full ploice powers??

[kckc88]

im pretty sure every agency is different but i was just wondering what exactly does it mean for a CO to have full ploice powers?

[kckc88]

I meant to type Police**

[Atiesto]

im pretty sure every agency is different but i was just wondering what exactly does it mean for a CO to have full ploice powers?

Headaches and liability.

[KJB]

It means they have full police powers. All the powers and liabilities too.

[codemanski]

kckc88

It usually means the officer is POST certified and has arrest authority. Correctional officers usually are not in that category, but they DO however, have the authority to shoot a fleeing felon.

Codeman

[BigHouseGreen]

Very few correctional departments have authority. I am also assuming you are talking about state c/o's. CDCr has full police authority and status on duty however, our authority stops when we clock out for the day. We are still allowed to carry off duty but like other people have said be prepared to take the liability if you act on something off duty. I only carry for self defense and defense of my family will only be a reporting party or good witness for the street cops.

[TheKansan]

What are we really talking about here? I have wondered this for a long time. Why are so many CO's obsessed with getting peace officer status? Would having that status change anything about the job? Or is it a psychological thing?

[DEcop989]

e d i t e d . . . .

[KJB]

It is the idea that correctional officers =, who walk the toughest beat in the country, will be able to be considered brothers with the rest of the law enforcement family. It is the idea in ones own mind that one is part of something larger than oneself. It is a mental state that says I have achieved something; it is pride at completing training; pride at being an elite member of a caste small because of its rigors, its demands, and its trials; pride at being equals with others.

It also increases the abilities of an officer on duty. For example, allowing him to detain and or arrest a visitor who comes in with active warrants or tries to smuggle in contraband, rather than just letting them walk.

WA DOC C/O's can detain visitors under certain circumstances.

I understand that no matter what we do or how sworn we are we will always be seen as "Guards" and not as "brothers" to certain Police Officers. Even though we go through similar but different training and do different jobs we will never be treated the same to those people, even though most of us would help them without hesitation if they needed it.

A few months ago I saw a local PD officer wrestling a guy and the first thing I did was turn my Jeep around and offered help. He had the guy under control by the time I got to him but I still stayed until his backup arrived. I am a sheepdog, not a sheep.

[ScottyP]

What are we really talking about here? I have wondered this for a long time. Why are so many CO's obsessed with getting peace officer status? Would having that status change anything about the job? Or is it a psychological thing?

It is a common thing, especially with newer officers. They don't correct others when introduced as a 'cop'. They bemoan the perceived lack of respect they receive. They want to be seen as a police officer without actually having to go and be a police officer.

I had some of these feelings as a young jailer (even that title is enough to set some off). What changed my outlook was working in our intake area for a few years and seeing first hand that the street cops treated us just fine. They were grateful for the job we did and though none of them envied us, they often commented that they would have a real hard time doing what we do.

Working in corrections is most similar to police work in that there are fine officers on the road and fine officers in the jails and prisons. There are also slugs in both places that have no business being there. Some of the skill sets overlap like good communication skills, situational awareness, tactical mindset, and frankly, not backing down from the bad guys when they want to play. But they are not the same job, never will be, and no, I don't think as a jailer I should have the same peace offer authority as a street cop. It wouldn't help me out in my job in any way.

The best thing correctional officers can do to get respect is to take pride in their work and strive to be true professionals in their trade. Not some police wannabe.

[codemanski]

DEcop989,

As a retired Correctional Officer with over 25 years in the system, I have never had a problem being identified as a law enforcement "brother". I believe it is how a person carries him/herself, and the pride they have in their chosen career that makes them a professional! Ask any cop on the street and they'll probably tell you that they would have a hard time being a Correctional Peace Officer, even tell you that they couldn't do the job at all. I think alot of the flap about CO's vs Cops is that many CO's want the "authority" to arrest and detain, but most do not have the maturity or common sense to handle the responsibility that comes with it. I'm not putting anyone down, I just believe that some individuals just don't get it! Respect is earned. A badge, gun and arrest powers doesn't make you a Law Enforcement professional, nor does a badge, pepper spray and set of keys make you a Correctional Officer. We are ALL brothers and sisters in law Enforcement...we just have different duties. If you want to do something else, then do it! I for one am proud to have served in this profession. I am also glad I no longer have to deal with policeman "wannabes"...they're dangerous!

