Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hi guys Im new to the forum. I recently applied with the CDCR to work as a correctional officer. I received a score of 90 on my exam and I am scheduled to take the written test next week. I should have no problem with it.

In 2007 I was in the local police academy and was injured, obtained an obscure and rare medical problem called compartment syndrome which substantially limited my ability to run. Subsequently when I was taken off light duty I was fired for no cause; gotta love shady management. This has apparently caused no problems with my score of 90.

Here are my questions:
Is there a lot of running in the CDCR Academy? I'm incredibly fast at short distance up to one mile in about 7:55 but I have huge problems running over 1.5 miles. Ill probably get surgery to correct it this October.
Second, I am interested in corrections but I am much more interested in becoming a parole agent. I have an MBA from CSUB university, with an undergrad in Criminal Justice, would that help me get into parole if I applied outright. When are they hiring and is there a lot of competition for the jobs because the salaries are so lucrative?
Third, how long is the CDCR hiring process going to take?
Any answers would be great and thank you guys!

Here are my questions:
Is there a lot of running in the CDCR Academy?

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation recruitment brochure I've seen talks about a 100 yard sprint in under twenty seconds and a 500 yard run in 2:20. Doesn't look like a marathon.


I have an MBA from CSUB university, with an undergrad in Criminal Justice, would that help me get into parole if I applied outright.

It doesn't look like it. Their recruitment materials list a combined education/experience requirement. Specifically:

Bachelor's Degree, and

-One year of experience of applicable casework supervision, or

-Two years of experience supervising inmates in a correctional facility, or

-Two years of experience conducting law enforcement investigations.

However, it looks like your MBA will be worth an extra $135.00 per pay period once you've acquired the necessary experience to get hired.


When are they hiring...

Their website states that they're not currently accepting applications, nor have they scheduled exam dates.


...and is there a lot of competition for the jobs because the salaries are so lucrative?

That's a very subjective question; I'm afraid I have no idea.


Third, how long is the CDCR hiring process going to take?

Well, that's actually fifth ;). The CDCR website estimates a six-to-eight month hiring process.

All information in my answers is from here:

http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/POR/IndexFF.html


Any answers would be great and thank you guys!

You're welcome, and good luck.

I passed the written test and have my PAT next week. I figure it wont be that hard, im pretty good sprint wise and on a bicycle. I figure after I get that Ill have some minor surgery and be ready for an academy in January or March.

I asked how often parole tests and they said about every 1 or 2 years. With an MBA the sergeant said I would have a good shot at getting in. Either way it appears that being a corrections officer is gonna be alot of fun.

Anyone know what they do on the night shift between 10pm and 6am when all the inmates are sleeping? Play poker, random checks, idk?

Third, how long is the CDCR hiring process going to take?

Well the hiring process varies.
I applied March 2007.
Took the Written test/ phsyc written - April 2007
PAT - June 2007
Background Sep 2007 - Oct 2007
Medical Nov 2007- January 2008 (injury setback)
Cleared the process and became
Eligible for academy and placed on the list - February 2008
August 2008, and still waiting for an academy date.

So it varies. Ive heard of ppl doing the whole process in less than 8 months.

I passed the written test and have my PAT next week. I figure it wont be that hard, im pretty good sprint wise and on a bicycle. I figure after I get that Ill have some minor surgery and be ready for an academy in January or March.

I asked how often parole tests and they said about every 1 or 2 years. With an MBA the sergeant said I would have a good shot at getting in. Either way it appears that being a corrections officer is gonna be alot of fun.

Anyone know what they do on the night shift between 10pm and 6am when all the inmates are sleeping? Play poker, random checks, idk?

I would say you have a good chance, but they just finished testing a few months ago, so it will be another year or so before they test again. Being a CO first and the degree will put you way ahead.

On 1st watch (2200-0600) you will do scheduled counts as well as random counts if you work a building. A lot depends on the prison you work at and what level the i/m's are.

Hi tejano820,
I've a similar situation like you,

I applied Jan 2007.
Took the Written test/ phsyc written - March 2007
PAT - April 2007
Background Sep 2007 - April 2008 (very long)
Medical Nov 2007 - Dec 2007
Retake the phsyc written due to expired (good for one year) May 2008
Psy interview on June 2008
Cleared the process and became
Eligible for academy and placed on the list - July 2008
Oct- 2008 still waiting for an academy date.
If you have anything come up, please share. Thanks.

Hi Tejano,
I am too in the same boat. Have you heard anything? I know that the next academy is in November but it says tentative.

Quick question, is the background process/standards similar to those of a police officer say at a local agency compared to doing probation for the county or even co?

I went to the Academy in early 07. It took about a year of testing and waiting months to hear something. I did hear that because of the state budget problems, some people are in limbo.

The CDCR tested for Parole Agent I in March and April of 2008. They currently do not have any test dates scheduled. I also heard that the 2008 Parole Agent list will not expire. Normally the list will expire in 24 months, however, do to the budget the 2008 list will remain active.

If you don't work for CDCR, you will need to do the following things before you even can have a chance to get interviewed;

1. After you take the test you need to receive a score of at least 80 to have a chance to get on. Yes, you can pass the test with a 70, however, you'll have a hard time getting on one of the ranking lists.

2. After you have scored an 80 or above on your test, you will need to have work experience in the following areas, worked as a Probation Officer, Social Worker or Worked in a prison.

The good thing is, the CDCR is wanting to hire people from the outside with educations and experience. A friend of mine got on as Correctional Counselor I (cci) right of the streets. He had his degree, work experience, and he scored in the 80's on his test. So, if you have the experience, education and score in the 80's or above, you'll make it. It's very hard to become a Parole Agent or Correctional Counselor I. I have a friend who is currently going through the Parole Agent I process. He scored high on the test and has a ton of experience, however, he has been on a rolercoster ride.

Here is some more info; The Parole Agent I test is very long, and not easy. They give you 4 hours to complete it and if your smart you'll use all of the time given to you. Also, there is no way to study for it.

One more thing, I have heard from a good source that the CDCR will not test for PA1 for along time. So, if you can get on as a CO, do it. Get your foot in the door while you can. Anybody who is on a CDCR list for anything, is very lucky. So, stick with it and be patient.

Hi there. Quick question for you. Did you ever get to go to the academy? If not, what part of the process are you in? Thanks.