Well You should be fine. My advice never talk about anythign you dont want the inmates to know to anyone at prison. There are ears everywhere. When dealing with women I have been told the camera is your friend and the women will try to get you off them just so they can get a quick transfer. I also have been told that if you want to avoid head aches do nto talk to them in the living areas do it all up at your desk. They will test you but once you show your not on their games you will just become another faceless gray shirt to them.

Welcome to ODRC, you’ll find there’s a good number of us on here from the buckeye. Mick nailed it on the head when he said a different way of thinking is required. I came out of the Army as a NCO, took me some adjusting to learn how to deal with inmates. Sometimes I still have a “communication barrier” even dealing with people or on this forum. It shows up in my posts at random intervals.

Far as your other questions I’ll answer the best I can. The pay steps work off time in service, the longer you stay in the department the higher your pay grade. Shift differential and longevity pay also factor in. I’ve never had the misfortune of dealing with female inmates so I can’t be much help there. You’ll hear fair, firm and consistant over and over but it really is a good rule to follow. Be firm yet fair and treat them all the same. Truth be told ODRC academy is good to learn the basics but the real job is learned by doing. Some of the best advice I can give you is put yourself in the shoes of the recruits of your taught as a DI. Ask questions, soak up the knowledge of experence and stay on your toes. Far as your time in interim goes that falls back on the needs and management of your institution. Could be a very brief period or it might take a year or more.

Good luck and welcome to ODRC.

First thing to remember that although you were an NCO in the military when you begin training you will be the low man on the Totem pole so just keep that in the back of your mind. Corrections has many similarities to the Military but it also requires you to learn a completely different way of thinking. Don’t expect inmates to jump to attention when you speak they are more likely to tell you to F*** off than give you immediate obedience and female inmates are 10 times worse than males. Your previous military training should help you fly through the academy. And welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Corrections.

Hey all!
Im new to the forum, Im a recently retired USAF guy and was hired at a female prison in Ohio. Im scheduled to start the Academy in about 2 weeks (1st week in Dec) and just wondered if you all can give me so advice on the Academy as well as what to expect at the new job. Ive spent 24yrs in the USAF, 8yrs as a weapons specialist, 2 yr as a drill instructor and 13yrs in recruiting.
Any advice is appreciated. I was hired as a full time interim CO. Any idea how long it may take me to get to the permanent status so I can gain seniority etc? Also how do the pay steps work in Ohio? Im excited and ready to go..Im not in it for the $$$$, just have never worked a civilian job and only worked in military since I was 17!
Be safe to you all, and thanks for your service and sacrifices!