Codeman

[kckc88]

thanks for all the answers.. its not that i want to be a cop i was just wondering how it worked since you only have arrest authority when on duty and 90 percent of the time on duty is spent inside the facility

[DEcop989]

e d i t e d . . . .

[ops]

Being a CO is among the hardest jobs around, those of who who've been inside know that. Big bad road officers come in and shrink into speechless masses when their sidearms, knives, and tasers are checked in the booking bay. No question, its a tough job. I was merely referring to on duty abilities. Off duty doesnt mean a whole lot, nor was it - I think - the topic of the thread.

As a former Juvenile Correctional officer, Deputy Jailer, and Federal Correctional Officer I can concur with that statement. Correctional Officers have their mouth, their fists, a radio, and MAYBE pepper spray at their disposal; while being surrounded by inmates who in all likelihood are more well armed than they are. Great comments by all. The one caveat I would add; having peace officer status and arrest authority makes for harsher sentencing when assaulted by an inmate. As mentioned it keeps the riff-raff out of the visitation room as well.

[CO1989]

Correction Officers can always do their duty while on the job, peace officer status or not. New York State CO's have peace officer status off duty - why I don't know - and in 20+ years I have used it a grand total of ..... well, zero times! During our last arbitration I don't even think it eas brought up that we're peace officers off duty too and that should mean something. Nope.

[ops]

Correction Officers can always do their duty while on the job, peace officer status or not. New York State CO's have peace officer status off duty - why I don't know - and in 20+ years I have used it a grand total of ..... well, zero times! During our last arbitration I don't even think it eas brought up that we're peace officers off duty too and that should mean something. Nope.

Thank you for your service, BUT I think your reasoning is complacent at best and I beg to differ:

http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/Correctional-Officer-Shoots-Teen-Robbery-Suspect/U_MUbeCHlUuw01eHq3ODnw.cspx

http://www.redding.com/news/2009/mar/28/-duty-prison-guard-attacked-norcal-rest-stop/

I can't remember which state, but there was an off duty C.O who was found by an inmate at his house and had to resort to shooting him after he was attacked. In any case, all of these exemplify WHY C.O's need limited off duty as well as on duty status and authority. For instance, while I worked at the B.O.P I made arrests and detentions on a daily basis. If there was resistance, the offender could be charged with resisting arrest or assaulting a Law Enforcement Official while conducting official duties. MUCH stiffer penalties for the inmate, than if I hadn't have been a sworn L.E.O.

[NYSJAILER2008]

Correction Officers can always do their duty while on the job, peace officer status or not. New York State CO's have peace officer status off duty - why I don't know - and in 20+ years I have used it a grand total of ..... well, zero times! During our last arbitration I don't even think it eas brought up that we're peace officers off duty too and that should mean something. Nope.
You are soooooo wrong. We need our Peace Officer powers to do our job. That is why we get the status because under NYS law we would not be able to do anything to an inmate inside the jail. No use of force, no warrantless search, no arrest or detain, etc,etc. NYS/NYC CO's Have Peace Officer status as per CPL 24/7 to be able to unrestrictedly CCW Off-Duty Weapons without a Full Carry NYS/NYC Pistol Permit(which is impossible to get if you live in NYC, LI or southern NYS). All Peace Officers hired from government/ municiple agency with a line In the CPL 2.10 have 24/7. We are Officers of the law on duty, Working with the worst inmates the cant wait to kill us everday and may one day Max-out or parole out and see you in the street and want revenge. So why not off-duty when we really need it?. We are not civilians we are sworn LEO. If some current or ex-con comes for you and your family, you should be able to protect youself and defend yourself. You should be able to possess a firearm and effect an arrest like the police officers without waiting for another officer to help you because you are an Officer. Its is a good thing that in you career you never get involved in an off-duty situation. But Why not have the Law behind you if one arises and I dont know where you live but it happens all the time with CO's where I am from.

