Any info on getting a CO job?

[OfficerPedde]

Good luck on the test, just use common sense. That is basically all the test is. The Department is great to work for. Just always remember, never to let the little things get to you. Especially the inmates, which they will try you patience a lot. But as long as you do the job well, you will always have a job.

[jbraz82]

thanks...if anyone else has any info that you think i should know feell frre to let me know...i do have one other question....about the firearms qualifying? what is used and what do you have to shoot to qualify? how long after your hired to you go to BCOT?

[Custodian]

NCDOC firearms...

Smith & Wesson M&P in .40 S&W caliber is the standard sidearm.

12 gauge Remington Model 870 Magnum Express Pump Action shotgun.

Ruger Mini-14 in .223 caliber is the semi-auto rifle.

6-10 months is the USUAL wait time before BCOT, also location of where you live is also used as a factor for where you attend the academy. However, I have seen this bypassed, so void where prohibited except in Puerto Rico.

[jbraz82]

hey just wondering...has the starting pay for CO went up? i was looking @ DOC website at paygrades and saw it has gone up to 27 something is that correct?

[zmurphy]

yes it did, its now $27,309. its supposed to be effective Sept 1, thats what i was told a couple of weeks ago from my contact person at Alexander CI.

[jbraz82]

what is the purpose of the wait time before going in to BCOT? why wouldnt you go right in to it? can someone please clarify?

[Kyle313]

Originally Posted by jbraz82

what is the purpose of the wait time before going in to BCOT? why wouldnt you go right in to it? can someone please clarify?

So you can pick up the bad habits of the sloppy lazy old timers who have given up on the DOC and just collect a check.......

Just kidding........remember...you will see some of the above though....don't fall into that trap.....stay motivated, dedicated and hardcore from the get go........

[jbraz82]

thanks for the reply kyle.....although funny....and probably true, what is the real reason? i plan on making corrections/law enforcement a career....

[blk99gt]

Hey, I think one reason for the wait is to let you see what your getting into when I worked with the sheriff Dept (jail) they would send new hires to school they would come back get into contact with inmates and would quit cause they couldnt handle it.
Just my .02

[zmurphy]

Originally Posted by blk99gt

Hey, I think one reason for the wait is to let you see what your getting into when I worked with the sheriff Dept (jail) they would send new hires to school they would come back get into contact with inmates and would quit cause they couldnt handle it.
Just my .02

that makes total sense. i understand corrections (NC or not) has alot of turn over. so it would be better for the department not to waste the 4 weeks of training a CO.

plus i would think that the state probably doesn't run a continuous training academy for CO's so they probably only have a few BCOT's a year.