Question for current Riverside Sheriff’s Office Correctional Employees:

[WISCH]

Hello everyone,

I’m a long time lurker, but not a frequent poster as you can tell from my extensive post count. After doing some research, I still have a question for current employees of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

I’m interested in employment with the RCD, and have over 3.5 years of employment as a correctional officer with the local Sheriff’s Department here in IL. After contacting Human Resources, I was informed that I would be qualified as a Correctional Deputy II due to my current employment and background. At the same time the HR representative asked me if I would be interested in also applying as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. I replied that I was more interested in working the jails, and to that she was quite receptive and excited to hear.

Now for my question(s)…After reading on the forums about the RSD, I noticed that there are both Correctional Officers, and Deputy Sheriffs that work the jail. Is Correctional Officer, or Correctional Deputy “as the RSD website calls it” the same position? And if so, are regular Deputy Sheriff’s assigned to the jail as a normal post? After looking at the pay scale, I noticed that the Deputy Sheriff position pays more than corrections. Now ultimately I am more interested in working the jails, but I would rather make the most amount of money doing so. I’m not interested in going to patrol, wouldn’t mind working the courts, but I do enjoy working corrections.

So from current employees, could you please let me know the differences (from a jail standard) between Deputy Sheriff, and Correctional Deputy if both actually work the jails.

Thanks in advance!

[SoCalSheriff]

Correctional Deputy and Correctional Officer are the same position. We refer to them as "C.D.'S"

A CDII can make decent money and will do all his or her time in the jails only. Currently, Correctional Deputy is NOT an armed position.

In the jails, a CD and a Deputy do the exact same job,(the exception being Deputies provide security during hospital and transportation runs), the Deputy just gets more $$.

Deputies usu. do about 1 1/2 -2 years in the jail before being sent to patrol for the FTO program. After you hit the street, the only reason you go back to the jail is because you re-classify to the CD position, or you get promoted (A lot of times you will see newely promoted Cpl's and Sgt's transfer back to the jails for a short stint, but not always.

I worked the Jail for 24 months prior to going to a patrol station. While I enjoyed my time in the jail, it wasn't what I signed up to do. I know several friends that enjoy the jails and have chosen to make a career out of it, including my wife. If you have any more qustions, feel free to ask or shoot me a PM.

[1tyme]

If you prefer custody you might want to consider CDCR as an option. I know they have a good benefits program and they maintain posts throughout the entire state.

RSO CD's, although primarily tasked with custody, have other options in assignments: Background investigator, academy cadre, hospital detail and logistics. You can also promote to Correctional Corporal, Correctional Sergeant, Correctional Lieutenant and even Correctional Captain. While in a correctional supervisory position you will have direct command over sworn staff as well, in most circumstances.

Sworn deputies are assigned to custody on a temporary basis and return only during promotions, discipline, retirement or other similar situations. I've been told that the difference between CD's and deputies was pronounced in years past but that friction has since subsided.

[Mike1904]

If your worried about the difference in pay don't be, with the amount of overtime that is usually available to correctional deputies you will make plenty of money. I know a correctional deputy who is making over 100 grand a year. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[WISCH]

I want to thank SoCalSheriff, 1tyme and Mike1904 for your input. Now for a few more questions from comments made:

Deputies usu. do about 1 1/2 -2 years in the jail before being sent to patrol for the FTO program. After you hit the street, the only reason you go back to the jail is because you re-classify to the CD position, or you get promoted (A lot of times you will see newly promoted Cpl's and Sgt's transfer back to the jails for a short stint, but not always.

If a Deputy Sheriff re-classifies to the position of CD, does he still keep his DS pay grade, or does he go to the CD pay grade? Also, are there long-term DS Corporals and Sergeants that work the jail, or do long term positions go to promoted CD’s?

If you prefer custody you might want to consider CDCR as an option. I know they have a good benefits program and they maintain posts throughout the entire state.
The CDCR was an option I was looking into, but with the state’s budget crisis, I thought a county job might be a little more secure. Especially in the Riverside County area which seems to have a more feasible cost of living.

