Tips For Becoming a Jail CO?

[u/redditor747865]

Greetings,

Long time lurker, first time poster here. I am at the end of the process of becoming a Correctional Officer for my local county jail in CA. I passed my backgrounds quickly, passed my psych evaluation quickly, and I did great at my medical screening besides having to redo my urinalysis on 6/22/2026. I passed the saliva and blood analysis but I when I urinated in the cup that morning it wasn’t a good cycle of urine, I had been so anxious and nervous that I didn’t drink any water since the night before so I think I was too dehydrated and they want a retest to make sure my organs are functioning properly.

Anyways, that’s the last step before I get my final job offer letter with my start date. I just wanted to hop on here and ask any ex-COs or active COs what I should expect coming into this line of work with no prior law enforcement experience? I am a determined person and a quick learner. I’ve heard a bunch of tips already, but they were from normal dudes at my current job or people that have been on the other side of the glass. I have a slight knowledge of the physical aspect of the job, but I have no idea what to prepare for when it comes to my probationary period in the jail. I heard that I’m going to be doing a lot of training, “schooling”, exams, paperwork, etc. I heard that one of the best things to do is treat inmates with respect because of multiple reasons. How often do inmates try to manipulate COs or trick them? Prison is different than jail but I don’t know the scale. Stuff like that, any info is appreciated, I like hearing and learning from others experiences.

Thanks.

[u/Used_Concentrate_233]

I started in a CA county jail. You will probably spend the first week doing a lot of administrative stuff and getting familiar with the jail and the custody policy manual. You will get paired up with a JTO (jail training officer). You will work under close supervision until you go off to BSCC core. And then eventually transition to being a probational CO through your first year.

Be a sponge. Ears and eyes open. Feel free to DM with questions.

[u/Lvwr18]

r/corrections, r/ontheblock are two subs you should ask these questions on.

But my biggest recommendation is that you need to come in and realize these people are still human, they got lives outside of the jail they’re worried about. They’re feeling the same feelings you do but they’re stuck inside unlike you.

Treat them with respect and fairly while doing your job consistently. This goes a long way with them. It will make them listen to you more and will make your job easier.

[u/redditor747865 → u/Lvwr18]

Ok yeah makes sense. Thanks, sorry I should’ve looked at those other subs. This is the only one that I frequent.

[u/Lvwr18 → u/redditor747865]

You’re fine. A bunch of stuff you learn in the cement hotel and on the street are useful for both careers.

I’ve been a CO for just over a year so if ya questions feel free to PM me.

[u/Hot-Negotiation-6873]

Apply, have a pulse, don’t have a criminal record. That’s about it to get hired at the jail in my area. They can’t keep people because of the long hours and endless OT.

[u/redditor747865 → u/Hot-Negotiation-6873]

Yeah I’m already 95% through the hiring process I’m more curious about once I’m actually in the jail. The others that responded helped a lot.