Corrections Officer hiring process | HOW TO get hired |

The process it took to get hired and what I had to do.
I was hired as a correction officer for a county jail this was our process keep in mind every department is different and has different requirements

[@gregbazooka1653]

Currently going through the hiring process ~after~ accepting the job offer: a very thorough background check and a psych evaluation coming up next week. I’m excited to (hopefully) get started soon.

[@raquelaiko2355]

Yay! That’s awesome! I hope all goes well and good luck with everything.

[@senhxhxjd2188]

Yes I am in the situation too! Any results?

[@alexis-fu5gi]

Did you complete the academy? We’re you able to select the locations/prisons of interest? I’m so worried about getting placed somewhere 3-4 hours away.

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@alexis-fu5gi so I specifically applied to my department which was a county jail, so that’s who hired me typically who ever you’re applying too that’s who’s going to hire you

[@maxblazer593]

Hi dear is the questionnaire process a good start or it doesn't mean anything because I received and emailed to complete the questionnaire section

[@mitimiti59]

Very informative. Thank-you. By going thru the basic requirements, I realized I could not do that. Best of luck to u

[@raquelaiko2355]

You can do anything you put your mind too! But thank you 🙏🏽 it was a fun experience

[@ash.e.e]

I love these videos!! 🧡🧡

[@ThelifeofMoka95]

I’m in the 3 step for a CO I am excited honestly everyone keeps trying to talk me out of it.

[@TOMBSTONEWHISPERZ]

Congrats!! Go for it!

[@Dontagerivera39]

Currently going through the hiring process for delaware Corrections. I have to meet with the Investigator next week. What type of questions the Investigator will ask ?

[@deonwhite201]

Raquel, could do a video on part time correction officers because, I just signed up to become one for my local County jail online.The does and dont

[@raquelaiko2355]

Yes so I can try and best it’s the same process I switched to part time after having my son it was pretty much the same as full time.

[@deonwhite201]

Thank you for sharing and I’am that I have found this KZbin video

[@philosophytoday6518]

Thank you, very helpful 🙏🏽

[@felixfrias1446]

Hi good night I past my PT test in January 16 I have interview January 27 and next week I have my physiological test any recommendations for the test ?

[@cw286]

Great breakdown! Any breakdowns like this for when you were inside as far as day to day operations ?

[@raquelaiko2355]

I can definitely do that!

[@cw286]

@@raquelaiko2355 definitely will tune into that video. Appreciate the realness of your information.

[@natelyon9207]

I applied 2 days ago. And got a call back from a facility hiring IMMEDIATELY, for a one on one interview, and background check. Is it normal for it to happen this quick? How long should I expect to get hired on if interview goes good?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Right now departments are hurting for CO and LEO so it could very well be real and quick to get you through the hiring process quicker getting an interview quickly doesn’t change the hiring process so that’s probably why they’re doing it, if you pass the interview then you have the remaining interview process that I talked about polygraph, mental health Dr check, medical clearance, group interview, background investigator, and PT test or what ever other process your department requires.

[@biancapena8224]

@@raquelaiko2355what kind of questions do the ask in the polygraph test?

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@biancapena8224 the basic ones like have you ever gotta arrested, in trouble, or anything like that they couldn’t see when they did a background but also the ones that a background check won’t find if you never got caught, have you ever sexually assaulted anyone, did drugs recreationally, were present when anyone committed a crime and pretty much try and see if you lied about any questions on the interview. stick to the same answers and you should be good

[@TOMBSTONEWHISPERZ]

Congrats!

[@corinnahernandez1785]

Hi thank you for sharing your videos with us! They have been very informative. I am in the process of becoming a correctional officer and if Gold allows me to make it to the training program, I wanted to ask if we are able to take our vitamins? I take a few daily (omega, vitamin c, etc) I also like to drink a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, are we able to bring our own and have it for breakfast or is it provided for us?

[@raquelaiko2355]

So they don’t provide anything and whatever you take before you get there you can take, idk how your academy works but ours we went there in the morning from home and showered there after PT and put out uniforms on we got breakfast there because we only had 30 mins and they had a quick break area to buy small stuff but I also got a coffee in the morning on the ride. You should be able to bring your own food if that’s what you want I just never did lol I would leave for lunch get food and come back but they do have like I said a cafe area but nothing special

[@TOMBSTONEWHISPERZ]

Congrats!

