Received a Card for the DOC (Second Round)

Gatekeeper,

Throwing urine and spitting would be considered an assault. If the inmate had Hepatitis you might get intent to cause bodily harm(don't know), although any assault from an inmate is a felony. I agree, we shouldn't have to pay the price or put up with it but due to our professionalism they expect us to.

Like you said, the DA does not want to bother with these cases. Also, its hard to prove the elements of the crime because of the inmates psychological status. Furthermore, I have heard of prosecutors wondering "why even try this inmate, he is already a lifer" when they are not aware that the inmate can be sentenced to the DDU in Walpole.

Gatekeeper - excellently presented advice as always.. Thanks...
Barbrady - good information, thanks.

Thanks barbardy for your reply on my question. I also thought it would be considered assault, but wasn't sure until you said it. And as you said, with an inmate knowing to have any of the hep's it should be assault with intent to cause bodily harm.

With the DA's office being reluctant to prosecute such case's it makes our job that much harder. Like you made mention too, it's redundant to sentence a inmate to a additional 5-10 yrs in DDU when he is already doing 2, 5 or 10 for the same offense. So he keeps on doing the same thing, with nothing really to lose.

All I can say is "I bet in the old days....."

Gatekeeper,
Thanks for the info.. I'm sorry it took so long to reply. I just got remarried, again (what was I thinking...lol) and just got back from the honeymoon. I was always second guessing myself on this job, but knowing that even though you don't see anyone there, there is someone watching your back makes me feel better. You and Barbrady sound like good guys and I hope some day to be able to walk the tiers with you.

For everyone else I just got the letter in the mail Friday to call the DOC to set up my PT and everything else involved. They said they will start the PT's on the 24th of this month.

Good luck to all starting the prescreening on monday(the 24th).

I went yesterday for the prescreening,again. Passed what was needed and now it's sit and wait. A little info for anyone returning from the last prescreening. If you had your psychology exam in August let them know. I did and you don't have to do the test or see the Dr. All they ask is you write on a piece of paper that you haven't had any legal, medical or emotional problems since your last exam. The DI at the academy gave me a D.O.C. letterhead to write it on.

What Academy class number is it now? I was in 245 out of Medfield so many years ago (1996).

DEVO said:

I am in the academy right now and they are planning for a new class around January. Good luck to all going through the process.

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I was in 284 almost 5 years ago. They must be in the 90's or so by now I'd imagine.

SMD - Post On Brother.. We Need input from Vets like you...
Give us the war stories bro...

We (class 292) did our Physical Fitness Exit test today and there was about 25 pre screen candidates there waiting to do the sit ups and push ups. When we left to go to the track for the mile and a half run, the pre screen candidates showed up right at the end, all 8 that were left. There are alot of people failing the prescreen

I had the investigator come out to my house last night and talked to me and the wife. He mentioned a second interview. Does anyone know what these questions may be?

Never had a second interview just got a letter stating to show up in about a week to the academy to begin training, but all I can say is that it is looking pretty good for ya, good luck with everything, hope all goes well....

Sounds like you should be all set. Good luck. If you don't know a answer what I said was "At this time because I have not gone through academy training for which would train me on dealing with this situation. I would notify my Supervisor (Sgt.)".

WMPERK4 said:

I had the investigator come out to my house last night and talked to me and the wife. He mentioned a second interview. Does anyone know what these questions may be?

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Thanks guys. He said he was turning in the background tomorrow and I should hear within a week for the second interview. I will keep my fingers crossed.

WMP - what we're the types of questions asked of you during the BI? It sounds a lot more in-depth than the prior couple of rounds of classes..

I was a BG Investigator with the DOC when we were hiring to staff the then new Souza B super max. I realize that was a few years back and that the D.O.C has "changed" some but I am sure not a whole lot has changed in the BG/Hiring process. As long as you have a clean criminal record, clean driving record, and good past employment record you are golden. That said, you need to leave the BG Invesitagtor with he feeling that you are a team player and that when and it will, the shit hit's the fan, he would want you behind him/her. This job is tough on the family so he was trying to give your wife a heads up so you 2 can discuss this and be aware that many times you will be forced to work OT and your schedule and days off are going to be 11 - 7 with Tues/Wed off for the next 10 years....good luck all.

WMPERK4 said:

The background questions weren't much. He stopped by and explained to my wife the nature of the job. Being on call 24/7, not being able to leave your post until your relief shows up. Then he asked me a couple of questions about my application. He called my references asking about my work ethic and character and he spoke with my current employer. He told me with what he saw, or didn't see, in my background I should expect a call for a final interview.

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It really is no different from what I'm doing now with the hours and days. I work 12 hour shifts now and work every other weekend. She's a little skeptical about the hazards of the job but is used to me not being home a lot.

WMPERK4 said:

...She's a little skeptical about the hazards of the job but is used to me not being home a lot.

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WMP - I dont think any thoughtful person would venture into the Correctional Officer profession without considering that particular point. It is dangerous, no doubt about it. Like any career with risk, you need to look at the entire picture; pay, bennies, training, scheduling, and absolutely the hazards of the profession. All of those points can take a toll on family to some degree. But for some of us considering it, the pros & cons balance out making it a good choice. Good Luck.