[hpd42]

in nj corrections officers, both state and county, have full police powers. They can carry a firearm of duty and make arrests for crimes which occur in their presence.

[DEcop989]

e d i t e d . . . .

[ops]

Peace Officer status under HR 218 need not be off duty, it is only required to be had, no specification as to when or where. If you have it on duty, you're permitted to carry off if you meet the rest of the criteria.

My big thing is on duty. As a county officer in PA, like I said, you can't do anything. You can find someone fishing (tower style prison=ropes coming down from the windows on the sidewalk and bad guys waiting with bad stuff) and just say hey, stop! Or call the local PD and hope they arrive...and county dispatch will most likely laugh and not send anyone for twenty minutes at which bad guy is gone and contraband is already inside and dispersed. Officers in PA have it very bad, Maryland too. Except Philly Jails, I do believe they're specially sworn in but that's just rumor.

Just a tought job. The title never bothered me - detention officer, jailer, co, etc - what drove me nuts was seeing something bad happen (visitor with warrants, smuggling stuff in visitation, etc) and have to sit on my hands. Professional pride suffers a blow as you watch crime committed and stand there impotent to intervene.

+1 people either don't know or forget that crime doesn't just stop after incarceration.

[TheKansan]

Thank you for your service, BUT I think your reasoning is complacent at best and I beg to differ:

http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/Correctional-Officer-Shoots-Teen-Robbery-Suspect/U_MUbeCHlUuw01eHq3ODnw.cspx

http://www.redding.com/news/2009/mar/28/-duty-prison-guard-attacked-norcal-rest-stop/

I can't remember which state, but there was an off duty C.O who was found by an inmate at his house and had to resort to shooting him after he was attacked. In any case, all of these exemplify WHY C.O's need limited off duty as well as on duty status and authority. For instance, while I worked at the B.O.P I made arrests and detentions on a daily basis. If there was resistance, the offender could be charged with resisting arrest or assaulting a Law Enforcement Official while conducting official duties. MUCH stiffer penalties for the inmate, than if I hadn't have been a sworn L.E.O.

Any CO in Kansas can get a ccw permit. Also, though CO's aren't sworn here, we have several "investigators" at my facility who are sworn leo's and can arrest if the need arises.

[ops]

Any CO in Kansas can get a ccw permit. Also, though CO's aren't sworn here, we have several "investigators" at my facility who are sworn leo's and can arrest if the need arises.

But when an Officer is assaulted, is the charge "assaulting a peace officer" or "assaulting a correctional officer" there is a LARGE difference in the courts.

[TheKansan]

But when an Officer is assaulted, is the charge "assaulting a peace officer" or "assaulting a correctional officer" there is a LARGE difference in the courts.

When a CO is assaulted, the inmate is charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer here in Kansas.

[DEcop989]

e d i t e d . . . .

[KJB]

When a CO is assaulted, the inmate is charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer here in Kansas.

In WA it is called Custodial Assault and gets an average of 5 years.

[NYCTNT]

You need peace/police status to back you up in court for all the searches and whatnot.

It also helps a great deal here in new york with carrying firearms and performing searches on visitors and conducting inhouse investigations.

[NVDOC1]

There are only 13 states out of 50 where state C/Os are peace officers. California, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Wyoming, and I don't remember the rest.

[DaisyCutter]

I've noticed that many CO's claim that the sworn side doesn't respect them.

I worked alongside CO's for the first 6 months of my sworn career.

I gave the CO's the utmost respect, because frankly.... they knew more than a deputy with a fresh shiny badge.

Many of the CO's turned out to be resentful jerks with major attitude problems. Every day some CO would turn informant and report to a superior how I did something wrong. It was a world of tattle-telling, backstabbing, and treachery.

Somehow the "sworn envy" made the PO's into targets for the CO's.

Honestly, I trusted the inmates over many of the CO's. I didn't start out that way, the COs earned it. When a CO comes around, I don't say S#!T, unless it's one of the good ones. I trusted 3 of the 15ish CO's I worked with... meaning 12 of 15 were a definite threat. Whereas the vast majority of inmates aren't a definite threat.

