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Should I join the local Sheriffs department?

Bender

Known Troll
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Feb 12, 2014
    12,726
    44,679
    Cheyenne WY.
    Back story, at 20 I wanted to be a cop, I went to college for criminal justice/pre law..... then I got married and have worked construction/management and now drive a Hazmat Semi for decent money.....but....I’m never home.... I am constantly on call and don’t really have a schedule. And it’s driving the wife nuts. I brought up maybe I could go join the sheriffs department and work in the jail where at least I would have a schedule and be able to plan things. She said ok... but now, at 39.... should I? I know working the jail sucks, but I would have an actual schedule and more than 1 day off a week. I wouldn’t even mind the pay cut, just so I could get a couple Days together so I could spend time with the family. I have no credit card debt, one car payment and the mortgage. My jeep, boat, and fifth wheel camper are paid off.

    Am I dreaming? I’m tired of driving....
     
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    You are young. If you don't do it now, you will always wonder what would have happened. Being married is about being together. Experience from failed marriages and relationships. If for some reason you hate it you can go back to the truck. I guy I know used to work in a tire shop, did it for years. Made decent money. He got a wild hair and volunteered to work at the jail for free to see if he liked it. Eventually he was hired on perm and then he got a road deputy job. He loves it and he is a hell of a deputy. Good luck!
     
    If you've got a good SO, with a solid retirement and benefits package then there's little downside if it's something you want to do.

    Is it a policy that deputies have to start in the jail before going to patrol or is the jail your choice?
     
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    If you've got a good SO, with a solid retirement and benefits package then there's little downside if it's something you want to do.

    Is it a policy that deputies have to start in the jail before going to patrol or is the jail your choice?

    Patrol isn't a part of duties universally for SDs. Some counties have separate LEAs that handle parks and facilities. Here they don't even do the county jail, just procedures like court security, prisoner transfer to/from court, bomb disposal, and general MA call-outs on searches.
     
    if you are a pussy that is easily frightened and cant box for more than 3 rounds, take a pass because you will end up on youtube for shooting someone because you got scared when they did not comply. if you can handle yourself and are even tempered go for it.
     
    Patrol isn't a part of duties universally for SDs. Some counties have separate LEAs that handle parks and facilities. Here they don't even do the county jail, just procedures like court security, prisoner transfer to/from court, bomb disposal, and general MA call-outs on searches.

    That's a fair reminder, thanks. I've seen a bunch of iterations of Sheriff's duties, and totally forgot that some don't have a Criminal Patrol function. NOLA being an example.
     
    Just remember, the advice you get on the internet is worth exactly what you paid for it.

    This is not what ammo to use or should you buy that rifle. You and your wife need to think this over and make the best decision you can make with the information you have available to you.

    I wish you nothing but the best of luck regardless of your decision.
     
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    It is policy for our local sheriffs office to start new hires in the jail, which is fine. I would find working indoors a novelty since for the past 18 years I have been outside for my career. Would be kind of nice to work inside when it’s snowing LOL. I’m a big guy, 6’2” and a chubby 285lbs. But I’m strong and used to bounce at heavy metal concerts. I don’t really have a temper, I don’t look for trouble, I don’t drink or do bars. I shoot well, but temperament is way more important. They offer 20yr full retirement and pay isn’t bad, but not outstanding either. Patrol is offered after two years, or go court house duty. Patrol would be interesting, but I wouldn’t mind just doing courthouse stuff. I’m not really that picky.

    Oh, and I’m a strict constitutionalist. I would always fall on the side of my country and people.

    I hate bureaucracy..... sooo there is that...
     
    Moved back to the States at 35. I was the ole man in the Academy at the ripe old age of 36. I had nor have any aspirations for the road despite being asked/recruited by some agencies. Not my thing for my reasons.

    I could ask you a ton of questions about you and the Department, but maybe it's better I let you ask me specific questions you may have if you like. Nothing is off limits. Ask away and I would be more than happy to help you in any way I can.

    In a nutshell I'd say do it as long as you know well what exactly you're really getting into. It's a meat grinder AND it's a kick in the ass. ;)
    Doesn't work out you can always walk.
     
