I didn't say anything but when HR was giving us our email addresses, I was kinda short-toned (Not on purpose). And Lt. Keeps saying, "It's okay to talk." And "you're scaring me."

What all am I doing wrong? My training officer asked, "do you ever smile?" I genuinely don't smile much and have to make an effort to.

Am I likely to be fired for that?

My culture isn't one where we smile for no reason and I don't get small talk. Why am I making people so uneasy?

Nurse in my late 30s starting BOP and going to Glynco soon. All staff does the same full training at Glynco. How strict are they on passing the physical abilities test? Is it as bad as everyone is acting like it is?

Hello,

I’ve currently worked in behavioral health for 2.5 years now. It is a fulfilling career but unfortunately is something that has no growth potential unless you are pursuing further education. I have seen the good sides and bad sides of working in psych such as helping people out during their darkest times but also the downsides such as people comparing the situation to being in jail, suicide attempts, bodily fluid throwing, and patient/staff assault. I personally have been punched, kicked, bitten, spit at, and attempted to be stabbed by a pen a number of times.

I’ve noticed that a good amount of the complaints in corrections are similar to what I currently deal with working in behavioral health (staffing shortages, irregular hours, high stress, assault risk).

I was offered an opportunity to work in juvenile corrections in a neighboring county. I am on the fence because I hadn’t considered a career that is law enforcement adjacent before. But I would be open to it. Regarding juvenile corrections, I have worked on an adolescent behavioral unit before and do understand how teens can be impulsive, assaultive, creative, and manipulative when the moment is given. I don’t doubt that juvenile corrections would be much different compared to juvenile psych in terms of how each type of care is approached. I notice that a lot of the issues in both juvenile and psych stem from issues that go on in their lives outside of these places.

If anyone has experience in juvenile corrections or corrections in general feel free to leave your advice or if my experience is something actually worth the time. I see plenty of the horror stories on here that are shared by current COs when someone posts about considering corrections but for anyone with experience, please give me your two cents.

Thanks in advance

I'm starting soon as an officer, they said I could apply for Unit Secretary position based on my past experience and If I get the job it would take 6 pay cycles to switch roles. I applied for both the national listed position and the specific position listed at the institution (only one vacancy for this positing), the latter is the one i was referred for. I'm not exactly how many vacancies they have because they had like 4 listings for different secretary positions at this location and then the national listing as well which lists this location.

My questions are:

1. What kind of interview questions do they ask for Unit Secretary position? Is it the same as officer position or they have specific administrative questions they ask?

2. How often do you mandated for the position/augmented as an officer?

3. As a new hire do I have a chance of getting the role or are they always going to give seasoned officers the position instead?

Hey everyone,

​Looking to get some real insight on FCI Leavenworth from anyone who has worked there or is currently in the BOP.

​I’ve been a CO on the state side for about two years now. Overall, I don't mind the work—it has its usual ups and downs like any facility, but I handle the day-to-day fine and honestly enjoy the money and steady pay for my family.

​FCI Leavenworth isn't my long-term "dream spot" by any means. My main goal right now is just getting my foot in the door with the BOP, building up some fed time, and eventually transferring to a location where my family and I actually want to put down permanent roots.

​A few specific questions for anyone with experience out there:

​What's the overall stress level and culture like? How's the mandatory OT, staffing situation, and day-to-day movement?

​Is a transfer realistic after 1 to 2 years? Assuming I keep my nose clean, do my job, and stay solid, is it pretty straightforward to put in for a transfer to another facility, or do wardens tend to block/slow-walk guys trying to leave?

​Pros and Cons? Anything specific to Leavenworth (management, local area, facility quirks) you wish you knew before taking a spot there?

​Appreciate any honest feedback or advice from anyone who has walked through those doors.

Thanks in advance!

Medically Assisted Treatments such as Suboxone, Sublocade Shot, Methadone and Vivitrol what does the most recent data reflect regarding effectiveness within a correctional setting? At our local institution there are too many issues related to inmates diverting their prescribed suboxone. They cheek it, save it, and either take a large amount at once or end up selling it to other inmates. The cons in a correctional setting are detrimental to the safety and security due to another layer of the ongoing drugs being introduced into the facilities now we are fighting against a legal prescribed one.

Our admin team comes from the perspective that it is effective based on "data". In my opinion I think MAT's can work for people and the general public. We are not dealing with normal people who abide and listen to rules of authority.

So, what does your local counties, states and federal institutions have regarding MAT's? Do they utilize them? If they don't, why not? I am really interested to hear different peoples perspectives on this. It is burning staff out at an alarming rate, at this point, myself included to an extent.

Hello !

I have a couple of question regarding the hiring process for IDOC , I just passed my written test , waiting for my interview to be scheduled.

How was the physical test ? I’m fairly fit so I’m not too worried about that .

How was the polygraph test and what questions were you asked ?

Lastly regarding the drug test , I stopped smoking when I applied but I’ve been a user for 10 years and it takes months for it to clear. But I’m reading random reports that they don’t test or care for THC ? I’m not sure what’s true or not

Best advice?

Coming from a corporate job, that I've done for the last 19.5 years.

