay safe, my friends.

Just wanted to ask about getting into corrections. Do I need to go back to college or do I just apply. Also how should I prepare myself

I heard someone say that their aunt is a corrections officer and she said like 90% of the inmates are having sex with each other. Is that true? Or what percent would you say at your facility?