[@silic_moto]

I'm 18 but thinking about applying (minimum age in Florida is 18). Do they actually hire people at these ages within the requirement or is it almost never happenening?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Yup plenty of our hire ups we’re hired right outta high school at 18 the reason a few of us weren’t was because we were veterans, come went to college first and some are transfers from out of state departments.

[@WizardsPath-if5oq]

I currently have a open court case. I have not been indicted. Its for a felony charge. Can i still become a Correctional Officer?

[@iluvuvibez6644]

Hello, I'm from California. I wanted to know for the first year, is there a 1 year probation where you can't take a day off?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Oh sorry I have no clue if you’re asking for convalescent leave you’d have to ask that specific prison I’ve never worked at a prison only county jail and only in Florida.

[@Theking49817]

Your first year is what what helps build your reputation as an officer. No days off. Don’t be a bum. Shortages are strong right now. It says a lot more to take a day off nowadays.

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@Theking49817 I’d have to disagree one the person would need to figure out if their job even allows vacation time during probationary which normally doesn’t late 1 year only the time it takes to pass the TCO training, once you’ve been released to work on your own. Inmates don’t care if you take time off or not your presence as an officer is made with the attitude you walk in with when you are there and the shit you let slide on the block. If your jail or prison is that hard up on needing officers that’s a saftey concern normal rotation and coverage should always be offered. Now whether or not you wanna take time off is at the discretion of you and your lead sergeant and LT. if your direct line agrees and can give you coverage 🤷🏽‍♀️ go for it.

[@stevenstevens6904]

@@raquelaiko2355 for people that have a strong drive to excel and provide for their family and future generations, those people will not take a day off in the first year or whatever the time may be. Lord forbid more people follow ideology like yours with the utmost respect. America is going to be in shambles. It’s heartbreaking

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@stevenstevens6904 🤣 yes people like me who serve our country and work as law enforcement officers are the reason America is in shambles, people who do what YOU do are the reason the suicide rate and divorce rate are high. Using your PTO isn’t what puts America into shambles, 1 our job made us use our PTO because you can only roll over a certain amount within a year, 2 until you work and do the very job I did you cannot speak on what you do not know, or experience. Over worked officers create a bitter work place and are the ones who slip up, now like I said above do what ever fits your schedule and lifestyle by any means but those who do use their PTO are no less an officer than those who don’t I pray you don’t ever become an officer because it’s ones like you that create more divide within the department thinking you’re better because you throw away your own PAID for PTO 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@sonyathompson5818]

I have a interview Friday I’m so nervous

[@raquelaiko2355]

Good luck!

[@TOMBSTONEWHISPERZ]

Congrats!! I am in your corner, you got this!!

[@chanpreetkaur1060]

Which book you recommend for preparation? Please get back to me at your earliest convenience.

[@erwin7371]

I got drug tested in the beginning of the process after my physical test. We were referred to a clinic but during the medical exam which was a month later they had me pee in a cup, was that another drug test? Thanks,

[@raquelaiko2355]

Depends on your department that could have very well been an additional drug test. I know our department can and will do spontaneous drug tests even tho we have 1 during hiring.

[@eduardosarmiento8985]

Great stuff what's the difference between a c-o and cop?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Corrections officer deals with the jails and prisons, cops or LEOs are road officers they are on the road enforcing the laws outside of jails we enforce the rules of the jails and deal with those convicted of a crime or waiting to be convicted of a crime. We all are law enforcement officers just different branches of law enforcement. Thank you for watching, glad you liked it.

[@eduardosarmiento8985]

@@raquelaiko2355 Thanks for the feedback. Well laid out, thank you for enlightening me.

[@Chrisquinones06]

Hi, what about those who want to become correction officers but were victims of domestic violence and still live with the ex abuser but no longer abuses them. Can they be correction officers, or are they deemed unfit? The ex and the former victim got professional help and temporarily lived together.