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    Moved back to the States at 35. I was the ole man in the Academy at the ripe old age of 36. I had nor have any aspirations for the road despite being asked/recruited by some agencies. Not my thing for my reasons.

    I could ask you a ton of questions about you and the Department, but maybe it's better I let you ask me specific questions you may have if you like. Nothing is off limits. Ask away and I would be more than happy to help you in any way I can.

    In a nutshell I'd say do it as long as you know well what exactly you're really getting into. It's a meat grinder AND it's a kick in the ass. ;)
    Doesn't work out you can always walk.


    Cut to the chase, what do you know now vs, what you didn’t know going in? Would you do it again?
     
    Cut to the chase, what do you know now vs, what you didn’t know going in? Would you do it again?

    I didn't know everything we actually have to do. It's a lot. We do everything. I didn't know every day was going to be 100% fucked up at levels at times beyond your imagination. I didn't think the stress would fuck with me, it does. I didn't know I'd be in HUNDREDS of handlings. Some brutal as hell. I didn't know 21yrs later come May I'd still be doing it. I didn't know I'd love it and love to bitch about it as much as I do.
    Do it again? In a heartbeat. It's a helluva rush from time to time.

    (y)
    EDIT: I DIDN'T KNOW THE WASHOUT/TURNOVER RATE WOULD BE SO HIGH.
     
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    You might do some checking on the age. I know in my area, 39 y/o might might it difficult to be hired. Now that may be if you're looking at law enforcement rather than a jail position. There's an age cut off for the academy and pensions with some departments.

    As for the job it's self. Jail /corrections suck. (Did I sugar coat that too much?) I was state corrections for 3 years and been police for 12+ years. I realize there are some differences between jails and DOC but the gist is the same. Bad guys behind bars trying to get shit over on you 24/7. Food, weapons, booze, dope all in play. You'll deal with every drunk brought in from the road. They puke, guess who cleans it up. They shit or piss in the floor (or throw it on you) you clean it up and continue the shift. Prisoner has to go to the hospital because they swallowed a bag of dope, you're there too. A doctor has to remove an old bullet from the back of a guy in jail, you're right there. A guy so messed up in the head he shoves broken glass up to his bladder you get to deal with it. An attack on a child molesters where he fits stabbed 100+ times, you respond. You stand your post as a riot kicks off in another unit and a friend is taken hostage. Every one of these has happened to me.

    If you have any specific questions, ask or PM me. To answer if I'd do it all over again, yes. No hesitation. It's a calling that few will answer or understand.
     
    You might do some checking on the age. I know in my area, 39 y/o might might it difficult to be hired. Now that may be if you're looking at law enforcement rather than a jail position. There's an age cut off for the academy and pensions with some departments.

    As for the job it's self. Jail /corrections suck. (Did I sugar coat that too much?) I was state corrections for 3 years and been police for 12+ years. I realize there are some differences between jails and DOC but the gist is the same. Bad guys behind bars trying to get shit over on you 24/7. Food, weapons, booze, dope all in play. You'll deal with every drunk brought in from the road. They puke, guess who cleans it up. They shit or piss in the floor (or throw it on you) you clean it up and continue the shift. Prisoner has to go to the hospital because they swallowed a bag of dope, you're there too. A doctor has to remove an old bullet from the back of a guy in jail, you're right there. A guy so messed up in the head he shoves broken glass up to his bladder you get to deal with it. An attack on a child molesters where he fits stabbed 100+ times, you respond. You stand your post as a riot kicks off in another unit and a friend is taken hostage. Every one of these has happened to me.

    If you have any specific questions, ask or PM me. To answer if I'd do it all over again, yes. No hesitation. It's a calling that few will answer or understand.
    It's all of that and more. And you're right, damn few can stomach it for long. :cool:
     
    It's all of that and more. And you're right, damn few can stomach it for long. :cool:

    Need me to do the Austrian accent thing again? :unsure:

    I've got two openings on Thursday afternoon.
     