Sworn deputies are assigned to custody on a temporary basis and return only during promotions, discipline, retirement or other similar situations. I've been told that the difference between CD's and deputies was pronounced in years past but that friction has since subsided.
I could see were friction could take place given that the CD’s and DS would be performing almost the same job tasks, but not being compensated for the same work. So can a DS realistically retire from Corrections without ever going to the road if he so chooses?

If you’re worried about the difference in pay don't be, with the amount of overtime that is usually available to correctional deputies you will make plenty of money. I know a correctional deputy who is making over 100 grand a year. Good luck in whatever you choose.
A healthy pay check is extremely important to me, and I’m not afraid of doing my share of overtime to get it. If however I could hold the classification of DS and still work the jails permanently, I would be in hog heaven. Same work, but more pay is something that I’m sure anyone can appreciate. Unless of course you’re on the other side of the pay-scale.

In addition to the above questions, is transferring from DS to CD and vice-versa just a simple departmental correspondence, or does it require “re-testing”? Also, how’s moral in the jail overall. From what HR told me, they’re planning on building a new jail, which in my book means a quick trip up seniority if a candidate gets hired at the right time.

Once again, thanks for all the answers and assistance. I hope these questions and information can help other candidates reading this site.

[SoCalSheriff]

Now for a few more questions from comments made:

If a Deputy Sheriff re-classifies to the position of CD, does he still keep his DS pay grade, or does he go to the CD pay grade? NO. They are re-classified to CD with the CD payscale.


Also, are there long-term DS Corporals and Sergeants that work the jail, or do long term positions go to promoted CD’s?
Depends on your definition of "Long term". After a promotion, the assignment is usually 2-3 years.

I could see were friction could take place given that the CD’s and DS would be performing almost the same job tasks, but not being compensated for the same work.
It's not nearly as bad as it used to be. Most DS with that attitude are new guys, and the senior CD's will quickly put them in their place....

So can a DS realistically retire from Corrections without ever going to the road if he so chooses? NO. A DS will push out to the FTO program eventually. If you fail FTO, usually you will have an opportunity to re-classify to a CD position.

A healthy pay check is extremely important to me, and I’m not afraid of doing my share of overtime to get it. If however I could hold the classification of DS and still work the jails permanently, I would be in hog heaven. Same work, but more pay is something that I’m sure anyone can appreciate. Unless of course you’re on the other side of the pay-scale. Realistically, not going to happen.

In addition to the above questions, is transferring from DS to CD and vice-versa just a simple departmental correspondence, or does it require “re-testing”?
From DS to CD, yes, just some inter departmental paperwork. From CD to DS, you will be required to complete an academy, to include the hiring process. But from friends that have done it, the process is a little more "streamlined."

Also, how’s moral in the jail overall. From what HR told me, they’re planning on building a new jail, which in my book means a quick trip up seniority if a candidate gets hired at the right time. It is what you make of it. I know CD's that are perfectly happy with their jobs. I know DS's that hate every minute of it because "its not what they signed up for..." They want to hit the road. I was somewhere in the middle. I learned a lot about inmate / dirtbag behavior that I am seeing now that I am on the streets.
Once again, thanks for all the answers and assistance. I hope these questions and information can help other candidates reading this site.

[Mike1904]

I would assume that cdcr would have no problem keeping new hires because of all the overtime they have to pay out to seasoned correctional officers. It would be alot cheaper to pay a new guy than those guys in overtime.

[WISCH]

SoCalSheriff,
Thanks for the quick response and all of the excellent information. Another question I came up with was job security, and Unions. Are CD’s covered by a union?


I would assume that cdcr would have no problem keeping new hires because of all the overtime they have to pay out to seasoned correctional officers. It would be alot cheaper to pay a new guy than those guys in overtime.

When the CDCR reopens there hiring process, I’m going to definitely take them into consideration if I’m not already afforded the opportunity with Riverside County.

