When on the job?

Question

Would I need to worry about having more upper body strenghth or lower body being a correctional officer?

Answer 1

For corrections, it would be good to work on "core strength". I don't know what you are working as in the prison, but some of them inmates have monster strength. I don't know if you could keep up with someone who has nothing but time to work out.

Having a good overall core strength will help you survive an encounter until more officers arrive.

Answer 2

Sounds like a balance. What good would a great hold be if they could knock you off your feet? What good would a great stance be if you couldn't hold them?

Frankly, I'd zero in on pressure points and awkward angles. Remembering that the arm doesn't normally twist that way without pain can be very useful when those dangerous people start to use it against you. It is amazing how two fingers can steer some pretty tough people when you get a chance to put them in the right places.

Did you ever see that fun bar fight scene in that old Connery movie Presidio? Its worth looking at again. Connery and Mark Harmon are in uniform in a San Fran bar discussing a murder case. Big, burley biker-type walks up to Connery's character and tries to rattle him. Connery sticks up a thumb, "I am going to whip you with this one thumb and then clean the bar with you when I'm done." The big guys chuckles. Connery asks, "And you want to know why I'm going to use this thumb?" The big guy shrugs, curious. Connery says as he holds up the other thumb, "Because this one is too much for you." Well, the big guy gets really ticked. Connery jabs his thumb in various places and in the end, Connery's thumb is under the guy's chin and sliding him down the bar as promised. Amazing how a little can do a lot when you know how. (Of course that was a movie, but there are things to do, ask around) Good luck.

Answer 3

Your best muscle to work is the one between your ears.
Hit that man-down button and be safe til some help gets there.
We fight like banans, in a bunch here!!!!
Wait, now I've worked in the system for 15yrs. now.
As for the rest all of it. If you don't want to be a body builder a good cardio work out is the best thing to do. Inmates have more strength then you but they don't last to long. Any ways why would you throw down with an inmate alone?

Answer 4

a correctional officer needs to learn proper self defense, pure strengh has little value, since there will always be alot larger and bigger inmates. Knowing how to take down and hand cuff an inmate twice your size is the most important thing if something happens.

But beyond even that, knowing how to present yourself to them showing no fear at all, and being professional so that you don't have to use alot of force.

Answer 5

Neither. Mental strength will best equip you to deal with inmates given the physical strengths you have. Staying in shape is still a good idea but don't try to change who you are.

Answer 6

Although you may be working with men who do push-ups and pull-ups all day, You'll find leverage and pressure points are just as or more important than strength. Try taking a self-defense or martial art it will definitely help.

Answer 7

bit of both but more upper body than lower. you don't necessarily need to run after these guys but you will need to force them down occasionally.

Answer 8

for men or women? i would say upper for men, women fight dirty, you would need to stay on your feet for that...so prol'y lower for that.

Answer 9

i think its more about intelligence, after all you got cuffs and weapons.