Career advice for new COs

As a young correctional officer, you will face many obstacles, but never give up as you will develop the skills you need to succeed

October 04, 2018 09:52 PM •

In order to become a good correctional officer, you must always do the right thing and have strong ethics.

As a young officer, you will face many obstacles. Temptations will come your way, but be sure to side step inmates’ manipulative ways.

It is your job to serve and protect our citizens. It is your job to provide care for and custody and control of the inmates. You may feel overwhelmed, but you will develop the skills you need to succeed. You work in an environment the average person could not handle, and this is what makes correctional officers a cut above the rest.

Here’s some advice to help you on your journey.

Gary York

Gary York, author of “Corruption Behind Bars” and “Inside The Inner Circle,” served in the United States Army from 1978 to 1987 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant from the Military Police Corps. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gary York completed the 7th Army Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership Academy with a 96.6% in the Train to Train method of instruction. Gary received the Army Commendation Medal and Soldier of the Quarter Award while serving. Gary was a Military Police shift supervisor for five years.

Gary then began a career with the Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. Gary was promoted to probation officer, senior probation officer and senior prison inspector where for the next 12 years he conducted criminal, civil and administrative investigations in many state prisons. Gary was also assigned to the Inspector General Drug Interdiction Team conducting searches of staff and visitors entering the prisons for contraband during weekend prison visitation. Gary also received the Correctional Probation Officer Leadership Award for the Region V, Tampa, Florida, Correctional Probation and he won the Outstanding Merit Award for leadership in the Region V Correctional Officer awards Tampa, Florida.