[@zhariaanderson5502]

Go ahead

[@raquelaiko2355]

So sorry I’m just now seeing this, I don’t always get alerts with comments. so you’re more then welcome to become an officer just be aware if living with the abuser even if they got help if another altercation were to occur it could effect your job status depending on the results or outcome. Personally I wouldn’t put myself in a situation that could jeopardize my job. They will ask you during the interview with the psychologist if you feel mentally fit, have depression, suicidal thoughts and other stuff if they express there fit past issues shouldn’t be a problem so long as they have a clean record.

[@thetruthhurts131]

Sounds like you need some damn help. This job isn't for you

[@lexoticsjyl3229]

Just wondering Ik obviously that you can not smoke weed during or off the job once you get it but is there like i time period for applicants that smoked weed? Say u smoked weed in the last 6 months does that automatically disqualify you or something? Or is it just a long as you passed the drug test your good? (In a legal sate btw)

[@raquelaiko2355]

Doing any drugs at any point in your life can disqualify you, IF they believe you are a constant user and are lying about your drug use or can’t pass the polygraph. Many officers during interview admit they have at some point used drugs in their life, but they don’t ever say yeah I used 6 months ago and have used frequently. The issue here is you don’t need to give time frames unless they ask. Over disclosing stuff that aren’t relevant to what they ask could end your chances at the job. Sweet and simple I always say. Even if weed is legal in your state do you have a legal license to use or medical card to use? Why are you using? And are you planning to use while on the job? Answering any of these wrong can end your chances. Also this depends on the department you go into some are far more strict than others.

[@lexoticsjyl3229]

@@raquelaiko2355 😭 dang alright i didn’t expect them to be that strict on it but I guess it makes sense just have to make sure to keep it simple thanks for letting me know.

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@lexoticsjyl3229 haha yeah definitely my polygraph lady tried to get me to admit I did something I didn’t do. She was convinced I did hard core drugs because of the military I’m like yeah I was in the military but just because someone jumps off a bridge doesn’t mean I have too. 🤣🥴

[@vinnysparkz]

If I smoked weed one time and tried sips of alcohol under age is that a DQ?

[@raquelaiko2355]

This really is dependent on your department and the person. We had officers admit to doing certain things and still get hired and some people admitted to certain things and weren’t hired it’s really dependent on who does your interview, polygraph, qualifications, and how they all view you as an individual.

[@vinnysparkz]

@@raquelaiko2355 so I shouldn’t omitt? Also I submitted my application 4 days ago how long does it typically take to move onto the next step in the hiring process

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@vinnysparkz if you’re going to fail the polygraph then you need to be as honest, I’m not saying lie and I’m not saying tell the truth I’m speaking like what we were advised I the military only need to speak on what needs to be brought up admitting to the smallest little things like when you stole when you’re 6 or things that are on your record or random unimportant facts is just going to complicate the process say what needs to be said and that’s all but that’s my way of getting through it I honestly can’t advise you how to approach a polygraph

[@misssthang]

Hows the Psh? and the questions they ask on the detector

[@raquelaiko2355]

You asking about the PT stuff ? Or the psych exam for em talk health? So the psych exam for our department was easy you go to the doctor she asked if you feel mentally well, have ever been suicidal, self harming or anything of that sort if you pass their interview then you pass, the polygraph test on the other hand it depends on your Procter depends what they want to ask their job is too try and get you to confess something that maybe you didn’t divulge in the interview so I got asked about if I lied, if I did drugs, if I did any formula activity.

[@baljitvirk9756]

Sir what is 5day orientation training sessions

[@mauselioe6838]

How strict in your perspective is the background investigation? I know you have to fill out the personal history statement which asks everything about your life and wondering if corrections is as stringent as law enforcement? Any thoughts? TIA

[@raquelaiko2355]

Corrections is law enforcement we’re just not road deputies so yes it can be as strict some departments not so much it really depends how you go about it, most won’t hire felonies or anything like that you might be able to get away with a misdemeanor but it’s really depends on the department, personally if it’s not on paper that why omit to things you didn’t do? 🤷🏽‍♀️ but that’s me sure you could talk about the time you lied to your mom or snuck out me personally I go with what’s on record I have a clean record don’t linger over things and don’t over think it. People can really throw themselves off by bringing up things that can make them look bad for no reason.

