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Old 07-31-2014, 07:47 AM
 
7,372 posts, read 14,711,109 times
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Tried posting this in the employment section but got zero responses. Anyways I guess my question is specific to Connecticut DOC.

Currently work at the health department for 16 years. Thinking of taking the exam for correctional officer and doing something different. At least I would be able to transfer my state time.
Anyways looking for someone who works as a C/O that can give me some insight before i change my entire career path.
I know that starting pay is 44k which does not seem great, however I have heard you can make alot more money than that.
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Old 07-31-2014, 08:28 AM
 
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I have 3 friends who did this down in Westchester. One loves it and is still there and makes(with overtime) over 100K.
The other quit after 6 months. Couldn't take being "locked up" all day and the inmates mess with your head and it got to him.
The other guy is a retired CO from Rikers Island and now works as our parts delivery driver while he collects his pension.
He loved it.

Some people love it...some hate it. Obviously with overtime, you could make a good living.
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Old 07-31-2014, 02:41 PM
 
Location: Connecticut
35,138 posts, read 57,283,682 times
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I know someone that just became one a few months back. There was an extensive training program required but I don't know the particulars on it. The base salary is low but she works OT and makes more. The benefits are good and there will be a pension after 20 years so if you can deal with the BS, it could be worth it. Jay
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Old 07-31-2014, 02:52 PM
 
Location: CT
720 posts, read 924,796 times
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Prepare to sacrafice allot of holidays and family time when you first start. Have many friends as CO's in CT
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Old 07-31-2014, 02:54 PM
 
Location: Connecticut
5,104 posts, read 4,866,413 times
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FYI starting salary is 39k and rises to 44k AFTER you pass the 10 week training.

One problem I can see with being a CO is you can't leave during your shift and most likely can't have visitors. In a way you're also a prisoner (albeit 8 hrs at a time) That can make going to DR appts or school functions difficult. No matter how organized you are something is bound to come up during work hours.

I met a bunch of CO's at a party once and they seemed to be a happy group and got along with each other well. I would imagine a job like that has a "brotherhood" feel to it. If you don't like that you probably won't fit in.
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Old 07-31-2014, 03:05 PM
 
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I know CT state police is hiring. Can you transfer your years over there? If so, being a trooper IMO is much better than a CO.
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Old 08-01-2014, 05:59 AM
 
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Well Im signed up for the exam. Got my confirmation email already. Talked to another friend who just became CO. He said it takes a while to get in, up to 2.5 years. Im willing to wait and that way i have time to make a decision. Thanks for the responses.
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Old 08-01-2014, 07:33 AM
 
2,249 posts, read 2,219,566 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skel1977 View Post
Well Im signed up for the exam. Got my confirmation email already. Talked to another friend who just became CO. He said it takes a while to get in, up to 2.5 years. Im willing to wait and that way i have time to make a decision. Thanks for the responses.

Good luck. I always kick myself for not becoming a cop out of high school, I have a few cop friends retiring next year (at 45). Not a bad little gig.
My buddys(the one who quit being a CO) step-son is now 25 and has been a cop for 3 years now and loves it......and he should, he made $137,000 last year with OT. I'm definitely in the wrong biz........
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:17 AM
 
Location: Near the Coast SWCT
83,648 posts, read 75,796,532 times
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An unfortunate death of a Correction Officer happened 2 days ago.

Gary Messina killed, instructor Christopher Scott critically injured in Skydive Long Island accident - Newsday

"The top safety expert for a national skydiving association said a "mini-tornado," known to jumpers as a dust devil, caused the Calverton accident Wednesday that killed a correction officer and injured his instructor during a tandem jump.

The mix of wind and dust churned into a funnel and made it impossible to control the parachute"
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:22 AM
 
Location: New London County, CT
8,949 posts, read 12,173,185 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmdealerguy View Post
My buddys(the one who quit being a CO) step-son is now 25 and has been a cop for 3 years now and loves it......and he should, he made $137,000 last year with OT. I'm definitely in the wrong biz........
$137K for a cop with 3 years experience...

But it's food stamps that are the problem?
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