[NEWSLETTER #7] Government Jobs: SADOC

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Solomon Cobb
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[NEWSLETTER #7] Government Jobs: SADOC

Post by Solomon Cobb »

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INTRODUCTION
The San Andreas Department of Corrections, SADOC for short is the government department tasked with running the Bolingbroke Penitentiary State Prison and securing the inmates inside. They confine criminal offenders in an environment that is safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure. They provide many self-improvement opportunities to assist in rehabilitating inmates into becoming law-abiding citizens.
They take in new inmates from LSPD, LSSD, and on the rare occasion SAJB to ensure they are secured whilst they serve their due sentences to keep Los Santos a safe place.

The SADOC is headed by Warden Kourtney Lafleur, who kindly allowed me to take up a temporary Government Intern role under the watch of supervisors who kindly showed me the inner workings of the SADOC. So if you are thinking about getting a job at the San Andreas Department of Corrections or if you are just curious to get a closer look at how things work then keep reading.
ARRIVAL TO THE JOB
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The first thing I was told when clocking on shift for the first time was the large list of procedures to follow. Bolingbroke penitentiary is a high-security prison and even with my past experience, being there is still a concern as I was not on their roster as a regular employee. I was told to have no weapons on me at any time except a baton and tazer (which is standard amongst every employee, even trainees), and I was to be accompanied by a supervisor at all times to ensure no trouble occurred.

After the explanation, I was given a badge number and a callsign to refer to myself on the radio. During this exercise, I was given a temporary callsign of DOC-INTERN-69. DOC badge numbers typically just increment by 1 for every new employee that is hired, at the time of writing they are about to reach badge number 900. I was given a fresh trainee uniform which consisted of a beige shirt, combat pants and boots, a duty belt holding basic keys, kevlar, radio, baton, and tazer.

They have a lot of rules regarding how officers must look on duty, some relating to professionalism and some relating to safety:
  • Hats must match the uniform and look professional. This means no bright colors or helmets.
  • No scarves or neckwear on duty that can be a choking hazard except for clip-on ties that are part of the set uniforms.
  • Males are allowed to have beards but they must be of natural color.
  • Each uniform must be worn with a radio as well as a Department radio.
In addition to this, every officer must wear a body camera whilst performing their duties. This is to ensure accountability for each and every officer. Failure to wear a body camera results in disciplinary actions with no exceptions.
VEHICLES
The SADOC fleet is definitely one to be admired. They have a range of vehicles, each with specific purposes. Their all-around standard vehicle is their scout, which is equipped with ram bars on the front flashing lights and sirens, and an area in the back seat should a 10-15 require transporting in it.

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Before getting access to this, however, there is one vehicle that everyone has access to. That is the park ranger. This is the first vehicle correctional trainees may use and is sometimes used for escorting transport vehicles and for exterior patrols of the prison.

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An interesting vehicle you all may have seen in the city is the TARV, this beefy vehicle is used as a high-security vehicle for transportation of inmates going to prison.

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I could sit and go through the many vehicles that SADOC has, each with a specific purpose, but we would be here all day.
A SHIFT WITH HUMAN RESOURCES
One of the first activities I got to experience at the DOC was with the Human Resources division, they had a Physical Test (PT) for a new applicant Mr. Babu Headick. The physical test is the second step of recruitment, just after the interview. It consists of a vigorous examination of stamina and physical fitness at the on-site assault course.

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This assault course tests every aspect of a potential recruits physical fitness, endurance, and agility. First comes the climbing fence pictured above where the applicant needs to use their arm and leg strength to climb up the fence and then lower themselves down the other side.
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One of the other challenging obstacles is the wall vault where the applicant must run up the wall, vault over, and then repeat the process for the second wall after it. When I observed Mr. Headick doing this he struggled but eventually made it over. There were roughly 10 obstacles overall, varying with difficulty and the aspect it was testing the applicant on.

It was mentioned during this that they're not necessarily looking for someone who can perfectly complete each obstacle but other qualities such as problem solving and determination are looked into for how they tackle the course as these are all qualities of a good officer.

