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Main Page Plymouth County C.O.'s?
(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: NSWLaw

Hey all, I've recently applied for the plymouth county C.O. job I am 20 and I don't have much experience but i do know some people. Can anyone help me figure out the process and tell me if I have any chance what-so-ever? Also can someone, preferably someone that works there, give me some ideas of what the job is like and the ups and downs of the job too. Any advice is appreciated.

~NSW

Posted by: NytroCop

what you're looking at (speaking from being in the R/I A with quite a few of the CO's being deputized) is a preliminary test that will be graded that day by the Major and a few other people. you will know if you're invited back for an interview. If you're granted an interview you will be seen by a panel of 4-6 people who will grill you for about 10-15 min. on anything and everything from your personal life, past jobs, to how you would handle a situation. Then, if they like you, they'll have you do the PAT which includes a timed 1.5 mile run, a timed 300m dash, the sit-and-reach, sit-ups, and push-ups.

If you get a conditional offer of employment you will then go to the academy (which i hear is one of, if not, the hardest in the state). They are one of the highest paid group of CO's in the commonwealth. Good luck to you and let us know how you make out.

AJ

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by NSWLaw

I don't have much experience but i do know some people.

You're good to go.

Posted by: masscopguy

And if the some people you know, know some people all the more better.

Posted by: NSWLaw

Well good news so far. I have passed both the General Knowledge test and the PAT. Both were relativly easy and this last week I had an interview with 5 people which was nerve racking to say the least but I thought it went well and they said I would hear back from them within 2 weeks.

The Academy starts on August 20th with a class of 25 hopefully I will be one of the 25 chosen. Thanks for your help.

~NSW

Posted by: PearlOnyx

NSW,

If you're implying that because you know some people that they may be able to help you out getting the job, as far as pulling strings, I probably wouldn't advertise that on a public message board. Just a word of advice.

Posted by: skimass

NSW: First, like PearlOnyx said. Don't shoot your mouth off about knowing people, all that does is hurt the credentials of the Dept...Many people on this board are weary of the practices of Sheriff's Dept.'s in this State by stating that the jobs are given on a political basis. You can throw that, " it's who you know, not what you know" right out the door. Those people can be the biggest liabilities. Plus ,you would be discrediting many qualified, experienced individuals by taking a job from them. Now that you posted that you "know some people" and have little experience and you get a job it's gonna make the process look bad. You are still young, get the CJ degree, and try again if you don't make it.
Did they start your background invstigation? You would know if they did....

Posted by: crazy irish

Wow! no experience but you know some people? Hell, in Essex County thats enough to make you a Deputy Supt. in a couple of years.
I love it. Now the HACKS just come right out and admit it.
I know a young guy from the North Shore area who has a bachelors in CJ and just got accepted to the Air force Academy, but he couldn't get in Essex County. What a joke County Corrections has become.
One good thing that might come soon is a move to make all county CO's civil service. MCOFU is working with some elected officials in trying to get this done. At the very least it will offer some protection to those employees who are singled out and harassed for not donating and will get rid of people who "know somebody" they will have to pass the test like everyone else.

I worked for three years as a part time co in Essex County before going to an academy. I am a veteran, I did my job and never turned down a shift. But I had to bite my tounge while dozens of people who " knew somebody" got hired only to see them quit or get fired for being morons. I just hope your not one of those hacks who is going to take a job from someone who is more qualified and maybe even needs the job.

Posted by: sparky

Crazy, lots of people know someone in order to get their foot in the door. It is what you do on the job that counts. It is good to see that those people who knew someone and didn't do the job either got fired or quit. Politics is everywhere but the measure of a man or woman is if they get the job done.

Posted by: PearlOnyx

Sparky,

Unfortunatley, "knowing someone" is a problem when they are hiring unqualified candidates that are scared to death to do the job, over more qualified candidates. Qualified people can't get hired because many departments are filled with these hacks.

