Law Enforcement Specialties >> Corrections, Probation & Parole >> female CO's
female CO's
|
Posted 2 months ago Hi, sorry if this post is already out there, I haven't seen one. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and am considering a career as a Correctional Officer in Pa. Question is, I am 5'3, 100 lbs, I'm not a teenager but I'm not over the hill "yet" either. Is this a place for someone like me? What are the pro's and con's? I have no experience in this line of work. Thanks for any advice/guidance. |
|
| Posted 2 months ago I worked in corrections for two years before I switched to probation two months ago. In my short career has a CO I met many great female officers. My LT has worked in corrections for thrty years and she is one of the finest officers I ever met. But at the same time in my short two years I saw three female officer get fired for sexually misconduct. Just make sure your a strong minded persons. |
|
|
| Posted 2 months ago I like to think I am a strong minded person, having been through some life experiences has taught me a few things.
|
|
| Posted 2 months ago Only you can make the decision. Some people really like Corrections and some hate it. Probation is the same way except it's the case load rather then working in a prison/jail. Good Luck on the degree. I was 15 years out of H.S. before I started college as well. Now I'm 3 classes short of my masters. Keep it up, it's worth it!! |
|
|
| Posted 2 months ago Thanks!! good luck on your masters! I'm only half way through my associates, so I got a ways to go yet!. |
|
| Posted 2 months ago Hey hpeful ! Im currently a Corrections Officer. I enjoy it, it was my foot in the door with my department. Ive been at the jail for almost 2 years now. I cant imagine being in the jail unitl I retire ( Im only 22). And becoming a deputy was my original goal. So Im on my way out to the streets right now but for some people they love the jail and couldnt see themselves anywhere else. I know people who have made it a 25 year career, there are definately advancement opprotunities, you just have to want it. I dont know about your state, or the agency you plan on joining but prepare yourself physically for an academy. All places that I know of require new recruits to go to an academy. Run, work on your upper body strength ( as in A LOT of pushups), penal codes, 10 codes if you happen to use them. p.s you're not over the hill...I went to an extremely tough academy and we had a woman in my class that was 46 and she kicked ass...you just have to want it. |
|
|
| Posted 2 months ago Thanks for the encouragement!! I'm in Pittsburgh PA. What is the best thing about your job that makes you keep wanting to go back? The worst? I guess my biggest concern is that I am on the small side, and a woman. I am a little strong minded so that part shouldn't be a problem for me, It's a whole new field for me and honestly, a little overwhelming only because I don't know what direction I should go in. I know I want to help people, in what ever aspect that is, I also want to make an informed decision but most importantly, I want someone to tell me, "this is where you should go" but that's NOT going to happen lol....is it better to be at a jail or a prison? |
|
| Posted 2 months ago Natalie is a former championship mudwrestler, so you have to take that into consideration...lol. I worked in Corrections for 5 years, and we had a great team. One of the best Officers I ever worked with was a 4'10", 92 pound female. She could jump over any pile and help out better than most guys I know. You'll be fine, no worries. You seem to communicate well, and that is most important in this job, and you are in better shape than many people...so don't sweat the small stuff...( no pun intended ). "Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself." - Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant "America was not built on fear." "America was built on courage, imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. " - President Harry S. Truman |
|
| Posted 2 months ago hpeful said: Go for it..if you can physically prepare....It's more than a job....its a vocation of strict measure....Size of children have doubled, and the hate and anger is surpassing...be prepared to handle all...for I am only 5ft tall....and even though I stand my ground...most who undermine the small do try to stomp you down...its in the order of undermining by size and mass....common though..very common....Go for what you want..even, work your way to start with different stages within the law...such as juvenile officer....this is greatly needed...your challenge will be them foremost...the girls that are apprehended are volitle...you will be dealing with people of different backgrounds that are fireballs of violence, and then some who are easey going...and non-violent and will only use words to set your hair a blaze....Men have always had the upperhand because they are more physically hammered for this stuff...but women have also become engaged to learn and master the weight factor and skill...I believe the arts give us a leverage to invest in this line of work....Use it/Or Loose it! |
|
| Posted 2 months ago i so go for it!! just go in there and let them now you wont put it with shit you have to be strict at first then you can lighten up alittle bit... just so in strong and you will go far! it is fun no day is every the same and you will meet all kinds of new people that will really open your eyes up! good luck! |
|
|
| Posted 2 months ago KETOLACA said: mudwrestler huh!? lol ...will you all come with me at my first week on the job, and hold my hand? lol j/k....I'm in better shape than most?! I would have to doubt that. I would have to get in shape. I have been smoking cig's for approx. 24 years so that would have to stop, which I am trying to do now!.. and as far as being physically fit, I have never watched what I ate, exercised, I don't even think I know how to run! lol ....I am on the lazy side and I think that has to do with being small, never had to worry about gaining weight, it just didn't happen. I graduate in fall of 2009 so I'm thinking that if I start getting in shape now, by then, I should be good to pass any physical requirements. It seems like great opportunity and you all sound like you love your jobs/careers. I don't know about the juvenile side though, because, I really never considered it. I think they may be worse than adults? |
|
|
| Posted 2 months ago You cant slam the kids around like tha adults. I couldnt ...or wouldnt ever wanna work with kids. Well the bad kids in juvy that is. |