The inmate isn't going to turn me in for giving him a Tic-Tac... sure as heck the CO will. The CO will tell my SGT. and make sure I'm writing a memo the following day.

There are some PO's who may feel superior to a CO... but generally the issue is a CO who's tattling on a PO in some misplaced attempt to outshine the PO.

If you got a problem, bring it to me, and we'll handle it discreetly. If you can't wait to rat me out to the chain of command, then I don't want you around... 'cause I don't freaking trust you.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm just explaining my experience.

[pujolsfan146]

I've noticed that many CO's claim that the sworn side doesn't respect them.

I worked alongside CO's for the first 6 months of my sworn career.

I gave the CO's the utmost respect, because frankly.... they knew more than a deputy with a fresh shiny badge.

Many of the CO's turned out to be resentful jerks with major attitude problems. Every day some CO would turn informant and report to a superior how I did something wrong. It was a world of tattle-telling, backstabbing, and treachery.

Somehow the "sworn envy" made the PO's into targets for the CO's.

Honestly, I trusted the inmates over many of the CO's. I didn't start out that way, the COs earned it. When a CO comes around, I don't say S#!T, unless it's one of the good ones. I trusted 3 of the 15ish CO's I worked with... meaning 12 of 15 were a definite threat. Whereas the vast majority of inmates aren't a definite threat.

The inmate isn't going to turn me in for giving him a Tic-Tac... sure as heck the CO will. The CO will tell my SGT. and make sure I'm writing a memo the following day.

There are some PO's who may feel superior to a CO... but generally the issue is a CO who's tattling on a PO in some misplaced attempt to outshine the PO.

If you got a problem, bring it to me, and we'll handle it discreetly. If you can't wait to rat me out to the chain of command, then I don't want you around... 'cause I don't freaking trust you.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm just explaining my experience.

Sadly I couldn't agree more. Very well said.

[TheKansan]

I've noticed that many CO's claim that the sworn side doesn't respect them.

I worked alongside CO's for the first 6 months of my sworn career.

I gave the CO's the utmost respect, because frankly.... they knew more than a deputy with a fresh shiny badge.

Many of the CO's turned out to be resentful jerks with major attitude problems. Every day some CO would turn informant and report to a superior how I did something wrong. It was a world of tattle-telling, backstabbing, and treachery.

Somehow the "sworn envy" made the PO's into targets for the CO's.

Honestly, I trusted the inmates over many of the CO's. I didn't start out that way, the COs earned it. When a CO comes around, I don't say S#!T, unless it's one of the good ones. I trusted 3 of the 15ish CO's I worked with... meaning 12 of 15 were a definite threat. Whereas the vast majority of inmates aren't a definite threat.

The inmate isn't going to turn me in for giving him a Tic-Tac... sure as heck the CO will. The CO will tell my SGT. and make sure I'm writing a memo the following day.

There are some PO's who may feel superior to a CO... but generally the issue is a CO who's tattling on a PO in some misplaced attempt to outshine the PO.

If you got a problem, bring it to me, and we'll handle it discreetly. If you can't wait to rat me out to the chain of command, then I don't want you around... 'cause I don't freaking trust you.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm just explaining my experience.

I worked many jobs before becoming a CO, and I can honestly say that it is that was at every job I have worked at to varying degrees.

Jealousy, bitterness, and other things are everywhere.

[DEcop989]

(Referring to state officers only, not county)

California
New York
New Jersey
Wyoming
Nevada
Delaware
Virginia
Florida (I think)

Any others??

[Atiesto]

(Referring to state officers only, not county)

California
New York
New Jersey
Wyoming
Nevada
Delaware
Virginia
Florida (I think)

Any others??

