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Q: What is your background?
A: Prior to corrections I worked as a factory worker. After several layoffs I applied to the Illinois Department of Corrections. I was hired by the Illinois Department of Corrections in 1993 as a correctional officer trainee. Since then, I have served as a correctional officer, lieutenant, and captain and I currently hold the rank of Major.
Q: How did you choose to become a correctional officer?
A: The job security that goes with the job.
Q: What is your job description?
A: I currently serve as assistant manager of staff development and training with direct oversight of the correctional officer trainees (COT) training and continued training for in-service staff, security and non-security. Additionally, I serve as special operations commander with direct supervision of all department firearms training, tactical training, canine training, Tactical Rescue Team (TRT) training, sniper/observer training, supervision of regional tactical commanders, utilization of TRT units, sniper units, canine units and the small arms repair unit.
Q: What is a normal day for a correctional officer?
A: I do the security, custody and control of inmates within their assignment, be it housing assignments, yard or gym assignments, inmate work crew assignments, towers and catwalk assignments, etc.
Q: What kind of education/degree program is necessary for a career in corrections?
A: High school education or equivalent.
Q: What does it take to be successful in criminal justice?
A: Come to work, be on time and be firm, fair and consistent with all inmates and staff.
Q: What real world experience did you get during school/your training?
A: The institutional searches during training were the first times I entered a correctional facility. By far, the best training was all the staff safety training and the hands-on training, including firearms, control tactics, cuffing and tactical training.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: I am doing it currently!
Q: What advice can you offer to students?
A: Come to work and do your job. You should be professional at all times, try to maintain a positive attitude, and be firm, fair and consistent with inmates and staff.
Q: Is criminal justice a hard field to get into?
A: The Illinois Department of Corrections is not, but that’s as long as you lack a criminal background, graduate from High School, and are strong mentally and physically.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a correctional officer?
A: I get to work with some of the finest and most diverse professionals that I have ever known.
Q: Any last words of wisdom for a prospective student?
A: From a correctional stand point, we do not judge the inmates. We are there for public safety and the security and safety of both staff and inmates.
