/r/OnTheBlock

Photograph via snooOG

A place for general discussion of Corrections, including issues in the Correctional System, as well as opinions of prisons (for those looking to transfer), and any general discussion.

What is /r/OnTheBlock?

/r/OnTheBlock is a subreddit dedicated to the world of corrections. Anyone from veteran Correctional Officers to people who have an interest in the prison system or corrections are welcome to post here.


Verification

Verification is currently on hold.


Rules

  • 1. Treat everyone with respect. It doesn't matter if you're a former inmate or the Warden of a prison. Everyone deserves respect even if you have differing opinions.
  • 2. Remember OPSEC. Do not post anything that your Investigative Section would want to question you about.
  • 3. No racism, sexism, anti-semitism, or discrimination.
  • 4. Do not post "bait" posts. These posts include, but not limited to poor attempts at attacking correctional officers, painting corrections/law enforcement in a negative light, or just general bashing of the correctional field. It's fine to have opinions, but at least make a real effort to explain yours.
  • 5. Do not post links leading to other subreddits without using the NP domain. You can find the explantion for NP domain here.
  • 6. Do not claim to be a Correctional Officer/Worker and post inaccurate or false information.
  • 7. No brigading or doxxing is allowed.

The mods reserve the right to remove any post and ban any user. The use of this subreddit is a privilege and not a right. Your behavior will decide whether you will have your thread removed and/or get banned from the sub when you are in violation of the rules.


FAQ

  • What is Corrections?

Corrections is one of the three major components of the criminal justice system. It involves the punishment, treatment, and supervision of persons who have been convicted of crimes. These functions commonly include imprisonment, parole, and probation of these individuals. Corrections is most commonly associated with prisons, but also includes jails, halfway houses, treatment facilities, and psychiatric centers.

  • What is a Correctional Officer?

A Correctional Officer is the first line staff that you will find in most correctional institutions. Correctional Officers are also know as Prison Officers, Detention Officers, Corrections Officers, and Penal Officers. Some of terms used in the past to describe Correctional Officers are Prison Guard, Jail Guard, Jailer, and Turnkey. Correctional Officers are typically responsible for the supervision, care, and correctional treatment of inmates inside correctional facilities. They are also tasked with enforcing the rules and regulations of the facility and ensuring that inmates follow the rules and remain in custody. Depending on the jurisdiction of the Correctional Officer they may or may not be sworn law enforcement officers. This is typically left up to the state, county, or local government to decide. Correctional Officers are typically trained in first aid, self-defense, use of force and restraints, use of non-lethal and lethal weaponry, arrest authority, gang intelligence, defusing hostility with verbal commands, criminal investigations, hostage negotiation, rehabilitation programs, drug treatment, and so forth.

  • Prison vs Jail : What's the difference?

While many people use these interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Typically, jails are places where people go right after they get arrested. They are usually held there until they are found guilty or not guilty unless they make bail. If you're found guilty and given a sentence of more than a year, you are usually sent out to prison. Prisons house only convicted persons who usually have a year or more of time on their sentence. Prisons are typically given security levels. Maximum, High, Medium, and Low are the typical security levels of prison.


Discounts

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Links

/r/OnTheBlock

25,032 Subscribers

1

Questions about BOP for current/former employees.

I just applied to the BOP. FCI Bastrop to be precise. I have experience in Texas corrections (wow it blows) and I’m looking to get into a better agency.

I think I understand the pay scale but some questions I have are:

What are the shift rotations?

What sort of shift should I expect as a new officer?

How is the environment at FCI Bastrop?

About how long was the hiring process?

Thanks in advance. I’ve applied to some county departments and they all take forever to get anything done. Kind tired of it. Recruiter I spoke to at BOP said they need bodies so it would be faster

0 Comments
2024/11/01
02:02 UTC

1

Just moved to PA

New to PA and living near Philly, came from NYC. Worked corrections there and also working it here on the county level. Can anybody recommend the state or Feds? I got a call back from PA state immediately after applying but the starting pay is terrible and you get sent away for the academy. Anybody work for the BOP in PA or Jersey? I know there’s a facility in Philly and also south Jersey.. can anybody who works for either PA state or BOP tell me the good and bad? Thank you in advance

0 Comments
2024/10/31
12:42 UTC

0

Common Correctional Supervisors Mistakes

0 Comments
2024/11/01
04:55 UTC

1

Overtime

What does it mean" you won't burn your time, you'll burn the states time"

4 Comments
2024/10/31
23:06 UTC

7

Spray Requirement

I am currently awaiting my final clearance to begin work for BOP. I was just curious if getting the good ol OC spray was a requirement and about when I could expect it if it is. I've already been sprayed and tased in police academy so I know what to expect, just want to try to mentally prepare if I need to get reexposed.

