Correctional Officer Career Federal or State Level?

Question

I'm an active duty soldier with the US.ARMY my contract ends in January 2007 and I have about enough of the war serving in Iraq.
I'm now looking into a correctional officer career I feel I need a mentor as I have plenty of questions...is anybody in the business? Can you share some tips?
Right now I'm looking into federal prisons but it seems that those jobs are hard to find? What’s the deal with state prisons???
I will send pictures of war and military stuff to any body willing to help me out with these questions.

Answer 1

I don't know what state you will be living in but I work for a state corrections dept. and I like it. Nothing against federal prisons. I believe the feds may pay better and the benefits may be also like I say it all depends on the state you are thinking of working for. Just check it out, weigh your options and make your choice. But for me it's all about which is going to provide the best training, best retirement, best benefits and of course pay. Another thing ya' might want to consider is some positions in federal you may be moved around all over the country but I;m sure you're used to that or you may be wanting to get away from that. Just a few things to consider but which ever you choose it's a good choice that I think most people know very little about. Were not wanna' be but can't cut it cops. Were not Knuckle dragging loosers. Were not on a power trip or just tryin to push people around or any of those myths. It's a good career and I hope you do come on board.

Answer 2

The federal level pays less than most states. The retirement isn't as good either.

I would strongly suggest the California Department of Corrections. They pay better than the federal system. Most prisons are in sparsely populated areas where the cost of living is much lower. The benefits are good and you have the same retirement as most police officers in the state (3%/50 - which means you will get up to 90% of your base pay for life after 30 years of service -- not a bad gig).

Good luck.

I would go with being a State Trooper myself. Corrections is a tough gig.

Answer 3

I work at a Federal Prison. The pay's pretty good. Especially for an entry level position. We have alot of war vets employed in the system. Go to www.bop.gov and see what prison is close to your home and apply. We're under the Department of Justice, so just get your foot in the system and if you don't see you like being a CO, you can always go to another agency (Marshals, ATF, FBI,etc.). Either way you'll be considered a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and receive Federal LEO pay and retirement.

Answer 4

Actually there are always federal openings for a Federal Correctional Officer. In some states the Federal Officer makes alot better, in other states the State Correctional officers make more.

in TN for example a correctional officer for the state starts out at about 25000 a year.

I have years of experience in ILL and GA state systems and was a manager for the Justice Dept that was connected with the Bureu of Prisons. I will be glad to give you some of my years of opinions.

Answer 5

State prisons in CA are hiring right now. I know someone who started like 6 years ago making somewhere in the 30K; he is now making $65K a year plus overtime (as much as he wants), plus has medical, dental and retirement. You can also be a correctional officer and work for a county jail, but the pay is not as high. Don't know if I could put up with having pee and poop thrown at me, though. You can also advance from correctional officer to correctional counselor, more $$ and weekends and holidays off; more of a desk job. Check out www.spb.ca.gov/employment for State openings. Good luck!

Answer 6

Your better off,being a State Police Officer,there is a big demand in many States.Arkansas has the number on the back of their cars,asking for people to contact them.
I don't want to discourage you,from the correctional field,but the people I know ,said. The criminal element they deal with is very stressful and threatening,also that the stress can cause you to spend a lot of time at the Bars.The reason they stay,are the benefits and pay to keep them there.Good Luck

Answer 7

I am in Corrections. I started out at the County level working with Adult then I went to the state leve working with kids. The state level pays more and since you want to go federal I would say try state first to see if you like it and then go from there. If you need to talk you can look me up at tiffakabob430 on yahoo messenger

Answer 8

I worked in a state (medium security) facility as an officer then secretary for almost 10 years.

My husband worked in medium and maximum security facilities at the state level for 20 years before retiring.

We would be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding this particular career choice.

Answer 9

I am a CO II in Colorado. It is a state job, but there are CO jpbs at the federal level and at every county. You can find jobs all over the US and they have different benefits. By the way I am in the Army reserves and have also been in Iraq where I helped with a EPW camp.

Answer 10

my dad has been a CO for 20 years now. he has to work 12 hour shifts, but the pay is good and so are the benefits.. he works at a county jail. i would go with the state level job because they will offer good retirement. (not sure about federal, im assuming they would too) it tends to be a pretty stressful job but if you can handle stress, then go for it. email me if you have any more questions...good luck