Topic: Security Central / Transport security

Officer safety is paramount. If a medical trip can’t be done safely, it should not be done at all. Have a doctor make a house call. There really is no exuse for an agency in the United States to not have enough manpower and/or finanacial means to ensure public and officer safety.

Topic: The Club House / Answering interview questions

Be honest and be normal. Don’t wear a military uniform, don’t stand at attention and yell Semper Fi, don’t talk like a robot, and remember, the inmates are not the “enemy” and you do not engage them or eliminate them. Smile, and show that you are firm, but you are human. I have been a CO now for two agencies, and believe me, if you have a law abiding past, good work history, no substance or alcohol problems, and you are able to perform, mentally and physically you should be alright. Some agencies give more authority and duties than others. Some want you to stand around for 8 hours and open doors and relay information, others may have you make arrests, write reports, go hands-on, transport, deal with the public, testify in court, enforce laws and policy, counsel inmates, learn and use several tools for use of force, and the list goes on. Good luck.

Topic: The Club House / Swap Patches?

I don’t believe swapping patches can lead to an escape risk. Lazy staff, stupid staff, old and outdated facilities, under staffing, overcrowding, and one lucky inmate lead to escapes.

Topic: The Club House / Public or Private?

With the crime rate on the rise, the thousands of people sneaking across the border everyday, and so many companies leaving the country to get cheap labor, corrections may be the most available and prosperous job in the near future other than Wal-Mart. Private prisons seem to set up shop in remote areas that don’t have much else to offer, in terms of employment. Unfortunately, private prisons pay poorly compared to most government prison systems, I don’t think they have any labor union protection, I don’t think they have very good retirement and medical benefits. I have heard the training is next to nothing and like the BOP, the officers do not carry or train with chemical agents, batons, and other useful tools to protect staff and control inmates. It’s dangerous work and I would not do it for low pay and poor benefits. My hats off to those that can deal with so much for so little.

Topic: The Club House / Swap Patches?

You can find many patches for sale on the internet, including big name auction sites. Hopefully, your agencies have many safeguards to protect against escape or unlawful entries. A set of patches and an illegally pieced together uniform should not allow a person into a decently run institutions parking lot, let alone an escape. I don’t even think a private for-profit prison could allow that to happen.