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I asked Mr. Headick about his experience during the application process to this stage and he said the following:
Mr. Headick wrote: Everyone I've met has been super nice and helpful in my journey to become a doc guard. I rang the buzzer and asked how to apply and like 10 of them came to the lobby to help me. After that, they told me to sit down and work on the application and the response time was amazing, it was looked at immediately. After that, we went right to the interview. The interview was nerve-wracking because they sit and take notes so you don't know if they're good or bad notes and it makes you think about it. Other than that it was straightforward.
I come from a background in football so doing stuff like that allowed me to get physically strong, so I liked the obstacle course, it was fun. DOC is amazing from what I've seen so far.

Next up came the weekly promotion ceremony where any promotions earned during the week were announced to the department and special awards were given out. Following this, the Human Resources team meets together to handle the mass amount of paperwork required for processing promotions.

During this meeting, they asked me if I wished to experience the division and do some of the paperwork for them:

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I filled out certificates pre-signed by the warden to post publicly their promotions. Other examples of paperwork done after the weekly meeting are personnel file updates and roster updates.

Finally in my shift with the Human Resources division was observing an academy of new recruits. I saw Mr. Dario Moretti, David Mathews, and Bogdan Beciri. This started with a brief introduction to the officers in the room and the new recruits, followed by the signing of the waiver and employment contract. After this, they went to the locker room and got suited and booted into their trainee uniform.

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New recruits and Human Resources

The academy covered many, many topics introducing the new recruits to the SADOC. The first section was an introduction to the DOC and the core values, chain of command, terminologies, and radio calls. Following this was the exterior patrol where they learned about the jurisdiction and ways to keep the facility secure. Finally came the tour of the entire prison, going in-depth into the protocols for processing, visitation, returning released inmates' items, etc.

I would highly recommend this division to you if you love paperwork as nearly every aspect of the job requires accompanying paperwork. If you love teaching people and passing on your knowledge to newbies then Human Resources is the route you should go down should you get a job at the SADOC.
A SHIFT WITH THE CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL TEAM

I was introduced to Captain Adam Payne, badge number #08, head of the Correctional Medical Team. So, what is CMT? It is another of the many divisions at the SADOC and I had a short interview with the Captain about the division:

What is CMT, and why does it exist when we have LSEMS?
Adam Payne wrote:CMT is here in the DOC to provide guards and inmates with quick access to medical care. We have this mainly for when inmates get injured as you know they fight all the time and it would be a pain to be calling LSEMS each time for them. For officers, when the injury is not life-threatening we are able to take care of it in-house rather than taking them to MD. We still take them to Pillbox medical center for further treatment if required but we handle most of it.
Are all officers in CMT? If not, what levels of training are given?
Adam Payne wrote:So, on our medical side we have basic medical training for medical students, they go through that training learning BLS skills and more advanced medical procedures like suturing. We train them how to deal with stab wounds, gunshot wounds, how to handle seizures, and a lot more. We also have a Psych branch within CMT. An officer can take the medical path or the psych path within the division. So people can join psych as a psych student where they would undergo different phases of training while shadowing other psych personnel. A BLS license is required to join the CMT division.
What are the most common injuries you see from within the prison?
Adam Payne wrote:Bruises are the most common ones, from time to time we get a few broken bones.
What paperwork is required at CMT, both the baseline and the optional paperwork?
Adam Payne wrote:So for medical, you are required to fill out minor injury reports and surgery reports. For psych you have your minor psych reports which is a summary of what went on in the psych meetings.
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What links do you have with the DOC K9 division?
Adam Payne wrote:Whenever an officer is bringing a K9 into the K9 division they have to get checked out by a CMT consultant or higher for any issues or injuries the dog may have.
What is LMT?
Adam Payne wrote:Lead Medical Team (LMT), is basically who will take lead in a situation like surgery. So I like to only allow personnel who is in a consultant role or higher to take lead in surgeries as they are more experienced than someone like a nurse.
What is the difference between standard medical procedures and advanced?
Adam Payne wrote:Only personnel in the consultant position or higher are able to handle advanced procedures, whereas normal medical procedures can be handled by anyone.

Following this interview, I got a tour of the SADOC medical bay where there was currently training going on for new hires that were getting trained on the basic treatment of the most common wounds handled on grounds at the SADOC.