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    I entered the police academy at 40, graduated at 41. Second career. Third, technically. Loved every day of my 13 years. Do it. Even if you are only there a few years, you will never look back and say "I wish I had tried."

    Talk to @1J04 about working in the jails. It's not for everyone and you need the right temperament and 'presence.' But if you can get out on the road as well... do it!

    Cheers, Sirhr
     
    I entered the police academy at 40, graduated at 41. Second career. Third, technically. Loved every day of my 13 years. Do it. Even if you are only there a few years, you will never look back and say "I wish I had tried."

    Talk to @1J04 about working in the jails. It's not for everyone and you need the right temperament and 'presence.' But if you can get out on the road as well... do it!

    Cheers, Sirhr

    @1J04 gets out on the road every day. He sees tasty animals waving at him from the fields. And then he arrives at the zoo where the non-tasty animals are.

    :cool:
     
    I have a friend whose story is like yours. He joined the force and never regretted it. I spent 29 years as a sheriff's deputy. I worked corrections for a short time and transferred to the streets. Some people like working corrections and they spend their whole career in the jail. I liked being outside too much to be couped up.
     
    It is policy for our local sheriffs office to start new hires in the jail, which is fine. I would find working indoors a novelty since for the past 18 years I have been outside for my career. Would be kind of nice to work inside when it’s snowing LOL. I’m a big guy, 6’2” and a chubby 285lbs. But I’m strong and used to bounce at heavy metal concerts. I don’t really have a temper, I don’t look for trouble, I don’t drink or do bars. I shoot well, but temperament is way more important. They offer 20yr full retirement and pay isn’t bad, but not outstanding either. Patrol is offered after two years, or go court house duty. Patrol would be interesting, but I wouldn’t mind just doing courthouse stuff. I’m not really that picky.

    Oh, and I’m a strict constitutionalist. I would always fall on the side of my country and people.

    I hate bureaucracy..... sooo there is that...

    The SO where I first started policing had the same policy, which was why I asked. I knew that I never wanted to work Corrections in any form, it's just not a good fit for my personality. You sound like you've given it a bit of thought and may enjoy it. The jail is definitely a show, and you'll see shit you really can't imagine, in some cases literally. The ability to go to the road is a nice option to have, and the jail will serve you well if you transition.

    I worked at the PD with a couple of guys who'd worked our jail and they came on the Dept with some massive advantages. They already knew most of the bad guys and how to talk to them. Some coppers never really learn to talk to the worst of the worst, but in jail you have to figure that shit out quick.


    Were you a bully in high school? If not, then you will not fit in. :)

    This is total bullshit, and I should be ashamed for feeding the troll.
     
    Years ago we went to church with a really nice family who pretty much all lost their jobs when a local GM plant closed. Two of the young males my age in the family found work pretty quick one as a postman and the other the Sheriff’s department. My friend the deputy had to start in the jail. I think they all did and maybe still do in our county. I’ll call him Stan. Stan was about 5’6” 170 lbs. and the nicest guy you’ll ever meet, do anything for you anytime. Our kids were in dance, Tee ball, and other stuff. After a short time he stopped coming to church and other activities and I know he was in training and bounce around shifts etc. At some point his wife told my wife how bad it was and he would get slammed into the cell bars and pretty much beat up, knocked down, spit on and worse. We felt so bad for him and wished he would get out, do something else.

    It was about two years or so before I ran into Stan again, he was moonlighting doing security after the local football games at a McDonalds in town. I went there to check on my daughter and her friends and saw Stan. Oh my God! I almost didn’t recognize him he was probably still 5’6” although he really looked taller but was ripped to the max. I thought he was wearing vest but he wasn’t his chest and arms were incredible I mean he looked like the Hulk.

    He was tough he talked tough and nobody messed with him. He told me he had to make a decision to stay or leave and he if stayed he would need to make some changes which he did. He was still Stan and would still make me laugh and help a friend without thinking twice but he talked a little rougher and was more aggressive but not to his friends. It wasn’t the same as he seemed uncomfortable with his old friends and would rather hangout with other Leos. He was always glad to see me at local ball games etc. but we would never really hangout together again. Stan was never a bully but man was he tough.
     
