Got a call this morning about 7:30, the deputy jailer position is mine. I can start anytime I want pretty much. There is a position that just now came open, this morning, but I'd have to start by the first of July, or I can wait until the end of July for another one thats coming open. The only problem I have is I've got a vacation already planned and some family stuff to take care of the first week of July. So that really wouldn't give me time to give a two week notice at work. I'll start out working the night shift(7pm-7am) three days a week, then the fourth day I'll work a 4 hour shift. My days will stay the same so I won't be switching it up from week to week. Does anyone have any advice for me, like things to work on over the next month? I recently bought a H&K USP .40 to carry with me, so I need to get some practice in with it, and I need to spend some time doing some PT(been behind a desk for 4 years now). I wonder if it would be good to learn a little Spanish too.
Sounds like a good plan to get practice. Not necessarily for accuracy, but for confidence with your sidearm. One less thing to worry about. My thoughts are that with such a drastic transition, learn everything you can, and see if you can spend some quality time with the folks you'll be working with. Maybe they have training as part of the program, but if it's a rapid immersion it would be a good idea to get as acquainted as you can first.
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Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf
This is what I've gathered so far. The first six months will be a probation period in which I learn many different aspects of the job. I think each night you come in you might be doing something different. One night you might be in the control room operating the doors and watching the cameras. The next night I might be walking the floor, next night I might be in the maximum security part(or at least with the real evil guys). Then at other times I might be doing booking, or transporting, or answering the phones. I don't think you stick with just one "job" within the jail. I won't go to training until next year, in which each deputy is required to do 16 hours of training, then another 8 hours of mental health training for mentally challenged prisoners. But I will just be thrown in the mix, no simple transition.
If you got the job, show up as soon as you can, before the budget cuts, or they "just change their mind" Been there. Heilung
If there are two planned openings, take the first one come heck or high water. First, it shows them you're serious about wanting the job. Second, it leaves less time for something screwy to happen and slam the door in your face.
I had already talked to them and said the end of July would be best because of a planned vacation and some family stuff, they said thats fine and the job is mine. I can also go out there and shadow some of the guys if I want to get a feel for things. And just because I think I'll do a few ride alongs with our local PD in the next month.
Well, I won't lie, I am a little worried about it. It will be a HUGE change from working on computers all day behind a desk, not to mention the 12 hour night shifts. But, this type of work(LEO/Military) is something I've wanted to do/try since I was in high school. Six months from now I may be somewhere else, but I doubt it.
Hmmm... and what might the female inmates have to bargain with....... :nod: .... Yeah, when I took the tour the jailer told me "Back there is where the female inmates are kept. Don't ever go back there with out a female deputy with you. If you do, you'll get the day off and never come back."