Posted by: sparky

In corrections, qualification for the position is not like being a CPA or a brain surgeon. You either got it or you don't. And, unfortunately, there are a lot of people who don't know if they have it or not until they work the job. When people were going to academies before working the job, many of them hit the highway after graduation once they found out they had to work with inmates. Some of those people knew people and some did not. Kind of like getting a job at Stop and Shop cause you had an uncle in the meat department. Do the job or not. If not, see ya later whether you knew someone or not. Face it Pearl, you knew someone didn't you. Not to do the job for you, but to get your foot in the door?

Posted by: BB-59

Unfortunately this is all to common in every profession. How many times have we seen somebody get a position that we all new had no right to have?

Working a tier is a lonely place. Hearing that steel door shut behind you at the start of shift has been the end of many a promising career. Working by yourself in a unit with up to 96 inmates, and knowing that if you survive that you are going to be forced another 8 hours in the same conditions due to poor staffing ends many a career.

"Know somebody"? If I knew somebody and I had clout I would pick a different position than corrections officer.

One word of advice, it ain't like the movies. Think long and hard before going on the other side of society. If you make this a career and make the 20 year mark you would have achieved what many only strive for.

"The cowards never showed up, and the sick and weak died along the way".

Kit Carson

Posted by: sparky

Exactly BB. There is politics in every profession so there is not need to shine the light on corrections alone. Like I said, whether you work at Stop and Shop or in a jail, if someone helped you get in there, make em proud. Do the job or walk away.

Posted by: crazy irish

I have seen dozens of men and women who where scared to death as part timers go through academies while qualified eager candidates get swept aside due to political patronage. It's not a problem with just corrections. It's with County corrections. Only in a County sheriff's dept. in this state can you get a DUI, not report it to your supervisor, come in late for work stinking of booze day in and day out and get promoted to SGT. Or how about getting a domestic and a 209a then weeks later getting promoted? Get caught sleeping on the job? promoted to LT. Or the best is how the Sheriff in Essex County hired a former cop from Newburyport Who " knew" the Sheriff. The guy was fired from the cop job for being drunk on duty. Getting into fights while drunk in a bar in uniform along with a long list of other infractions. Then after he gets hired as a CO in Essex he gets charged with child molestation. I could write a freaking book of all the fucked up things these "hacks" have done.

Posted by: PearlOnyx

Sparky,

Go ahead and do the job and put your time in, and you'll see what I'm talking about. If you turn out to be a decent corrections officer, you'll see the small army of scared to death incompetant political hacks that you will have to work with, all because "they knew someone". There are a lot of good corrections officers, and there are alot of people who can't do their job, but remain employed, and often get promoted because they pay the man, or they know someone. Personally, I think everyone who wants a job should have the opportunity to compete for that job, and not be shut out by political hacks. The county sheriff system is broken, and nothing is being done to fix it. I've worked with crazy irish, and everything he says is accurate. Patronage is everywhere as you say, but when it envelops the system, things like that happen. Put some time in...you'll see.

Posted by: sparky

Put some time in? What did you put in 3 years? Give me a break. And, you didn't answer my question Pearl, you knew someone didn't you. Crazy doesn't even work there anymore if I'm guessing right. He knew someone too. How's the knee, or is it back, I forgot.

Posted by: crazy irish

Your guessing wrong on all counts.

And you and every hack like you are whats wrong with Corrections.
The truth hurts doesn't it? Pearl put enough time in to know right from wrong. When he saw how you "hacks" have created a cesspool of political patronage and waste he moved on to bigger and better things.
And why is it you Scumbag Hack sheriff supporters are always trying out the people who post under assumed names? What are ya gonna do sparky run upstairs and do what you do best? RAT!
Removing the political element from Corrections will make a better place to work for everyone. But unfortunatly you "hacks" who had to buy your way in and up know that on a level playing field you would all be exposed for the total peices of shit that you realy are.
Keep the checks comming sparky! your job depends on it!

Posted by: masscopguy

Crazy I ! Glad to see your post. We have not been treated to your unique perspective in a while.