Florida is funny, we are LEO and classified as such but they do not train us on any of our authority. They basically teach us to not use it. We are fully capable of putting cuffs on a citizen if they are harassing our inmates, harming them, or causing a general disturbance that jeopardizes the safety and security of an officer or the inmates he has custody of. with that fact on the table, I personally started out with the mindset that I wanted full police powers and such, but the more I get into the job, the more I realize that is the last thing I want. Why do I want to lose the protection of the Good Samaritan Law, lack of off duty duty to act, and all the protections of DOC's policies. In Florida if you are a fulltime peace officer, which we are not, you lose a lot of protections that I enjoy as a C/O.

[GADOC07]

Georgia, on duty. However you must study your SOP to know that. You will not be trained or taught that during BCOT.

Nor will you be taught this:

TITLE 16. CRIMES AND OFFENSES
CHAPTER 11. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY
ARTICLE 4. DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTALITIES AND PRACTICES
PART 3. CARRYING AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

O.C.G.A. § 16-11-130 (2008)

§ 16-11-130. Exemptions from Code Sections 16-11-126 through 16-11-128


(a) Code Sections 16-11-126 through 16-11-128 shall not apply to or affect any of the following persons if such persons are employed in the offices listed below or when authorized by federal or state law, regulations, or order:

(1) Peace officers, as such term is defined in paragraph (11) of Code Section 16-1-3, and retired peace officers so long as they remain certified whether employed by the state or a political subdivision of the state or another state or a political subdivision of another state but only if such other state provides a similar privilege for the peace officers of this state;

(2) Wardens, superintendents, and keepers of correctional institutions, jails, or other institutions for the detention of persons accused or convicted of an offense;

(3) Persons in the military service of the state or of the United States;

(4) Persons employed in fulfilling defense contracts with the government of the United States or agencies thereof when possession of the weapon is necessary for manufacture, transport, installation, and testing under the requirements of such contract;

(5) District attorneys, investigators employed by and assigned to a district attorney's office, assistant district attorneys, attorneys or investigators employed by the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of the State of Georgia, and any retired district attorney, assistant district attorney, district attorneys investigator, or attorney or investigator retired from the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of the State of Georgia, if such employee is retired in good standing and is receiving benefits under Title 47 or is retired in good standing and receiving benefits from a county or municipal retirement system;

(6) State court solicitors-general; investigators employed by and assigned to a state court solicitor-general's office; assistant state court solicitors-general; the corresponding personnel of any city court expressly continued in existence as a city court pursuant to Article VI, Section X, Paragraph I, subparagraph (5) of the Constitution; and the corresponding personnel of any civil court expressly continued as a civil court pursuant to said provision of the Constitution;

(7) Those employees of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles when specifically designated and authorized in writing by the members of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to carry a weapon;

(8) The Attorney General and those members of his or her staff whom he or she specifically authorizes in writing to carry a weapon;

(9) Chief probation officers, probation officers, intensive probation officers, and surveillance officers employed by and under the authority of the Department of Corrections pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 8 of Title 42, known as the "State-wide Probation Act," when specifically designated and authorized in writing by the director of Division of Probation;

(10) Public safety directors of municipal corporations;

(11) Explosive ordnance disposal technicians, as such term is defined by Code Section 16-7-80, and persons certified as provided in Code Section 35-8-13 to handle animals trained to detect explosives, while in the performance of their duties;

(12) State and federal trial and appellate judges, full-time and permanent part-time judges of municipal and city courts, and former state trial and appellate judges retired from their respective offices under state retirement;

(13) United States Attorneys and Assistant United States Attorneys;

(14) County medical examiners and coroners and their sworn officers employed by county government; and

(15) Clerks of the superior courts.

(b) Code Sections 16-11-126 through 16-11-128 shall not apply to or affect persons who at the time of their retirement from service with the Department of Corrections were chief probation officers, probation officers, intensive probation officers, or surveillance officers, when specifically designated and authorized in writing by the director of Division of Probation.