[@mauselioe6838]

@@raquelaiko2355 thanks for the reply and what state r u in? Do they always polygraph as well

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@mauselioe6838 Florida and most will al the departments I’ve heard do even the ones out of state except state (so prison guards) but they pay horrible.

[@mauselioe6838]

@@raquelaiko2355 do u think the hiring process in terms of background investigation the same or very similar to corrections

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@mauselioe6838 our hires the exact same way for road deputies and corrections since we all work for the same department we are just in different areas of the department. We work for the county sheriffs office so its all one county department.

[@lorenzomahoney8788]

I start orientation information session what’s that about

[@raquelaiko2355]

That’s good sounds like you got hired our orientation was after everything to walk us through our pay, how everything will work the next steps, when we start our FTO process and such. Not sure when yours takes place but that’s how ours worked.

[@daydriannalindsay1342]

Do you visit the prison on the first day of your interview like do a walk around ?

[@raquelaiko2355]

So I never worked for a prison I worked for a jail, we our a county jail so we are connected to the sheriffs office itself so we had an HR department building we did our interview there it’s a separate building. We didn’t go inside the jail until after we were hired and started TCO training prior to going to the academy.

[@zhariaanderson5502]

If u going to work at a prison it’s 6weeks of training in they take u to visit other units

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@zhariaanderson5502 no clue how prisons work I worked at a county jail most prisons have them work for 6 months they train you than after 6 months they send you to the academy at least here in Florida that’s the case I can’t speak for all prisons.

[@zhariaanderson5502]

@@raquelaiko2355 I work in Texas at a medical facility I did 6 weeks of training at the academy then ojt at my unit it’s all different I notice different states of different uniforms to how does urs look

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@zhariaanderson5502 sorry I didn’t get an alert for this comment late response lol if you actually look at the photos in the picture of the video it’s a grey uniform, dark grey with dark writing, I actually like ours a lot now our dress uniform looks very much like our road officers daily uniform not my favorite lol.

[@teresaogolla]

How long did it take you to get offer letter once all done with all the background

[@raquelaiko2355]

So after I submitted my application it took 6 months for them to acknowledge my folder and get an interview my application got put in the wrong area but it can take that long, now once I was offered the position and began the application process after the interview that also took a couple of months because the background check takes the longest, than you have set dates for the medical, psych, physical fitness test, and polygraph appointments set and dates that ask you to be there.

[@teresaogolla]

Am done with background check, physical, psychological test, finger prints and polygraph. I called my investigator and she told me it’s just a waiting game for the offer , she said it can be couple months 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@teresaogolla than most likely you’ll just have to wait the only thing I waited for was the background check which is what took longer than all the appointments I passed polygraph right away, but I also worked county so our department WONT offer you even an application position unless they pretty much know you’re going to be hired they won’t give you those appointments because they cost money, so unless you don’t pass something than that’s the only reason once I passed background which took a couple more weeks on top of that i started right away with training, and waiting for the academy date to come up.

[@teresaogolla]

It’s a process gal , but I spoke with my investigator which she confirms that I passed the background and polygraph, she said state take longer for the hiring process which waiting for the offer

[@littlecat9614]

@@raquelaiko2355 after physical fitness test how long will take to join the academy? Is there any promotion with education and training? Thanks

[@A1beams]

Very informative. Thanks for covid 🤣jk

[@raquelaiko2355]

🤣🤣 *cough cough*

[@haggeomartinez6418]

How you study for the test

[@vnzlnsaiyan3635]

I just did the psych and physical test last week, how long till I know if I pass ? Lol

[@raquelaiko2355]

Every department is different, we already knew we were being hired once we passed the interview and polygraph our department tries not so pay for the psych and physical unless they’re sure we’re going to pass and they’re going to hire us. We started right away after that well training for the academy that is.

[@vnzlnsaiyan3635]

@@raquelaiko2355 oh alright hopefully NJ is like that 😅 I’ve been checking my emails nonstop. We’re supposed to start on mid October and i know they still doing tests.