Maybe, the answer is to completely privitize the corrections system. Take the government out of the equation all together and then you could go to work for the Acme Correction/ Storm Door and Window Corporation.

What do you think?

Posted by: PearlOnyx

Sparky,

You've got me picked for the wrong person. I worked there a little over 5 years and left for another department. No knee or back here. I got tired of all the garbage that goes on in that place and left for a department where I can be treated with respect for the work that I do. Guess again! =)

You know what's funny, I'll be glad to admit I knew someone myself. I applied, and got the standard letter saying "We're not hiring right now". Interestingly, a person who later became a friend of mine was hired at that same time. Seems they were only hiring "certain" people. I applied again with a better reference, and was hired a few weeks later, same qualifications, same resume, and same applicant pool. Goes to show that it's all in who you know. When I was 20 years old, I didn't know any better. Older and wiser, I can see that this is wrong, and I like to point that out when I have the opportunity. It seems that many in the system are afraid of a little civil service test, and a strict promotional testing system.

We're all entitled to our opinions, and I respect yours. Please respect mine. If you're intersted in who I am, I've been posting on this board for about 7 or 8 years, and helped run it at one point. There are numerous posts here which would easily show you who I am, or send me a PM, and I'll be glad to tell you. If you look hard enough, and in fact do work there, you shouldn't have a hard time figuring out who I am. I have a lot of respect for the guys that go in there and work hard and do their job, and little respect for those who buy their way in and suck up their way to the top. My problem isn't with the guys who work the blocks for the most part, but with the top 5-10% of managers that allow the things that go on, to go on. An organizations culture is set by it's management.

I was even a union steward for a short period of time before I left, and most people will tell you that despite my opposing opinions at times, I was always respectful and did my best to back up what I say with fact. Before you try guessing who I am, just shoot me a PM and ask. That'll be more effective.

Masscopguy,

Privitization is not the answer, but meaningful oversight is. Corrections is a forgotten science in many aspects, and this lets alot of mismanagement take place. Working in a housing unit, with your own personal Sergeant to supervise you is not normal, and wasteful. Management ratios of 1 supervisor to every 2 officers is not normal, and wasteful. Just my opinion, take it or leave it.

In the end, I don't work there anymore...hell, I don't even live in that half of the country anymore. I could really care less =)

Posted by: sparky

Pearl, I know who you are: MM from the infirmary. Sorry I said 3 years when it was really 5.....put some time in? Anyway, I can't change the way things go, just point out to people who bash the way things are that they got there the same way. You did a good job while you were there so I can't say anything about that. But I can say that you got everything you were entitled to. A good salary, benefits and overtime and details if you wanted it. No one gets treated like a dog there. It's a job. Crazy, I thought you were another MM but if its not you, I apologize. But, it is not a bad place to work and my opinion is if you don't like it, see if the other MM's department is hiring in FLA and SEE YA!

Crazy, I thought about just letting your post go because I (maybe) misjudged who you were. I was right on with the other MM but hopefully he understands where I am coming from. You, on the other hand, don't get it. Politics is everywhere, not just corrections. Do you have kids Crazy? If you do, someday, if not already, you will be making calls to get them their first summer job. Later, you may call a buddy to get them a full time job to start a career. Cops do it, bankers do it, bartenders do it. People do it. I'm not a hack, I knew someone to get me the job and I work hard everyday do make sure that person does not get embarrassed by my behavior. I get paid well, I get details when I want them, overtime (for now) is good. It is a job Crazy. I think that you are taking this politics thing way too seriously. We just got a new contract.....money is good. Maybe you are one of those people who don't like to come to work...if you still work there. Maybe you don't want to work for the Sheriff for some reason. Remember what it was like in 1995? Probably not, you were most likely in high school. One of those generation X or Y guys. Did you ever work a job before the Sheriff's Department? Do you work one now since you left? Oh, that is the other MM not you. Talk to you soon Mike.

Posted by: crazy irish

Sparky.