22 Comments
2024/10/31
14:39 UTC

1

Provincial to csc

Good morning all.

I currently am a provincial correctional officer (Last 11 years) and will be starting my CSC depot training this January.

Has anyone on here done the transfer?

I wanted to know if any of my seniority will be transferred, and what my options are for my pension?

Appreciate your time

2 Comments
2024/10/31
11:15 UTC

3

Really want to work for BOP

I’ve been considering it for awhile now, I currently work for tsa just wondering how people like it, here there’s little to no time off. How are the inmates, and how is the workforce in general management etc.

11 Comments
2024/10/31
04:02 UTC

6

How often are yall assaulted?

This is more for any USMS/ICE guys if there are any on here. I'm thinking of applying to USMS or ERO whenever tf they start hiring again.

34 Comments
2024/10/31
02:00 UTC

2

Easy to get another unrelated state job after being in the DOC?

I already know I won't be able to do this for 20+ years. But being already employed with the state through the DOC, would I be able to make an easy transition to other state jobs that have nothing to do with corrections? I am not talking about going from CO to case manager. I am talking more like going from CO to IT or tax auditor with the state after finishing your degree that you're doing on the side.

The way I see it is that the state has already "vetted" me assuming that I don't get fired. Obviously you still need to be qualified for the new role you're applying to. I am exploring this because it would be nice to eventually move to a cushy office role and still keep my state benefits/pension. Anyone here have experiences on the matter?

8 Comments
2024/10/31
01:58 UTC

1

What to do

So if you are in an altercation with a woman that’s becoming a man is it ok to fight back I have had to restrain and wrestle around with a guy gal but never a girl guy it was my first time seeing this abomination and I was so confused and so many questions that’s is really messing with me right now we have a lady boy on observation it has tits and a beard this shit is weird

64 Comments
2024/10/31
01:35 UTC

8

How difficult is training to become a CO?

66 Comments
2024/10/31
00:15 UTC

1

new york corrections revised psych written

received an email about this. anyone going through this currently for new york city corrections ? I took their psych written already but im scheduled to do this. Is it different then the first ? how many times they give you psych exams for anyone thats gone through this already ?

thanks in advance.

3 Comments
2024/10/30
19:37 UTC

0

Interview for CX-01

Hi All, my brother cleared the situational judgment test on October 11, 2024. But he has not received any interview call as of yet. Is it normal ? Anyone who has completed this selection process, please help me with timeline of various milestones in the process.

5 Comments
2024/10/30
17:57 UTC

3

BOP hiring length

I applied to the BOP (FCI Phoenix in particular) a couple of days ago. Just wondering if anyone else here has also gone through the process, and if so, how long did it take you from application to formal offer? Would appreciate any insight on this.

15 Comments
2024/10/30
05:39 UTC

2

Undecided

I'm undecided on whether going to school to be a EMT or a Correctional Officer in 2025. My long term goal is to be a police officer. I've heard like both are great before being a police officer. Currently 18yrs old. Any help would be appreciated.

25 Comments
2024/10/30
04:13 UTC

2

CX-1 Kent institution - Agassiz

I'm seeking insights from anyone who has worked or is currently working at Kent Institution in BC, Canada. I’d appreciate any information on working conditions, overtime opportunities, staffing levels, and the overall working environment.

Thank you!

3 Comments
2024/10/30
03:34 UTC

14

Do You Like What You Do?

Question for My Correction Colleagues: Do you like what you do? I know in the beginning it can be a pain in the butt adjusting to a different lifestyle but as time goes on and you have good partners around you and actually get a hang of what you’re doing you sort of type of enjoy it. Especially when inmates don’t put any fear into and start to see them as a joke. You really see good money and can take care of your family. In addition the experience you gain can open up more doors in LE

36 Comments
2024/10/30
00:11 UTC

7

Use of force policies

Hey everyone,

What’s your use of force policy are use facilities? I heard corrections is mostly ask, tell, make given that too much time can’t be spend. Let me know.

