Other forms of LE

[young'un]

Is there anyone here who worked in some other part of LE before going into Corrections, or left Corrections to go somewhere else? It seems to me that a lot of people start in Corrections, and either burnout or get into another aspect of LE. I'm here as a jumping off point, although I did work in LE previously. It's just been so long ago and in a rather large metro area that I wanted to start out here before branching out into something else later. Probation might be the next step for me - state, not private. Or some kind of investigative job. I don't know. Anything as long as it's with the state!
Who knows - I might move to another state someday to see what's offered there. I have several states closeby to where I am now, but I wouldn't feel right working in a neighboring state and living here. It's like being a county employee for a county you don't live in - it just doesn't jive!

[nemesis]

I finished my time in the National Guard as an MP. Funny thing is when I started as a Combat Engineer, they harassed us all the time, checking log books, setting up road blocks, inspecting vehicles. I thought they were arrogant *******s. I even tried to pick a fight with them in the enlisted club. I was 19 and stupid. 15 years later, I became one of them. They were arrogant, but they were a lot of fun. They worked hard and played hard, and they readily accepted me. The advantage of Military and Corrections, is that you don't have to put on a happy face.

As far as taking a job out of state, consider it. Compare pay and benefits. Compare conditions, staffing, overtime, policies, etc... Some states give tax breaks if you work in neighboring states.

[bullseye48]

Young'un, I worked as a CO1 then CO2 for the Georgia D.O.C. from 1990 until 1996. I put myself through the police academy while I worked corrections. After leaving Corrections I worked for a county marshals office. I am now back with the state as a campus police officer. Its not a bad job. I dont know where you live in Georgia but if you want to mail me I can recommend the place I work. They will put you through the police academy if you want to do that. It is also a state job so you can transfer your time and retirement over.

[Eagle Eyes]

I started with the Coast Guard enforcing federal laws and now working in the jail. Herding the guys around learning their faces and games before going to the street.

[Bowles]

I was a police officer in a itty bitty little map dot in WV prior to becoming a correctional officer for NC.