[@vnzlnsaiyan3635]

@@raquelaiko2355 I got orientation this Thursday and the academy starts on the 12th! 😬😬😬 I’m 95% excited 5% nervous lol

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@vnzlnsaiyan3635 don’t be nervous at all, more mental than physical. Always tell yourself you can do it no matter how stressful and I promise you’ll look back and say why was I even this nervous??? Lol good luck!! 👍🏽

[@vnzlnsaiyan3635]

@@raquelaiko2355 will have that in my mind the whole time! Any other tips on the academy that will help me?

[@daishanewsomednp6956]

What type of drug test urine or blood?

[@raquelaiko2355]

It really depends on the department what medical facility they use and such but for me we did a urine test, I’ve had others say they did spit or even blood. Really depends most do urine I believe much cheaper

[@haggeomartinez6418]

Is the tests are hard

[@marquies234]

Great content

[@pennytrui1149]

I honestly I saw a lot of videos and even on Reddit they say the job is terrible most want to do suicide etc. I never really knew what to do in life I'm 23 my brother just became a police at like officer so he's telling me to try to work in a prison. Should I try to take the job very nervous 😭 Edit: also how is the physical exam is it hard and can someone who went through suicidal thoughts do this job.

[@raquelaiko2355]

Okay this is really sad but it is true first responders and law enforcement I believe usually pass 7 years after retirement so it is a very stressful job the area you work and the jail or prison can play a huge factor. For me I enjoyed the job but I also didn’t work 10 plus years I stopped because I had more kids and wanted to spend more time at home with them now would I do the job again yes because I really did enjoy it but I probably won’t because again kids. Go in work and don’t be apart of the drama run your block, set your rules and boundaries and do you and things will go smooth but also be a team player. Physical exam for me like the PT test was east even tho I was out of shape but that’s because I was in the military before this so we had a harder physical test and requirements then what I did in corrections and depending on your department and if the mental health clinician clears you if you had suicidal ideations before and are deemed mentally unwell they most likely won’t clear you but it’s up to the department and mental health Dr

[@pennytrui1149]

@@raquelaiko2355 thank you for responding so quickly they start on August 7th should I start straining if I'm going to join I'm not really overweight I weigh like 75 to 80 kg idk what that is in pounds lol. I just wanted to work there to also become more confident in myself, try to not fear everything in life etc. Again thank you so much in responding so fast ❤

[@nikolashaniotakis5469]

If you have active duty. You have to apply 6 months out?

[@raquelaiko2355]

No you don’t the process with most law enforcement departments is that it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to get hired regardless where you’re working previously. If you have a job lined up you can get out from the military a few months early from your contract depending on the paper work it’s just an early release from duty but you have to show proof of job. That is an entirely separate thing of its own though.

[@nikolashaniotakis5469]

Yeah basically I’m in the active duty military now but I want to apply asap. I was wondering if I had to wait until I’m at about 6 months from get out date before i apply.

[@nikolashaniotakis5469]

Or can I apply while I’m still active duty whenever

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@nikolashaniotakis5469 well I would wait only because if they decide to call you back earlier than you’re screwed because you still tied to the military and you won’t be able to make any of the appointments.

[@mauselioe6838]

Does corrections have to go through oak interview board?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Okay so I have no clue what that is but I did have to go through an interview board when I first applied that’s the very first step in the hiring process they determine if you move forward to the rest of it.

[@MaraMonea02]

I applied to be a correctional officer I’m in my hiring process do you know what the drug test would be for that?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Depends what the department pays for we had a regular urine test

[@adrianlump]

@@raquelaiko2355 was it done on site ??

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@adrianlump no no they sent us to a medical facility to have a bunch of medical tests done which included a urine drug test

[@maadcatt8771]

Do they do hair follicle test

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@maadcatt8771 my department does urine test, every department is different.

[@briarstewart1971]

Was you drug tested after the interview or during orientation

[@raquelaiko2355]

So I was only drug tested once which I said was during our medical clearance process where we have to be cleared medically fit to work, the interview is just that and we didn’t really have an orientation it was just our hiring class where we learned about the benefits and pay and stuff. We don’t do our tests in department we do ours at the medical office they contract with, every department is different so it really depends.