(c) Code Sections 16-11-126 through 16-11-128 shall not apply to or affect any:

(1) Sheriff, retired sheriff, deputy sheriff, or retired deputy sheriff if such retired deputy sheriff is receiving benefits under the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund provided under Chapter 17 of Title 47;

(2) Member of the Georgia State Patrol or agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or retired member of the Georgia State Patrol or agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation if such retired member or agent is receiving benefits under the Employees' Retirement System;

(3) Full-time law enforcement chief executive engaging in the management of a county, municipal, state, state authority, or federal law enforcement agency in the State of Georgia, including any college or university law enforcement chief executive that is registered or certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; or retired law enforcement chief executive that formerly managed a county, municipal, state, state authority, or federal law enforcement agency in the State of Georgia, including any college or university law enforcement chief executive that was registered or certified at the time of his or her retirement by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, if such retired law enforcement chief executive is receiving benefits under the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund provided under Chapter 17 of Title 47 or is retired in good standing and receiving benefits from a county, municipal, State of Georgia, state authority, or federal retirement system; or

(4) Police officer of any county, municipal, state, state authority, or federal law enforcement agency in the State of Georgia, including any college or university police officer that is registered or certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, or retired police officer of any county, municipal, state, state authority, or federal law enforcement agency in the State of Georgia, including any college or university police officer that was registered or certified at the time of his or her retirement by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, if such retired employee is receiving benefits under the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund provided under Chapter 17 of Title 47 or is retired in good standing and receiving benefits from a county, municipal, State of Georgia, state authority, or federal retirement system.

In addition, any such sheriff, retired sheriff, deputy sheriff, retired deputy sheriff, active or retired law enforcement chief executive, or other law enforcement officer referred to in this subsection shall be authorized to carry a pistol or revolver on or off duty anywhere within the state and the provisions of Code Sections 16-11-126 through 16-11-128 shall not apply to the carrying of such firearms.

(d) A prosecution based upon a violation of Code Section 16-11-126, 16-11-127, or 16-11-128 need not negative any exemptions.


Nor are you taught this:

TITLE 42. PENAL INSTITUTIONS
CHAPTER 5. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF STATE AND COUNTIES
ARTICLE 2. WARDENS, SUPERINTENDENTS, AND OTHER PERSONNEL

O.C.G.A. § 42-5-34 (2008)

§ 42-5-34. Powers of arrest of wardens, superintendents, and deputies


Wardens and superintendents shall have authority to deputize any person in their employ. Wardens, superintendents, and their deputies are legally constituted arresting officers, with or without warrants, for the purpose of arresting persons violating Code Sections 42-5-14 through 42-5-18. Any person resisting arrest shall be dealt with as the law directs for resisting an officer.


Which is why it is so so important to actually take the time to READ YOUR SOP's AND YOUR STATE LAWS REGARDING YOUR JOB. I cannot stress that enough.

I also found this Ga state law to be quite amusing. Obviously someone got a little touchy:

TITLE 42. PENAL INSTITUTIONS
CHAPTER 5. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF STATE AND COUNTIES
ARTICLE 2. WARDENS, SUPERINTENDENTS, AND OTHER PERSONNEL

O.C.G.A. § 42-5-30 (2008)

§ 42-5-30. Qualifications for wardens, superintendents, and other personnel; appointment of wardens of county correctional institutions


The board shall by rule and regulation define the qualifications for wardens, superintendents, and other personnel employed in the state and county correctional institutions. The board shall by rule and regulation specify appropriate titles of personnel so employed, but no such personnel shall be known as or designated by the board as "guards" or "prison guards." The wardens and deputy wardens of the various county correctional institutions shall be appointed by the governing authority of the county, subject to approval of the board, and shall serve at the pleasure of the county or the board.:D

Sorry for the lengthy post.

[GADOC07]

Florida is funny, we are LEO and classified as such but they do not train us on any of our authority. They basically teach us to not use it. We are fully capable of putting cuffs on a citizen if they are harassing our inmates, harming them, or causing a general disturbance that jeopardizes the safety and security of an officer or the inmates he has custody of. with that fact on the table, I personally started out with the mindset that I wanted full police powers and such, but the more I get into the job, the more I realize that is the last thing I want. Why do I want to lose the protection of the Good Samaritan Law, lack of off duty duty to act, and all the protections of DOC's policies. In Florida if you are a fulltime peace officer, which we are not, you lose a lot of protections that I enjoy as a C/O.

