I'm looking into being a corrections officer...My parents advise me not to however because they get sued constantly by the inmates and risk losing everything. I've never heard of this and you would think there is something in place to prevent that. Any info?
2007-10-12 02:44:23 · 5 answers · asked by uwilltap1029 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I work as a paralegal and know many corrections officers and sheriffs officers. I have never heard of one being sued.
If an inmate had a complaint I would assume the proper procedure would be to handle the matter administratively and the officer placed on leave if necessary. My assumption would be that it would be a suit against the goverment or institution as the officer is a representative of same if anything.
Also, it would be difficult for inmates to sue as they have little to no money or availability to initiate the action.
2007-10-12 02:50:11 · answer #1 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Inmates are never happy with police and corrections officers who do their dedicated jobs well--so they tend to whine, gripe and complain about the "oppression" they feel subjected to.
Most state corrections departments have a very good legal protections system in place. Most all inmate complaints against corrections officers are rife with false and bogus information, however, each compliant is investigated.
If the officer is found to have worked within the scope of their duties, he or she has NOTHING to worry over: the bogus compaint is squashed flat, but the inmate can still bring on a lawsuit.
Still, there's no need to distress--for the involved officers are given free and good state department legal counsel, who works closely with the officers, preparing them for court.
Do your job well and document EVERYTHING, leaving nothing to chance. Don't sweat the lawsuit stuff; most inmate lawsuits end up an embarrassing debacle in court---where the inmate winds up looking like the jackass he or she is.
2007-10-14 03:40:41 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Wizard 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your parents are incorrect. I am an attorney for a detention center. None of my officers have been sued as individuals for 10 years. When they are sued, they are covered by the Detention Center's insurance policy. Even if their activities were willfully and intentionally wrong, they still have insurance coverage.
2007-10-12 09:56:53 · answer #3 · answered by David M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out how the company or government agency you would work for protects their employees from actions by inmates and their family.
You can get insurance to protect yourself, which is a good idea regardless of you job.
2007-10-12 09:49:34 · answer #4 · answered by lestermount 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
inmates dont sue individual officers.....
they bring legal action towards the system..........
2007-10-12 10:48:28 · answer #5 · answered by DennistheMenace 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