30 Comments
2024/10/29
20:57 UTC

2

Virginia DOC

Anyone work for the Virginia DOC? How is programming there? Are yard politics a thing in the men's prisons in Virginia or not so much? Coming from the West.

6 Comments
2024/10/29
20:37 UTC

2

Alberta corrections

So I got my first interview and then the 30 minute written assessment that comes after it. Anyone know what's the interview/test about? Any tips?

Thanks

2 Comments
2024/10/29
19:52 UTC

8

First Day at the Corrections Academy After 4 Months at a State Prison

Hey everyone! I just finished my first day at the corrections academy, and it’s already such a nice change. After nearly four months working as a correctional officer at a state prison, this shift in pace and environment feels refreshing.

One of the best parts is having weekends off, and I’ve decided I’m not taking on any overtime during these six weeks. I want to really enjoy this time away, focus on the academy, and keep my mind on schoolwork instead of extra shifts. After working a constantly changing schedule in corrections, this more “normal” routine feels like a rare break.

Looking forward to making the most of this experience. For those who’ve gone from working in a prison to the academy, any tips? Would love to hear them!

16 Comments
2024/10/28
22:42 UTC

0

Nycdoc Dq

Can someone please tell me what to do to appeal my dq letter from oral psych. My letter was attempted to be delivered while I wasn’t home and now they returned it to sender. I wanna fight this appeal and make it into the next class for dec/jan . Did anyone get a dq letter and can share the appeal info. I tried calling its no help.

7 Comments
2024/10/28
19:41 UTC

1

Nyc DOC Timekeeping Role

I was recently offered the role of a timekeeping analyst with the nyc doc. I am wondering if anyone currently has this role, and what kind of attire should be worn for it.

I assume it’s business casual, but I want some clarity before I go buying anything. I don’t start for a couple of weeks while all the processes are complete, but I want to be prepared when the time comes. I mainly own jeans, cargo pants and graphic shirts, which I am certain would be considered inappropriate based on the very corporate office like environment I noticed.

Any suggestions would be appreciated :)

0 Comments
2024/10/28
16:45 UTC

0

Ny county jails

Any county jails hiring near nyc?

2 Comments
2024/10/28
09:39 UTC

0

Will color blindness DQ me? (NDOC) Nevada

I have pretty horrible color vision. I was already given my official offer and a start date. Passed every step so far but haven’t gone to medical yet. I have if in 2 days. My color blindness is the only thing I feel like might DQ me if they even test for it. I saw this on their website:

“Color vision is not required for primary correctional positions. For positions requiring color vision (e.g., electricians), the applicant must pass an approved color vision test.”

But that website hasn’t been updated in years it looks like.

8 Comments
2024/10/28
08:47 UTC

19

27 Comments
2024/10/28
03:36 UTC

2

Cx-1 training and next steps

Hi, I passed my interview-reference check done. Did my Physic Evaluation test and fingerprint last week. Medical with Health Canada Office is next week. Can some tell or give any insight what would the next steps be, and when can I expect an email for online training and tent the training in Kingston.

Any info help

12 Comments
2024/10/28
00:23 UTC

1

Blind in one eye

I’m have uncorrected 20/20 vision in one eye and completely blind in the other. Can I become a correction officer? I take the CJBAT tomorrow and I know they’re going to ask for a physical soon. T

4 Comments
2024/10/28
00:15 UTC

3

Post interview?

I had an interview with CSC beginning of October. I just found out they had emailed my references last week. Is this a good sign? If I botched my interview would they still talk to my references?

5 Comments
2024/10/27
21:42 UTC

0

Mistaken for peace officer public

Does that ever happen to you all? It actually happens to me all the time because I like to wear aviators. I just prefer them. I don't correct anybody, because they're not talking TO ME about their misconception of the uniform.

And don't get me wrong, I never say that I am a peace officer, but I always hear people saying police officer, or this one lady actually stated that she likes to follow the rules 🤣.

18 Comments
2024/10/27
12:29 UTC

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