Originally Posted by 94c

In Mexico they're called El Guarda Oficial.

Originally Posted by SGT_GRUNT_USMC

state CO's in Massachusetts have no law enforcement authority outside the prison and very little inside the prison.Inmates run the prisons.Incoming....

Originally Posted by mdaz75

I know it's inevitable that sarcasm will follow this post, however, are there any good points about being a Mass. CO?

Originally Posted by mdaz75

Common.......there must be SOME positive aspects to the job.

Originally Posted by mdaz75

I just moved to Mass. from NY State about a year ago and I'm trying my ass off to get a police job. I took the corrections exam in March with the expectations of having a leg up on my primary goal. Is a Mass. CO really a completely miserable existance? Is it worth begining there to get LE experience for a Police Dept?

Originally Posted by SPINMASS

not a job I want, thats for damn sure, however I will never knock a CO becuase that is truly a thankless job.

Originally Posted by mdaz75

Are CO's Peace Officers under Massachusetts Law?

Originally Posted by mdaz75

I'm trying to make the best informed decision I possibly can regarding my persuit for employment with the Mass. DOC, so I have lots of questions. Here's one:
I know what the starting pay is (according to the HRD website). I also know that when you start working in an institution pay goes up with shift diff., roll call , and overtime. What can I expect a pay check to look like?

Originally Posted by SGT_GRUNT_USMC

When the CO's have a visitor with outstanding warrants for instance they must call Las Vegas Metro Police or Nevada Highway Patrol to conduct the investigation and make the arrest.

I've seen state CO's at hospitals, court, and the County Jail escorting inmates.Most of the officers I've spoke to like thier jobs.Unlike MA, their pretty well equipped,bulletproof vests,Glock 22 .40 cal pistols, OC,batons,etc.

Originally Posted by Otto

We have all this equipment in my county. I think it is pretty standard now, at least for the counties.

Originally Posted by Otto

We have all this equipment in my county. I think it is pretty standard now, at least for the counties.

Originally Posted by fjmas1976

So what are we the red headed step-children at the DOC?

Originally Posted by Delta784

As someone mentioned, there is no peace officer statute in Massachusetts.

As I see it, the main advantages of being a DOC CO are decent pay & benefits, plus the state police & most city/town police departments will "roll over" your pension contributions, meaning your time with the DOC counts towards retirement.

The main disadvantages, from talking to CO's I went to college with, are outdated equipment, sometimes poor working conditions (understaffed), and a lack of respect from some police agencies (which I'll never understand).

It wouldn't be my first choice, but if I was looking to break into LE, or simply needed a job, I'd certainly apply.

Originally Posted by RPD931

Where's my boy "E"?

Anyway, my understanding is that all DOC Officers are SSPO's via the Parole board.

Originally Posted by ejk55

I am not a state trooper, police officer, peace officer, or sheriff. I don't press my uniform or shine my boots. I am a prison guard or more commonly known as a screw. My title is C.O. 1. Am I considered law enforcement? I don't care. Do I pass out toilet paper and soap? Yes. Do I go above and beyond my duties? Only if it will benefit a fellow officer or myself. If you are embarrassed of carrying a wooden handled .38... refuse the detail or be on restraints. Do I expect to be treated with "professional courtesy"? No. That is up to the officer who pulls me over. Our job is thankless, but do not look for a pat on the back from the community when we walk out of the trap. Stop worrying about what "outsiders" think and worry more about you and your fellow officers going home at night. Stop trying to change things on the inside. Remember nothing has changed since 12-31-03. This is how long we have been without a contract. In closing, does this job really suck? I had one year in and was able to buy a house and a second vehicle. I go to work hungry and tired. And most nights I leave rested and full. Be safe.

Originally Posted by BU Observer

They are deputies, BU cops are suffolk county deputies also. If it wasnt for the suffolk county sherriff BUPD wouldnt have any law enforcement authority.

Originally Posted by BU Observer

They are deputies, BU cops are suffolk county deputies also. If it wasnt for the suffolk county sherriff BUPD wouldnt have any law enforcement authority.

Originally Posted by ejk55

I am not a state trooper, police officer, peace officer, or sheriff. I don't press my uniform or shine my boots. I am a prison guard or more commonly known as a screw. My title is C.O. 1. Am I considered law enforcement? I don't care. Do I pass out toilet paper and soap? Yes. Do I go above and beyond my duties? Only if it will benefit a fellow officer or myself. If you are embarrassed of carrying a wooden handled .38... refuse the detail or be on restraints. Do I expect to be treated with "professional courtesy"? No. That is up to the officer who pulls me over. Our job is thankless, but do not look for a pat on the back from the community when we walk out of the trap. Stop worrying about what "outsiders" think and worry more about you and your fellow officers going home at night. Stop trying to change things on the inside. Remember nothing has changed since 12-31-03. This is how long we have been without a contract. In closing, does this job really suck? I had one year in and was able to buy a house and a second vehicle. I go to work hungry and tired. And most nights I leave rested and full. Be safe.

Originally Posted by KozmoKramer

What does this reply have to do with Corrections?

Originally Posted by 94c

And this my friend is the difference between a professional corrections officer and a political deputy sheriff hack.