[1tyme]

CD's are covered under the Riverside Sheriff's Association...They have the same coverage (3@50) as sworn personnel. I heard a rumor, about five years ago, that the department wanted to phase out the CD title and have the jail worked by sworn personnel. This would have meant that sworn deputies would be allowed to spend their careers working custody, like several other surrounding counties. Since the new administration, however, this idea seems to have gone by the wayside.

[siryessir]

Could a CD I make over $50k working overtime?

[SoCalSheriff]

Could a CD I make over $50k working overtime?


Yes. Very possible. I know CD's that are making 75K and they aren't living at the jail either....

[SoCalSheriff]

CD's are covered under the Riverside Sheriff's Association...They have the same coverage (3@50) as sworn personnel. I heard a rumor, about five years ago, that the department wanted to phase out the CD title and have the jail worked by sworn personnel. This would have meant that sworn deputies would be allowed to spend their careers working custody, like several other surrounding counties. Since the new administration, however, this idea seems to have gone by the wayside.

The talk I've been hearing was making the CD's covered under 830.5, and providing them with a "Sworn on Duty" status. That would erase the need for Sworn personell at the jail, making the entire system run and staffed by corrections only....

But I've been hearing that for almost 2 years, but still haven't seen anything...

[siryessir]

I took the assessment test for RSO, but only qualified for corrections deputy. I might go ahead and continue with the process if I know I can make over 50k a year.

[1tyme]

Don't quote me on this...I believe that when a CD graduates he / she ranks as CD I. After one year, I think it bumps up to CD II. If I remember correctly, the difference in pay is pretty significant. In addition, EVERY new public safety employee, with the exception of some laterals, pays their cut of CAL PERS for their first three years. Sorry for the reality check but I didn't want that to be a surprise...

[siryessir]

Sorry for the ignorance but what's CAL PERS?

[WPD954]

Sorry for the ignorance but what's CAL PERS?

California Public Employee Retirement System

[SoCalSheriff]

Don't quote me on this...I believe that when a CD graduates he / she ranks as CD I. After one year, I think it bumps up to CD II. If I remember correctly, the difference in pay is pretty significant. In addition, EVERY new public safety employee, with the exception of some laterals, pays their cut of CAL PERS for their first three years. Sorry for the reality check but I didn't want that to be a surprise...


I did qoute you, now what?;):D

Your right. As a CDI, I believe the strating pay is around 16 bucks an hour, 84 hours every two weeks. After 1 year, you write a memo for promotion to CDII. Your pay jumps to around 22 bucks an hour. Not too shabby considering the work you actually HAVE to do in the jail.

[WISCH]

The talk I've been hearing was making the CD's covered under 830.5, and providing them with a "Sworn on Duty" status. That would erase the need for Sworn personell at the jail, making the entire system run and staffed by corrections only....

But I've been hearing that for almost 2 years, but still haven't seen anything...
That makes a lot of sense, and is how our Sheriff Department operates. We cover all operations including transports, hospital details, etc, in an armed capacity.
I did qoute you, now what?;):D

Your right. As a CDI, I believe the strating pay is around 16 bucks an hour, 84 hours every two weeks. After 1 year, you write a memo for promotion to CDII. Your pay jumps to around 22 bucks an hour. Not too shabby considering the work you actually HAVE to do in the jail.

Thank goodness that I qualify for a CDII position right off the bat. A $6.00 difference an hour is huge IMHO.

[siryessir]

If a CD I wanted to could he/she work a 55 hour work week on a regular basis?

[SoCalSheriff]

As long as there is OT available, you can sign up for as much as you want.

Like anywhere, it has it's ups and downs. In the two years I was at the jails, there was about 6 months I was working 72 hours of OT every two weeks, ON TOP OF MY 84 REG HOURS. There was also a period that I was only working 12-24 hrs OT every two weeks. It goes up and down. The problems I saw were the guys that got used to the massive OT and began living on it, when it slowed down, they were in quite a bit of a hurt locker....