Georgia is the same way in regards to not training CO's on the authority the state grants them nor how to execute it. Personally I agree with your line of thought regarding 24/7 police powers though. While I have on two occasions in my career been forced into a situation where I had to apply restraints to a civilian, one of which I was required to use force to do so, I have no particular interest in being a cop. If I choose to go down that road later I will. As for now, I'm happy with the fact that I can leave the job inside the gates, and be fully protected legally in doing so.

The only thing being a "Peace Officer" in this state does for me is allow me the ability to carry a weapon and be exempt from the CCW restrictions, which I'm happy with. I don't carry because I hope to run up on a robbery and be a hero, I carry because I may run up on a released inmate some day and need to protect myself or my family.

[R.A.B.]

I've noticed that many CO's claim that the sworn side doesn't respect them.

I worked alongside CO's for the first 6 months of my sworn career.

I gave the CO's the utmost respect, because frankly.... they knew more than a deputy with a fresh shiny badge.

Many of the CO's turned out to be resentful jerks with major attitude problems. Every day some CO would turn informant and report to a superior how I did something wrong. It was a world of tattle-telling, backstabbing, and treachery.

Somehow the "sworn envy" made the PO's into targets for the CO's.

Honestly, I trusted the inmates over many of the CO's. I didn't start out that way, the COs earned it. When a CO comes around, I don't say S#!T, unless it's one of the good ones. I trusted 3 of the 15ish CO's I worked with... meaning 12 of 15 were a definite threat. Whereas the vast majority of inmates aren't a definite threat.

The inmate isn't going to turn me in for giving him a Tic-Tac... sure as heck the CO will. The CO will tell my SGT. and make sure I'm writing a memo the following day.

There are some PO's who may feel superior to a CO... but generally the issue is a CO who's tattling on a PO in some misplaced attempt to outshine the PO.

If you got a problem, bring it to me, and we'll handle it discreetly. If you can't wait to rat me out to the chain of command, then I don't want you around... 'cause I don't freaking trust you.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm just explaining my experience.



Hmmm that sounds strangely like my expierience with WA DOC....very well put.

[ScottyP]

Honestly, I trusted the inmates over many of the CO's. I didn't start out that way, the COs earned it. When a CO comes around, I don't say S#!T, unless it's one of the good ones. I trusted 3 of the 15ish CO's I worked with... meaning 12 of 15 were a definite threat. Whereas the vast majority of inmates aren't a definite threat.

The inmate isn't going to turn me in for giving him a Tic-Tac... sure as heck the CO will. The CO will tell my SGT. and make sure I'm writing a memo the following day.


I wouldn't run to the sgt over a tic tac, but I'd most definetly call you out and have a chat about it. Did it ever occur to you that those bitter C.O.'s knew a bit more about the inside of a jail that you did? Ever heard of 'downing the duck'? You don't give inmates anything they don't have coming to them by policy. Not even a tic tac. And the ones that do the most to gain the staffs trust are the ones with the most potential to do some serious damage to the security of the facility.

Sorry, but it is pretty arrogant of you to assume you knew more about dealing with inmates than the seasoned officers. I think you misread the reasons they had it out for you. Do a search on 'downing the duck' and 'inmate hugger'.

Back to the original topic, we have arrest powers on our jail property (county) and our state CO's have arrest powers at their facilities. It suprises me that some places have to let visitors walk away after trying to smuggle dope into the facility. But I don't see where the arrest powers need to extend past the grounds of the institution.

[crazyclutchvr6]

I've noticed that many CO's claim that the sworn side doesn't respect them.

I worked alongside CO's for the first 6 months of my sworn career.

I gave the CO's the utmost respect, because frankly.... they knew more than a deputy with a fresh shiny badge.

Many of the CO's turned out to be resentful jerks with major attitude problems. Every day some CO would turn informant and report to a superior how I did something wrong. It was a world of tattle-telling, backstabbing, and treachery.

Somehow the "sworn envy" made the PO's into targets for the CO's.