You are the definition of a "hack" As ar as my three children go. One is a CPA for a major bank on wall street in NY city. One is an iron worker in boston for a union who sticks by one and other unlike you "hack shitbags" and the other is about to get a degree in CJ. I have never made a call on any of there behalf . I don't want them to turn out to be a no good worthless "hack like you Sparky! Oh by the way " hack" I worked my ass off in the real world to raise those three kids and worked the jail at the same time.
As far as my work history goes? The one job I had that I'm most proud of was serving my country with honor. Something people like you know nothing about.
Why is it so important to you to out people posting on this site? Before you go and do such a cowardly thing why dont you just man up and post your real name. You fucking FOF Coward!!!!!

Posted by: kwflatbed

Sparky's posts make me wonder just what his job is.

Just my thoughts.

Posted by: sparky

Hey Crazy, I did't out anyone and I don't see your name up there either. If you think I'm a hack then go ahead and think that tough guy. I'm Irish too you puke, just not as crazy and tough as you I guess. Kw, I work in a jail how bout you?

Posted by: kwflatbed

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

Hey Crazy, I did't out anyone and I don't see your name up there either. If you think I'm a hack then go ahead and think that tough guy. I'm Irish too you puke, just not as crazy and tough as you I guess. Kw, I work in a jail how bout you?

I am retired.

You say you work in a jail what is your job discription ? Rank?
You could be a floor sweeper there for all we know.

Posted by: sparky

I am an academy trained correctional officer who now holds a rank higher than a correctional officer but I am still a correctional officer first. I have been with the department for nearly 20 years and it bothers me when people bad mouth my department, especially those who say they work there. It is like any other sheriff's department in terms of politics but we do good work there. It is a far cry from the early to mid 90s in terms of productivity. We are busting at the seams and handle it on a daily basis. We have an excellent staff from Correctional Officer up. Are there some people who don't belong there? absolutely. But the majority, including people who knew people, are excellent.

Posted by: K.Lavoie

You are right, most officers are great in all depts. There are a few that don't belong, but that goes for every dept. out there. I worked for a Sheriff's office for years, left, but never bad mouth them or the staff.

Posted by: PearlOnyx

Sparky,

Reading back through the post, I accidentally addressed my response to you, rather than the originator of the post NSW. I was using the term "Put Some Time In" in the sense that the writer should spend some time on the job and see what goes on. I didn't mean to address it towards you in the negative sense that "Put Some Time In" usually is. Does that make sense? I hated that damn "Put Some Time In" stuff when I was new, so I've tried not to use it in that sense. Poor word choice in this instance. I don't claim to be a vetran in any sense, but I spent enough time there to know what goes on.

As far as the job, we have our differences in opinions I guess, and neither of our opinions is probably going to change. I was miserable the entire time I was there, so I did the smart thing and left. I think that was one of my biggest pet peeves about that place, was all the people who complain and don't do anything about their situation. Either pick up and leave like I did, or put some effort in to fighting against the things you think are wrong. To be 100% fair, there are a lot of angry people there who do nothing to better their situation. Now that I am away from the situation and not personally involved, I can be a little more objective. Again, my issue lies with a very small handful of people who I think create a large majority of the issues there, but to be honest it's not part of my life anymore, so I'm not all that concerned.

I like what I do now. I haven't called in sick in almost 2 years, and I do a good job. I still talk to a lot of the younger guys from there, and I tell them that if they don't like it they should move on, because things are never going to change. I like to be a realist. Anyway Sparky, I appreciate your end of the argument. I don't necessarily agree, but it is what it is. Although I can't figure out exactly who you are, more than likley you are probably someone who I thought was a decent guy. That's the best part of an intellegent conversation. You can disagree and still respect eachother. =)

Posted by: kwflatbed

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

I am an academy trained correctional officer who now holds a rank higher than a correctional officer but I am still a correctional officer first. I have been with the department for nearly 20 years and it bothers me when people bad mouth my department, especially those who say they work there. It is like any other sheriff's department in terms of politics but we do good work there. It is a far cry from the early to mid 90s in terms of productivity. We are busting at the seams and handle it on a daily basis. We have an excellent staff from Correctional Officer up. Are there some people who don't belong there? absolutely. But the majority, including people who knew people, are excellent.

