Local corrections officer faces court martial for abusing Iraqi prisoners

If the jobs were Civil Service, promotions more than likely depended on taking a test. And tests aren't given that often. I started in Corrections in '80. In '84, I took the test for Sergeant and got a 92 on it. I wasn't reachable on the list until June of '89 and that was only because they had expanded the prisons because of overcrowding. So I had almost 10 years in the department before I even received my promotion. It wasn't because I'd had any disciplinary actions in my record. I had none. I was lucky that I made Sergeant at the facility I was at. In most cases, officers have to transfer across the state in order to go where the promotion is. That goes for Lieutenants, Captains, etc., as well. You have to go where the opening is. It isn't automatic that you will make promotion at your home facility. And, you might be away from home for years before an opening is available for you to come back. Transfers are based on seniority, so someone who had been promoted before you would end up on the list ahead of you.

I was pretty lucky during my 23 years. Other than having to move to Auburn, New York to take the job, I was able to stay right within the area that I wanted to be in for the rest of my career. I took the Lieutenant's test, but never wanted the position. I liked being a Sergeant, had a really good relationship with the officers, and felt I was more effective in that position. As a Lieutenant or above, you had to sell your soul to the state, and I wasn't willing to do that.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.