Honestly, I trusted the inmates over many of the CO's. I didn't start out that way, the COs earned it. When a CO comes around, I don't say S#!T, unless it's one of the good ones. I trusted 3 of the 15ish CO's I worked with... meaning 12 of 15 were a definite threat. Whereas the vast majority of inmates aren't a definite threat.

The inmate isn't going to turn me in for giving him a Tic-Tac... sure as heck the CO will. The CO will tell my SGT. and make sure I'm writing a memo the following day.

There are some PO's who may feel superior to a CO... but generally the issue is a CO who's tattling on a PO in some misplaced attempt to outshine the PO.

If you got a problem, bring it to me, and we'll handle it discreetly. If you can't wait to rat me out to the chain of command, then I don't want you around... 'cause I don't freaking trust you.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm just explaining my experience.

There is no doubt about that, I agree wholeheartedly. I actually quit talking to most of the staff, with the exception those I had trusted prior. There are a few really good CO's at my particular institution, but the vast majority is scum. There are some inmates that I trust more than them, and that is pretty pathetic in my opinion.

[DaisyCutter]

I wouldn't run to the sgt over a tic tac, but I'd most definetly call you out and have a chat about it. Did it ever occur to you that those bitter C.O.'s knew a bit more about the inside of a jail that you did? Ever heard of 'downing the duck'? You don't give inmates anything they don't have coming to them by policy. Not even a tic tac. And the ones that do the most to gain the staffs trust are the ones with the most potential to do some serious damage to the security of the facility.

Sorry, but it is pretty arrogant of you to assume you knew more about dealing with inmates than the seasoned officers. I think you misread the reasons they had it out for you. Do a search on 'downing the duck' and 'inmate hugger'.

Back to the original topic, we have arrest powers on our jail property (county) and our state CO's have arrest powers at their facilities. It suprises me that some places have to let visitors walk away after trying to smuggle dope into the facility. But I don't see where the arrest powers need to extend past the grounds of the institution.

Didja catch the 3rd bullet of my post?

"I gave the CO's the utmost respect, because frankly.... they knew more than a deputy with a fresh shiny badge."

Now, I know that in a closed facility, with immediate back-up, CO's don't normally have to be tactful.

But when you're alone, outnumbered and outgunned, with back-up coming from whatever city unit is closest (after he gets the message relayed from me, to my dispatcher, to his dispatcher, to him)....

(assuming my radio is in range to transmit)

You learn a little discretion.

Inmates are expected to lie, manipulate, and deceive. Perhaps I was naive to initially assume that the majority of COs were different.

I read the entire "drowning the duck" story. It was written by an inmate, and was consistent with typical inmate talk. Inmates talk about how they have affairs with female COs, beat down the male COs... etc. While there was a lesson to be learned from that story, it was probably a largely inflated inmate fairy-tale.

[crazyclutchvr6]

I just read the "downing the duck" story, it was rather interesting. I see a lot of games the convicts try to play, but that was particularly involved. Thankfully, my favorite answer to give the criminals is "No," but there are many weak people that are easily manipulated as such. However, as the the previous post states, it does seem largely inflated.

I guess I can't hate them completely though. They do keep me employed :D.

[Atiesto]

Didja catch the 3rd bullet of my post?

"I gave the CO's the utmost respect, because frankly.... they knew more than a deputy with a fresh shiny badge."

Now, I know that in a closed facility, with immediate back-up, CO's don't normally have to be tactful.

But when you're alone, outnumbered and outgunned, with back-up coming from whatever city unit is closest (after he gets the message relayed from me, to my dispatcher, to his dispatcher, to him)....

(assuming my radio is in range to transmit)

You learn a little discretion.

Inmates are expected to lie, manipulate, and deceive. Perhaps I was naive to initially assume that the majority of COs were different.

I read the entire "drowning the duck" story. It was written by an inmate, and was consistent with typical inmate talk. Inmates talk about how they have affairs with female COs, beat down the male COs... etc. While there was a lesson to be learned from that story, it was probably a largely inflated inmate fairy-tale.

Get back under your bridge.