Thank you for the reply,it may help with some of the replys to the thread knowing
who you are.

Posted by: crazy irish

Sparky. Your a hack. You donate money to keep your job and rank and by doing so destroy the integrity of the job. The "High" sheriff of essex takes in over $100,000 a year in political donations from employees and their families.
most are told while still in the academy to go to functions.
You work for a Hack. How the hell do you think a failed used car salesman with a g.e.d. could ever get apointed Sheriff? He found out early on that the only way he could get elected Sheriff was to extort donations from his employees. Your Dept. is a freaking mess and you know it. The place is falling apart at the seems, officer assaults are at an all time high and you just had a major distubance in your SEG unit that resulted in a half dozen guys getting hurt and the only thing the High Sheriff did was to give an interview to wbz4 the next day about Paris Hilton. Keep up the good work and please keep those donations comming...............You HACKED UP RAT!

Posted by: sparky

You just proved me right Crazy. I know exactly who you are now. But I won't out you any further. Just to know for myself is good enough for me. You just keep huffing and puffing and one day you will blow someone's house in. But for now, you are in the unsilent minority who used to work there and now that you don't have some kind of statement to make. Your message to me will fall on deaf ears as I don't listen to used to bes and has beens. Crazy and Irish is all you are now, not such a good combination in my book. As a matter of fact, that's all you ever were, a big, crazy, irish blowhard. As for Pearl, I understand completely what you had to say. You did the right thing by moving on if you didn't like it there. As I said, I always thought you did a good job and for that I respect you. Good luck in FLA. Hey Irish, get a life. Move on. You aren't there anymore, you aren't coming back, so get some vocational training and a GED and move on.

Posted by: crazy irish

Thats right "HACK" and I spent nearly all my time their in service to my fellow CO and fought hard against Scumbags like you. Because of my efforts I was a target for your corrupt "HIGH" Sheriff. Lets see hmmm how many times did I beat him in court? Why did I win? Because I was on the right side and several judges agreed.
Your also right that I am no longer their. I was injured responding to violent inmate and three operations later was unable to return. It's just like you shitbag administrators to talk shit about how wonderful your dept. is from the safety of your office.
Ok so you know who I am? I'm sure you can reach me if you realy wanted to. Please feel free to do so at any time.
Oh and about the GED? sorry asshole but I have a higher education. Guess that means I can't be appointed "high" Sheriff huh?

Posted by: sparky

No Crazy, you can be the Sheriff, they don't test for steroids. RAGE against the machine Crazy.

Posted by: Delta784

Why don't you two meet at a mutually agreeable place, see who can piss the farthest, and be done with it?

Posted by: crazy irish

Steroids are not legal. if you have some type of evidence that I am using illegal drugs then you should report me to the proper authority.
I think however they should do random drug test on you people. Remember the SGT. that caught busted in vermont with marijuana?Oh thats right too he donates to the sheriff's campaign fund so he still working there right?

If after every example I listed on this site of why county Sheriffs are a waste of taxpayers money and rampant with political patronage and abuse and that is the best response you have then thank you for proving me right because you never responded to even one example I gave. You did what every Hack does, spin spin spin.
I think I will start a weekly thread on this site and list the hundreds of examples of all you County HACKS fucking up and wasting taxpayers money. god knows it happens every day up there.
The truth hurts doesnt it scumbag? Enough so for you to accuse me of doing something illegal. But thats the price we pay for working for a Dept. like essex county. Try to voice a opinion critical of the sheriff and all his hack, shitbag asskissers will stop at nothing to get you to stop so the gravy train will keep going. Well guess what? I'm not stoping, and there isn't a damm thing you or any one else can do to stop me. So get ready to read more true stories of waste and abuse in your dept HACK I havent even got started yet.

Posted by: kwflatbed

We have had enough this thread is locked

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