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    Should I join the local Sheriffs department?
    If you have to ask here, it may not be for you.
    Oh shit, you got me good. How dare I ask known LEO’s opinions of their personal experiences....

    I am shamed....

    “Should I respond to a question on the internet”........

    Shit, I got you now!

    You are now shamed....


    Gianteyeroll.gif
     
    Oh shit, you got me good. How dare I ask known LEO’s opinions of their personal experiences....

    I am shamed....



    “Should I respond to a question on the internet”........

    Shit, I got you now!

    You are now shamed....


    Gianteyeroll.gif

    I would think you would ask locals in uniform over the net, but that's just me.
     
    I would think you would ask locals in uniform over the net, but that's just me.
    Who said I haven’t?

    What if I told you I have retired/active Police/Sheriff /FBI friends that I’ve talked to already?

    I get it, it’s a canned answer i see on all types of forums.

    “Why ask (Insert question here) on the (interwebz/forum)”

    My contention is, that’s exactly what the Internet was invented for. Trading of ideas and experiences between parties.

    And Porn of course.....

    No harm, no foul.
     
    Oh yeah, tell me to “use the search button”...... Just to cover all of your bases, LOL.
     
    Have a current member here send you an audio recording of a "day in the life of jail".

    I am not sure what repercussions he can recieve for doing so. But he has in the past. He knows who he is and can hook up with you on a PM.

    Ask yourself could you handle being around Dr Nasser and not shanking that piece of shit yourself (not sure I could).

    I have never done it but I am not naive to the evil of the world.

    I will say that your current job is what is wrong in many ways with America/World. Asking people to do more and more with less and less family/personal time. Just to survive, your probably never really getting ahead with all the work you do.

    It is why some industries struggle to find workers. The toll they require from life just is not worth it.

    Good luck to you.
     
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    Have a current member here send you an audio recording of a "day in the life of jail".

    I am not sure what repercussions he can recieve for doing so. But he has in the past. He knows who he is and can hook up with you on a PM.

    Ask yourself could you handle being around Dr Nasser and not shanking that piece of shit yourself (not sure I could).

    I have never done it but I am not naive to the evil of the world.

    I will say that your current job is what is wrong in many ways with America/World. Asking people to do more and more with less and less family/personal time. Just to survive, your probably never really getting ahead with all the work you do.

    It is why some industries struggle to find workers. The toll they require from life just is not worth it.

    Good luck to you.


    Yeah, I get it, I fully agree. I actually really enjoy my work, I get to pick when I start my day, I can go pick up my load at two in the morning or two in the afternoon. It’s just when I start my Clock I have 12 hours of work on average to do. The pay is actually really good, I have made up to two grand a week after taxes, I’m not making that right now , So it’s not really worth it to me for the amount of hours I have invested to make less money than I was. It’s a dynamic industry and what you are doing can change day today even if you have been doing the same thing for over a year. I get lots of windshield time which I actually enjoy, I listen to audiobooks and talk radio and even get to call family and friends on the Bluetooth phone to catch up. It’s just come to a point that it is too hard for my wife raising three small children at home, which I completely understand, I am married to her not this line of work.
     
    I began my Law Enforcement career when I was 45 and have been doing it for 10 years now. (I did 24 in the Navy, followed by a one year contract overseas).
    I was, by FAR, the oldest in my academy.
    One of the things age does for you is give you the perspective of world experience.
    Just like in the Military, you are not the same person you were before you served.
    You have little in common with your old friends.
    I'm too old to "hang out" with folks and more or less outgrew the hangout shit a long time ago, so I can't honestly tell you if being in LE had anything to do with it.
     
