Decision time...

[gunsite45]

I was a cop in florida for a few years back about 11 yrs ago.

My situation is I'm in the process of a career change (was a self employed Home Inspector/General Contractor in NC for a few years) after our move back into Florida.

My wife is a software engineer and is now able to work from home with the newborn. Her job pays well, but the healthcare is horrible and her job can be in danger with the layoffs that are happening.

I know corrections is probably a VERY stable career. If you go to the state jobs website there are about 10 times more corrections jobs than any other discipline/field...something like 5 pages worth. Obviously, they are having a hard time finding help.
I am also thinking the healthcare is pretty good. Not sure if it is the same as when I worked in public service, but I remember having really good coverage.

This job would be extra money, provide my family with decent healthcare, and be very stable for when/if my wife were to lose her job.

Here in Florida, you can get in as a corrections officer trainee where they will pay for your academy. Pay rate is around 13/hr as a trainee.
This is what appeals to me, as I really do not want to pay my way thru an academy.
I could also take the extra necessary classes (probably at my own cost/time) to get dual certified for police officer and work that part time on the side if I want.

So, what do you guys think about my reasoning here? Is what I have said or thought about the job true?
Any comments/suggestions?

thanks ahead of time.
matt

[Iowa #1603]

I was a cop in florida for a few years back about 11 yrs ago.

Police work is a good partner to Corrections-----------I've done both and while they are similar they are not the same........T


I know corrections is probably a VERY stable career. If you go to the state jobs website there are about 10 times more corrections jobs than any other discipline/field...something like 5 pages worth. Obviously, they are having a hard time finding help.
I am also thinking the healthcare is pretty good. Not sure if it is the same as when I worked in public service, but I remember having really good coverage.


True---- Corrections is a stable career, but that is not why the state job website has more CO jobs than any other field-------------its because the people don't stay. Its not so much finding officers as keeping them on the job.

The job security and benefits as well as in most areas the pay is usu sally above average for the entry level applicant.-----Recruitment and the hiring process is normally a bit less stringent than the hiring process for a LEO so some gravitate to Corrections-----------------

Then after working in the jail/prison for a while, they realize that working with the worst of society day after day can get to you fast.


I could also take the extra necessary classes (probably at my own cost/time) to get dual certified for police officer and work that part time on the side if I want.

So, what do you guys think about my reasoning here? Is what I have said or thought about the job true?
Any comments/suggestions?


For the most part your reasoning is solid. Corrections can be a good career as long as you are willing to work shifts with crap hours with crap days off and crap vacations for the first 5 yrs. Those will get better as your seniority builds. Corrections has provided a very good living for my family and for the most part I have enjoyed the work I have done-----for the most part.

Almost everyone I have heard comment about Florida states to stay away from the state DOC and go with county corrections--------------I personally don't know the answer to why --------------but when I hear it from enough different posters----------I tend to give it a little more credence.

After the years I have put in ----------I wouldn't tell anyone NOT to join the field-----------as long as they come in with their eyes WIDE open.

Good luck in both making your decision AND in the career if you choose to join up.

[gunsite45]

Thanks Iowa for the info.
Think I'll go ahead and start the app process now. Who knows, if after a couple of years I cannot stand it, I could move into law enforcement full time.

Thanks again for the advice.
matt

[sgt809]

gunsite ,
Having done both also, I would not discourage you at all. GO for it. There is nothing nicer than a stable check at the end of the day, and like you said, you can always dual certify and go back to the streets if it is not your gig. Good luck!

[TCSO Youngster]

Man im 18 and I love it. Like Iowa said alot of people love County and dont like the state doc much. The only thing that bothers me is the fact that i get @#%^ for being 18 o ther than that I love it here

[gunsite45]

Man im 18 and I love it. Like Iowa said alot of people love County and dont like the state doc much. The only thing that bothers me is the fact that i get @#%^ for being 18 o ther than that I love it here

SGT 809, thanks for the advice...I agree with you and am starting the process as we speak. I love the flexibility with this plan.

TCSO, I wouldnt worry about it. As you get older you'll find it easier to let that stuff go like water on a ducks back. I worked with a young 20 yr old when I was a cop, and even though he was too young to order a beer at the occasional after work get togethers, he did handle himself well and was very professional.
As a result, he was respected and treated as an equal.

Keep doing it right, and things will get better.

[MHMR-D.O.]

Stick with County....County pays better at least in Texas anyway. I have a buddy that works for TDC and I make more than he does and I have less time with TCSO then he has with TDC..... Corrections is not for everyone but it pays the bills and I really enjoy it.

[donjuan856570]

hey buddy...I saw your post and thought I should give my .02 cents. Speaking first hand as someone who is a corrections officer here in central florida...i can def say stay the hell away from the state..theres no money to be made...o overtime...low morale..etc...I see you live in deltona..I would suggest either applying with Seminole County Sheriffs Office....(excellent benefits...smaller jail...great training opportunites...but not much overtime) or Orange County Corrections which also has excellent benefits, 3rd largest jail in florida, lots of overtime..alot more promotional opportunities..etc...Orange County will pay for your academy (as they say sponser) supply all uniforms, equipment, etc...and starting pay right now if im not mistake is something like 15.56 an hour while in the academy and then once your certified your around 16.40 an hour or so....holidays are paid as double time and a half (if worked), and thats about all i can draw up now. Im with them now myself and i can honestly say there a good agency.

[sgt809]

wow the difference between states is amazing. Here in Cali you are much better off working for the state. They pay much better, have a better benefits package, and you can live anywhere in the state. From what I can tell in here it is the exact opposite in FLA.

Stay safe all

[gunsite45]

hey buddy...I saw your post and thought I should give my .02 cents. Speaking first hand as someone who is a corrections officer here in central florida...i can def say stay the hell away from the state..theres no money to be made...o overtime...low morale..etc...I see you live in deltona..I would suggest either applying with Seminole County Sheriffs Office....(excellent benefits...smaller jail...great training opportunites...but not much overtime) or Orange County Corrections which also has excellent benefits, 3rd largest jail in florida, lots of overtime..alot more promotional opportunities..etc...Orange County will pay for your academy (as they say sponser) supply all uniforms, equipment, etc...and starting pay right now if im not mistake is something like 15.56 an hour while in the academy and then once your certified your around 16.40 an hour or so....holidays are paid as double time and a half (if worked), and thats about all i can draw up now. Im with them now myself and i can honestly say there a good agency.

Sorry took so long to reply, been busy with other things.

Great advice from someone with some local knowledge...really appreciate it.

Okay, I will check with those two departments.
I noticed both are hiring continuously (no surprise there;)), and your right, the pay isnt too bad for a non-certified officer.
Kinda makes you wonder why anyone would bother getting certified on their own in the first place.

thanks again for all the info and help

[CO1989]

Do what your HEART says bro. There's a saying out there, "Go to a job that you love and you'll never work a day in your life." Aaah, how true that must be.