Correctional Officers and LEO

[Kyle313]

If this has been covered before I appologize for a dupe thread. I have been part of an ongoing discussion in another LEO message board (to remain unnamed at this time), that is home to mainly police and patrol officers. There are a few correctional officers that visit this site and put in their two cents worth now and then. The topic of the thread in question is whether or not someone without arrest powers, such as a correctional officer, probation/parole officer, etc....is actually an LEO. Most on this board agree that we are all a vital part of the criminal justice chain but don't consider us LEO's unless we have the power of arrest. As most of us who have been around a while know....most DOC employees, and even correctional officers at the county level do not have arrest powers. I was just curious as to what the train of though was on this board....by the way, I am a deputy sheriff correctional officer in a county jail. No I do not have arrest powers but I did attend the same academy as the road deputies we just do not get what is considered the "Brown book" portion. When I graduated I took an oath to uphold the laws of my state. I do consider myself a Law Enforcement Officer. Thanks for any feedback....

[BikerRN]

If you are a part of keeping someone legally detained you are an LEO, at least in my book.

I'm with the Feds, BOP in fact. I was really suprised and glad when the Attorney General said that BOP employees are covered under LEOSA. I take advantage of it every day.

My "Job Title" says something other than Correctional Officer, but in the Feds we are all Correctional Officers first.

Biker

[meeko]

I have worked as a military cop and for two small municipal agencies in two different states. it just didn't pay enough for even my modest lifestyle. I came to the Federal BOP because of the money. When I started in the military the old vietnam guys were still running things and I like everyone with me we started by doing less humble tasks. I am thankful to those old school NCO's they made me who I am today. I have noticed that a lot of people that work as police officers have an ego and are affraid of having to check it at the gate if they worked inside a prison. Some are so shallow it's like they have to be seen in a cruiser like they are on parade. Just an observation

[Movementarian]

I believe that I know the site that you are speaking of. Is this in regards to the coveted "Verified LEO" tag?

[robeans]

I used to get all wrapped around the axle about being an LEO and getting the respect. Hell, technically most CO's do have some basic arrest powers so it even covers that part (that's the only way CO's get covered by HR218). But now, I just don't care. It really is two different jobs that are mildly intertwined. If I want to "arrest" people then I will cross over. But for now I like what I do and am worried about being a CO not a cop.

[Crosstimbers Okie]

I make more money than probably 75% of street LEOs in the US, have many of the same perks, and fewer responsibilities. How is that inferior?

[shakedownshorti]

Originally Posted by Crosstimbers Okie

I make more money than probably 75% of street LEOs in the US, have many of the same perks, and fewer responsibilities. How is that inferior?

That is usually why we get NO respect from Police Officer's etc., because in a lot of cases we make more money than they do and it pisses them off, I know that was the case in Hell Reno!

[BossMan]

Originally Posted by Crosstimbers Okie

I make more money than probably 75% of street LEOs in the US, have many of the same perks, and fewer responsibilities. How is that inferior?

That's probably why we get ****. I'm sure you went through the same **** when you were down at Glynco; people look at you funny, make comments about your uniform, bitch how BOP shouldn't get LEAP, 6c retirement, and go through no PT or runs when they're down there, but other agencies don't receive the same, blah, blah. They walk around in their heads thinking we have it so easy- but those same people wouldn't do my job.


But who gives a ****? I go to work, collect a check, and I'm happy. I'm comfortable with what I do. I'm sorry that there are a few people who aren't comfortable enough with what they do that they have to knock my profession. I say, **** em'.

[Crosstimbers Okie]

My sentiments exactly. Let them worry about kissing some judge's or DA's ass to make their charges stick long enough to get into a courtroom.

[Custodian]

In NC this is a mine field of a topic. The only peace officers of our state are park rangers. and they are known as special peace officers. Seemingly, the big deal of who is and who is not law enforcement surrounds the fact of having the power of arrest of citizens not just residents [something we call people who have been stripped of rights (inmates). NCDOC officers take inmates to hospitals but even upon leaving facilities we are only granted "probation officer" powers which the agency can charge you with. I just think it sucks because we aren't covered under LEOSA and still have to get weapon permits even though we have been cleared by Criminal Justice Training & Standards but have none of the perks and we don't make as much money as county detention officers or c.o.p.s. Go figure.