    So now I can say it. NOBODY LIKES THE JAIL/PRISON. NOBODY. Officer's, State Patrol, Deputies, CCO's, Management, Lawyers, all act like the deck is on fire and they're barefoot. They can't run outta here fast enough. Seriously. I've been, and will continue to hold back a bit cause I don't wanna sound like "that guy". You know, "that guy". I'm not that guy and don't wanna sound like a damn blow hard. Hate that shit. Listen as well to what people are telling you. They're right. You got the mass to be a formidable opponent. Ya gotta have game to make this work. You gotta read people like books. You need to focus on what's important and what's not. I don't hang with any LEO's. That makes me different than some. I put my heart n soul into this shit then I'm out the door. Done. Till tomorrow. Guy's that get me into the shit because they cant's let Jimmy have a new sock because the one he's got has a hole in it doesn't make it with me. I allegedly bounced one of my own guys not long at all ago. Cost me a months wages and then some. Almost cost me my job. You gotta be quick on your feet, quick thinker, able to go 0-100 right fucking now, then answer the phone to the public and be all nice n stuff. You have NO control where you're going. You ALWAYS start cold, they're already amped and waiting for you. I could go on and on but I gotta go back to Court for today. Ask, Ask, Ask.
     
    AJ... I'm with you on the retardedness of the 'bullies' post. I never worked corrections. But transported more prisoners than I can count. Mostly at 3 am. Most of them were intoxicated. Dealt with the guys up at State (the pen) constantly.

    Here some facts... those who want to bully or abuse prisoners... won't last a week. Neither will 'fraidy cats.

    You treat prisoners with respect. Not reverence... not as superiors or even equals. But you treat everyone the same. And you give them the respect that comes along with the fact most are doing their time or know they fucked up... and don't need an extra layer of crap on top of the incarceration they are already facing. The courts will deal with them. Their sentences are often harsh and jail sucks. That does not mean you are trying to be their friend. It does mean that you don't need to make their sentence harder by being a douchebag or a hard-ass or by fu**ing with them. It means maintaining a command presence. Not letting them push beyond the rules... but not pushing their buttons either.

    It also means not being afraid to go 'game on' if they violate the rules. But that is the last resort. Not the way you conduct yourself day-to-day.

    Command presence. Whether in jail or on the street... is not about being a bully. It's about making sure everyone knows who owns the situation... and making sure that everyone is damn sure that you are in charge. The minute you start being a bully... you lose command presence. And the situation is volatile. And then, eventually, the bully loses one when the situation goes south. Which it will sooner or later. Calm, cool, collected... and in charge. Unequivocally and unmistakably in charge. Physically, verbally and in projecting capability to deal with any situation. Bullies never handle that. Smart Type-A people who are confident that they can handle any situation thanks to attitude and training... handle that fine. In a pen or on the street.

    Those who think that only bullies and 'Farva' types become police or sheriff's, etc? Are cut from the same cloth that think only baby-killers join the armed-forces. Putting on a uniform draws people who want to serve, not subjugate, their fellow-man. If you don't understand that... it says more about you than it does about the prison guard.

    I had a lot of respect for the guys who worked inside the walls. It's not something I would want to do. But the ones that are good at it... aren't good at it because they are bullies. They are good at it because they can handle some of society's worst animals with care, respect and professionalism. It's a dirty job. It takes a pro to do it.

    Cheers,

    Sirhr
     
    AJ... I'm with you on the retardedness of the 'bullies' post. I never worked corrections. But transported more prisoners than I can count. Mostly at 3 am. Most of them were intoxicated. Dealt with the guys up at State (the pen) constantly.

    Here some facts... those who want to bully or abuse prisoners... won't last a week. Neither will 'fraidy cats.

    You treat prisoners with respect. Not reverence... not as superiors or even equals. But you treat everyone the same. And you give them the respect that comes along with the fact most are doing their time or know they fucked up... and don't need an extra layer of crap on top of the incarceration they are already facing. The courts will deal with them. Their sentences are often harsh and jail sucks. That does not mean you are trying to be their friend. It does mean that you don't need to make their sentence harder by being a douchebag or a hard-ass or by fu**ing with them. It means maintaining a command presence. Not letting them push beyond the rules... but not pushing their buttons either.

    It also means not being afraid to go 'game on' if they violate the rules. But that is the last resort. Not the way you conduct yourself day-to-day.