[@leveluplife09]

Hey what was the psych elevation was like

[@raquelaiko2355]

Just asking us if we feel fit, are we depressed, dealt with depression, suicidal, ever attempted suicide, wanna hurt ourselves or others. Questions about if we feel mentally fit for duty it’s really not that intense of an interview the polygraph was much more thorough.

[@maadcatt8771]

Do they perform hair follicle test

[@raquelaiko2355]

Depends on the department the department that hired me did a urine test.

[@86HellCat831]

At what point is the drug test?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Every department is different, ours was during our medical clearance after we passed the interview and polygraph and started the official hiring process

[@86HellCat831]

@@raquelaiko2355 thank you. I’m currently in the second process. I just passed the written test, next is the physical test in Fresno. Just hoping I’m clean before all is done.

[@felixfrias1446]

@@86HellCat831 how was your writing test ?

[@danielazeez3306]

When do they drug test

[@raquelaiko2355]

Depends on department mine did it after the interview process and wanted you to go through the hiring process which required a medical clearance so while at the medical office they make the drug test apart of that process

[@christianmendez4294]

is the test exam hard?

[@raquelaiko2355]

The state test ? Yea it can be but not if you study. You honestly don’t know what will be on it rotates I feel like I got lucky with my selection.

[@senhxhxjd2188]

How is the psychological exam?

[@raquelaiko2355]

Really depends our department just sets up a time with he psychologist and you get asked questions if you’re mentally healthy, depressed and stuff like that.

[@senhxhxjd2188]

@@raquelaiko2355 so I just did my drug test what is next? How did your hiring process go

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@senhxhxjd2188 the video is my whole hiring process every department is different I’m not sure how they go about it our medical physical and drug test was the last thing we did so we did our initial interview and polygraph first plus investigation if we passed that we were considered hired and we went through the physical, medical and psychological process to be fully hired

[@zhariaanderson5502]

Hey girly u still work as a co

[@raquelaiko2355]

Nope I gave that up a couple years ago because I decided to have a couple more kids.

[@lovelylady674]

I hope you don’t have Covid-19 you’re doing a lot of coughing

[@raquelaiko2355]

Haha no I don’t this video was also made back in February, I have bad allergies and this past season has been horrible for me, it triggers almost like asthma.

[@ImJidionDaddy]

Get to the point

[@raquelaiko2355]

The whole video is the point 🤣 don’t like it you can find another 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@ImJidionDaddy]

@@raquelaiko2355 sweetie you’re just beating around the bush..

[@raquelaiko2355]

@@ImJidionDaddy not at all read the comments, I went through the process step by step if you don’t comprehend just say that because comprehension is a skill many lack. 🤷🏽‍♀️ thank you for the engagement though.

[@jeromwaddison3311]

Sooo idk if you just don’t know or if it’s your state but there have been guys that got 18 month sentences and served them in county…just so ya know. Trust me I know better than Leo’s because I wore the orange uniform lol.

[@raquelaiko2355]

Obviously you don’t know the law very well if you ended up in orange lol but I guess if you wanna use that as a way to say you know more cool, if you actually watched my videos anyone who is still in jail is either under a year or waiting for trial I knew guys who did 5 years in jail simply because they weren’t sentenced yet I’m sure someone waiting trial could easily do 8 months in jail and finish a year if that’s what their sentences ended up being, but people also ask for sentences for a year and a day so they don’t have to serve in jail and can be transferred to prison, also I was not an LEO I was a CO so jail law was what I learned.

[@jeromwaddison3311]

@@raquelaiko2355 oh I get that they’re awaiting trial and can do a lot of time but I’ve actually been in with guys serving 18 months in the county after trial it’s rare but it does happen…and yea I mean I’m not proud of what I did I wasn’t bragging but you’d be surprised about how little cops and detention officers actually know about the time we serve and the court procedures simply because it’s not there job to know. But I was just trying to help you out but like most co’s you gotta lil attitude problem I see…y’all all get butt hurt so easily lmao