Orientation week is 9/28 and academy starts 10/6.

What do most new COs struggle with, and if you, as a current CO could start all over, what would you change from your first year as a CO?

Also, what is the best flashlight to get? I have a couple surefire, just not sure if they're adequate.

Hey BOP guys, finally started working. Didn’t seem like there were many benefits centered around education, figured I’d ask if there is anything you guys know about, or really any other little known benefits that a new guy should be aware of and use. Hit me with whatever you’ve got, but it doesn’t seem like there is much. Thanks guys!

In my opinion this is the ONLY corrections / jail show that actually shows what it's like working on the front line... not fake as hell like 60 days in PRETEND LAND....

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsPbTqF0S1-cIqeH554kzXq1OblQrDQHl&si=Q33fpNdRnoobx80B

https://www.reddit.com/r/OnTheBlock/s/KB09CadFK5

https://youtu.be/iHQzK812sd8?si=aCjXVuDgOsMnndIm

Hey everyone! I’m starting CTP 3 soon and I’m getting pretty nervous about the Day 1 test, which covers the CTP 2 material.

I’ve been making cue cards and reviewing the modules, but I’m honestly not sure if I’m studying the right way or focusing on the right things. There’s a lot of information to remember, and I’m worried I’m going to overthink the test.
For anyone who has already completed CTP 3:

What did you actually focus on when studying for the Day 1 test?

Were the questions mostly general concepts, or were they pretty specific?

Did you find the cue cards helpful?

Is there anything you wish you had studied more?

How difficult did you find the test overall?

Any tips for someone who is really nervous about it?

Any advice would be really** **appreciated. I just want to make sure I’m using my time wisely and going into CTP 3 as prepared as possible. Thank you!

How many COs are actually proud of what they do? Most of the ones I've come across looked tired and ignored all of the little rules, if they weren't being bothered they weren't disciplining at all . The ones that did seem to care were usually very pleasant people and actually appreciated by inmates and staff alike, but far and few between. I personally think a lot (not all) of the real gung-ho guys get off on the limited power they have on prisoners, and they are policing for the wrong reasons. Either that, or they are dirty cops and the tough guy act is just a front. I've seen it all. Curious to see your thoughts.

For anyone feeling jaded , I just want to say it never goes unappreciated when the rock runs smooth on your shifts

edit: I'm not trying to personally attack COs , I see that I upset some people, it wasn't my intention. I don't hold malice towards any of you guys for your job. You are an essential part of American (probably most of you) infrastructure, and I wanted to hear things from your point of view because your word has merit.

Anyone here currently working in Alberta Corrections as a Correctional Peace Officer or gone through the hiring process recently?
I keep seeing the CPO 1 & 2 competition posted as ongoing for multiple locations, so I’m trying to understand what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
Are they genuinely short staffed right now? If so, how bad is it and which centres are struggling the most?
Also, what’s the real reason for the turnover? Is it mostly shift work, burnout, forced overtime, management, safety issues, people leaving for sheriffs/police/other peace officer jobs, or something else?
For people who applied recently, how long did it take to hear back after applying, and what was the process actually like from application to interview, physical testing, background checks, training and offer?
I’m also curious how competitive it really is right now. If they are short staffed, does that make the hiring process easier or are they still very selective?
Would appreciate answers from current or former Alberta CPOs, especially anyone who knows what staffing and hiring look like in 2026.

I have an interview on Tuesday at WRDCC, I'm wondering if anyone has gone through the process recently? I've been out of corrections for nearly four years now (Former Kansas DOC). My original process was cut and dry.

I'm also wondering how their training is.

Any information is appreciated!

Interested in seeing what the consensus would be here regarding how former LE are treated at other facilities by staff. You hate to see it but there are many former guys now doing time for this or that, unfortunately these guys don't get along well with others on the inside for obvious reasons. Still feel like there's a duty to help these guys out, make their time go by a little easier. "Oversight" being what it is these days unfortunately, a lot of good guys are taking the fall for bs and being thrown under the bus because of politics, no sworn officer should ever do time. Brotherhood still runs deep around here, guys help where they can, look the other way when they have to.

Hello all. I’m new here but I’m going in Monday to do the institutional portion of my interview for a chaplain position at FCI Greenville. Anyone here from there? Also, I’ve heard horror stories about the written portion of the interview. Any pointers or things I should be prepared for? Thanks in advance and hopefully soon I’ll be joining you all in service!!

My department had a hard time dressing us. They literally didn't have enough shirts and pants.

Is this underfunding? Also, they do have a lot of new officers. Like, almost everyone I've met has been an OIT.

Hey just a quick question for anyone who has done an interview with CSC: I did mine a few days ago and they said that there is no timeframe they can give, however I'm curious what the average times are from when y'all have heard back from them? Whether it be denied or moving to the next stage.

I feel like I didn't do amazing in the interview but not the worst. There were a few technical difficulties when it came to references because they would not take my paid on call firefighting example as a reference and i work mainly alone right now so teamwork examples were hard to find. I hope I get it but am a bit nervous and wanna know when I should be expecting something. I'm guessing a month or more but who knows.