Anyone ever work as a jailer?

[statelinedefense]

Just curious if anyone has worked as a jailer before becoming an officer?

A department I want to work for has an opening for a jailer position...I have an interview coming up for their Police Recruit position too.

Would it be a good idea to apply for the jailer position as well? I figure it would help me become a better candidate for future officer positions if I don't get selected this time around.

My main goal is to be hired on as an officer ASAP, but I wouldn't mind working the jails for a few years if it means I would be a better officer because of it.

[Iowa #1603]

I worked in the blocks for a while.



I am a strong believer that EVERY POLICE OFFICER should work a minimum of a year in a jail/prision setting before being certified as a LEO.

[tanksoldier]

I worked as a non-certified sheriff's deputy in the jail before attending the academy. It's a similar position, where your authority is limited to the jail and other detention related activities unless designated otherwise (such as a natural disaster or other emergency).

It isn't absolutely necessary, but it does give you a better perspective.

If you don't get picked up as a recruit, then it's a job at least and it WILL give you better insight to the people you'll be dealing with on the street.

[11b101abn]

Working the jails should be mandatory before you're even sent to the academy. Everywhere.

[jdthor]

I cant agree more with every post above.Its a wonderful learning tool.

[Retired96]

There isn't one LASD Deputy that has not worked the jails...Its a good learning experience...

[slamdunc]

Between dispatch and corrections, I spent almost two years; the jail was a learning experience and I agree that it should be mandatory before working the road.

[Lady Blue]

I worked in the jail for a few months prior to getting my first offer from a PD. Good experience for anyone. You learn a lot when you have to deal with the criminal element without a gun on your side. That knowledge will serve you well on the street.

[Langford PR]

I think you should apply for both and take the one for police officer if offered. But that being said the responses you've gotten above are absolutely right, working in a jail is great experience and would be useful to you in LE. I worked as a LEO first at a PD but wanted to go to the sheriff's dept. I had to work in the jail before I could go to the road and took the opportunity anyway. A very good decision.

[swat_op506]

Another way to look at it:
As police, we daily work on the street and only a small percentage of the people we have daily contact with are true criminals.
CO's daily work has them in contact with 100% true criminals.

A steep learning curve to be sure...

[mdrdep]

First two years I spent working custody were a great learning opportunity, the next 3 I was chomping at the bit to get the heck out

[GoldBadge]

If you're a cop and you've never worked in a jail or prison, then you should definitely tour one. It was certainly a big opener to me about what goes on in there, plus if you're an investigator, you can get tons of intel through prison contacts.

[aircop26]

I agree 100%. I too got my start as a jailer at a city jail and was a reserve police officer in my off time for another police department. It was the best of both worlds. One thing about being a jailer is you are often their momma and they can be extremely needy. I had attempted hangings, nude inmates, you name it I saw it. I fingerprinted over 1,000 people in my time as a jailer and that was with the messy ink. Most jails use a digital system now that is inkless to fingerprint inmates. I will say that I don't miss having to fingerprint drunks I just took out of the drunk tank. Their breath could take paint off the wall. Good Luck....

[statelinedefense]

Thanks for all your input. I spoke to the Sergeant regarding my concerns and he encouraged me to apply for both positions. In fact, he actually started working as a jailer. I have no doubt working in custody is a great experience for anyone looking for a career in LE.

[ftttu]

I small talk with the jailers when I'm booking, and I see many of them eventually becoming either State or Federal LE. I hear they are sought after due to their experience in the jails.

I can't see how you can go wrong working in a jail, but everyone's situation is different.