Corrections before patrol?

[rnlindne]

I've noticed a lot of talk about prospective police officers/deputies working in a corrections position before working patrol. For example two of the ride-a-longs I've been on were with officers who had started in corrections. While it's my goal to work patrol, I know as a young candidate (and considering how competitive jobs are right now) I may need some experience to make myself more competitive. Here's my question( which I really hope doesn't come across as offensive, as I have a ton of respect for both), is it easier for an applicant to get hired for a corrections position than a patrol position? I've been trying to learn what I can about corrections and it seems like it could be a great place to start.
Thanks for any replies

[Safety Steve]

IMO, it is easier to get hired into corrections than as a Peace Officer. And you are correct, both serve a different function in the wheel of justice and are important.



Be Safe.

[Gutwrench]

I never worked corrections or in a jail, but as an FTO some of my best rooks had jail or correction experience. They knew how to conduct themselves and deal with street thugs better than most. They could keep their cool and were prepared for the street. But not everyone is made for the street and I definitely wasn't made to work the jail or corrections. I have a ton of respect for those brothers and sisters!

You seem to have a good head on your shoulders rnlindne, good luck to you.

[marinepilot]

To echo what Gutwrench said above, I too have a ton of respect for the corrections officers in our agency! I don't think I could handle that job since you're locked up most of the time your at work, just like the prisoners. Hats off to them, and so far the ones I've seen that have come out on the road have been very jam-up!

[GoDirectly2Jail]

This is EXTREMELY dependant on the agency and their hiring practices. Some jail/corrections departments are just as selective in applicants as their LE bretheren. Others will hand job applications out to the thugs being released.

What has been said above is good info, people may be cut out for one but not the other (or vice versa). Some departments who do both jail and the road have a mandatory jail cycle first. IMO, those that can successfully make the transition know how to better communicate with criminals, or spot behavioral indicators that they observed while supervising the inmates that can be invaluable.

[retdetsgt]

I'd have to echo what others said about corrections guys coming on our department. I had a trainee that had been a CO in our county jail. When we hit the streets, he knew a lot of the bad guys by name and was excellent in defusing hot situations, something few new guys can do.

[rnlindne]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess my plan is to apply to every opening, corrections and patrol. Either way I'm sure I'd be happy and learn a lot.