    Command presence. Whether in jail or on the street... is not about being a bully. It's about making sure everyone knows who owns the situation... and making sure that everyone is damn sure that you are in charge. The minute you start being a bully... you lose command presence. And the situation is volatile. And then, eventually, the bully loses one when the situation goes south. Which it will sooner or later. Calm, cool, collected... and in charge. Unequivocally and unmistakably in charge. Physically, verbally and in projecting capability to deal with any situation. Bullies never handle that. Smart Type-A people who are confident that they can handle any situation thanks to attitude and training... handle that fine. In a pen or on the street.

    Those who think that only bullies and 'Farva' types become police or sheriff's, etc? Are cut from the same cloth that think only baby-killers join the armed-forces. Putting on a uniform draws people who want to serve, not subjugate, their fellow-man. If you don't understand that... it says more about you than it does about the prison guard.

    I had a lot of respect for the guys who worked inside the walls. It's not something I would want to do. But the ones that are good at it... aren't good at it because they are bullies. They are good at it because they can handle some of society's worst animals with care, respect and professionalism. It's a dirty job. It takes a pro to do it.

    Cheers,

    Sirhr


    I get it. When I bounced at concerts, it was the same way. I’m not trying to say what I did was like anything working for the jail, but how I treated the people that needed dealt with I talked to them the same way I would talk to my wife or any random person on the street. I never got into a fight, because I wasn’t looking for one, yes I have had to get physical, but it wasn’t a fight because it was over before it started. Like you said we just took care of situations as a team and removed the problems. Thank goodness I never got hurt, and nobody else ever got hurt. I only did it at a local venue because I knew the concert promoter, the owner of the property cut him off and I haven’t done it in a couple years now. But it was absolutely the most fun I’ve ever had, mainly because I’m a metalhead and got into concerts for free. Lol.

    I’m the fat guy in the middle of Sevendust....

    1677F148-376B-4800-BC55-21B679FA27F6.jpeg
     
    I get it. When I bounced at concerts, it was the same way. I’m not trying to say what I did was like anything working for the jail, but how I treated the people that needed dealt with I talked to them the same way I would talk to my wife or any random person on the street. I never got into a fight, because I wasn’t looking for one, yes I have had to get physical, but it wasn’t a fight because it was over before it started. Like you said we just took care of situations as a team and removed the problems. Thank goodness I never got hurt, and nobody else ever got hurt. I only did it at a local venue because I knew the concert promoter, the owner of the property cut him off and I haven’t done it in a couple years now. But it was absolutely the most fun I’ve ever had, mainly because I’m a metalhead and got into concerts for free. Lol.

    I’m the fat guy in the middle of Sevendust....

    View attachment 6871850

    You sure you're not a knuckle dragger already? lmao Ya big fucking lug. I could see you walking the mile. Serious. Maybe your doppelganger will let me take a pic of him. Seriously. Split'n image and he's got the meanstreak of a manatee. Super nice laid back guy, till ya hit'm. :eek:
     
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    I’ve been on the inside for over 5 years and can’t wait to try and transfer out to the streets. Its not bad, but its not good.

    lol GIve it a chance, it'll grow on ya. ;) See you're in WA. If ya don't wanna say it on here then atleast PM me. I'm gonna guess Shelton, Clallam Bay, Walla Walla, Airway Heights, Stafford Creek? Don't tell me Monroe !!!!!! :ROFLMAO: Or you're County and I couldn't be more wrong. :cautious:
     
    You sure you're not a knuckle dragger already? lmao Ya big fucking lug. I could see you walking the mile. Serious. Maybe your doppelganger will let me take a pic of him. Seriously. Split'n image and he's got the meanstreak of a manatee. Super nice laid back guy, till ya hit'm. :eek:
    I pride myself on having the world’s longest temper, but when it’s gone it’s gone. I would love to meet my twin LOL. I actually have a short full beard now. I’m pretty sure I will cry if I take the position and have to shave LOL.
     
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    I pride myself on having the world’s longest temper, but when it’s gone it’s gone. I would love to meet my twin LOL. I actually have a short full beard now. I’m pretty sure I will cry if I take the position and have to shave LOL.

    Wait a minute, I got something for you regarding the crying.



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