Do Most Prison Guards Used to Be Police Officers?
No, most prison guards do not start their careers as police officers. The misconception that prison guards transition from police work is a widespread belief, but the reality is quite different.
Typical Career Pathways
In many jurisdictions, most correctional officers enter the field directly as correctional officers, rather than transitioning from law enforcement roles. There are several reasons for this:
State Certified Correctional Officers
To become a correctional officer, one typically needs to complete training at a state corrections academy, where they receive the necessary certification to work in the corrections system. Many state corrections officers advance to law enforcement roles after gaining experience as correctional officers, but they do not necessarily begin as police officers.
The Sheriff’s Department and Jail Operations
In sheriff departments, some deputies may work in the jail as part of their duties while not assigned to road patrol. This crossover is common, but it is not the norm for them to have started their career as a police officer. The responsibility for the jail is often part of the sheriff’s broader portfolio.
Military Veterans and Other Entrants
Another significant group of correctional officers comprises military veterans. In the past, there was a prevalent practice where newly appointed sheriffs would clear out their existing law enforcement teams and hire new personnel loyal to them, resulting in a high number of correctional officers with previous law enforcement experience stemming from this cronyism.
Even in the current landscape, there are still many other individuals entering the field from various backgrounds. For instance, many smaller cities paid less for police officers, causing many to switch to higher-paying correctional officer positions. Additionally, due to the lower number of applications for correctional officer positions, it can be easier to secure a role in this field.
Work Dynamics and Career Advancement
Correctional officers often find that the experience they gain in their role is not transferable to police work. As a result, many correctional officers view their career as a terminal role and are not motivated to transition to law enforcement. Those who do aspire to a police career often fail to make the transition, leading them to stay in correctional roles.
Many correctional officers view their role as one where they can exert influence and control over prisoners without the same stringent accountability as in law enforcement. This dynamic further reinforces the idea that many correctional officers do not want to move into police work.
Conclusion
The misconception that most prison guards were once police officers is a common but inaccurate view. Most correctional officers start their careers directly in the corrections field, and while some may later transition to law enforcement roles, the majority do not begin their careers this way.
Keywords: prison guards, former police, police officers