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Left to right: Becci Walters, Dorabella Monroe, Marcus Chandler, and Adam Payne

We ended the session by seeing firsthand how an inmate got treated. An inmate was in the cell block injured after a fight when no guards were at hand to break it up. The man was knocked clean out and had several bruises on his forehead. The treatment was extremely simple as there was no serious damage and the man recovered within the hour!

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A SHIFT WITH THE FELON REFORMATION DIVISION

The Felon Reformation (FRD) is one of the newer divisions within the San Andreas Department of Corrections. I met up with Captain Issei Schneider, badge number #09, the head of FRD to have a run-through of his division and what it entails.

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The Felon Reformation Division offices where meetings with ex-felons take place.

What is the Felon Reformation Division?
Issei Schneider wrote:It is a program we have at the DOC to help felons and ex-felons on the path to reforming themselves. If they want to get a job or turn their lives around they generally find it quite hard. So FRD is an assisting team that helps people get back on the right path. We try our best to help them stay away from crime. We will talk to them and offer them both mentally and physically by involving any medical professionals of Psych where needed
We also work with SD, JB, and SASG to offer to take illegal contraband from them. We have done it a few times before and are currently working on a proper process. We work with SD and bring them in to talk to the ex-felon about guns, drugs, etc they may have in their house and they do not get charges applied for this due to them submitting the contraband.
Chief Justice Colt Daniels of the San Andreas Judicial Branch has given the green light on situations where ex-felons can submit information on any illegal items they have to gain a level of immunity for submitting it and taking the steps to reform.
We also have ownership of some properties to give access to ex-felons who are homeless, they have a couple of 1G apartments and are working on a larger dedicated building for it
What is the initial process for someone wanting to reform to get into FRD?
Issei Schneider wrote:If you're interested in joining FRD you can come to DOC and ask for a representative of FRD to talk about it or you can go to the public website where there's information and application process: viewforum.php?f=2121

Anyone that's in prison, if we feel someone is wanting to change their ways we will offer it up to them as an option and explain the program to them. If they say yes they will have a 1-to-1 meeting with them so they fully understand it before signing themselves up. The same applies if an officer is approached by an inmate regarding FRD.
If they come face to face there's no application process and they then proceed with the meetings
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A budding ex-felon coming to the front desk to join FRD.

In what way does FRD help ex-felons get jobs?
Issei Schneider wrote:We have agreements set up with companies where if you're in the FRD program you have to be clean for 2 weeks and can apply for a job with any of them. This includes Bayview, Los Santos Customs, Downtown Cab Co, and Weazel News.
For MD it's slightly different, any ex-felon has to go through the FRD program to get a job at MD. They have to be clean for a minimum of 3 months to attain this but the procedures are there for those willing to go through it.
We are currently working on an idea where DOC will offer pre-training through FRD for a job they want, for example, if they wish to join DCC, the FRD will offer ways to enhance their experience before applying for the job to increase the chance of success
What is your success rate in reforming ex-felons through FRD?
Issei Schneider wrote:In the last month we have had 4 pass the program successfully, 2 joined Bayview, 1 joined Weazel News, 1 joined DCC, and 1 joined LSC. There are currently 8 active with 3 of those being close to the end of the program to pass.

Following this talk, Captain Schneider explained how they are open to talking with private businesses about giving ex-felons a chance to turn their lives around similar to the agreements with the businesses highlighted previously. If you run a business and are interested in getting some new employees through the FRD programs then contact a member of the FRD command (Issei Schneider, Katie Schneider, or Marc Ericsson).

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One of the locations of the FRD properties.

We then took a trip outside of the SADOC to take a look at one of the properties they have acquired on behalf of FRD. These properties are small refurbished apartments specifically to house ex-felons going through the FRD program to give them one less thing to worry about. This temporary accommodation means the ex-felon can focus on their own rehabilitation without things such as homelessness looming over them.

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Newly refurbished apartment for an ex-felon.
THE INMATES OF BOLINGBROKE PENITENTIARY
The inmates are arguably the most important aspect of the prison as there wouldn't be a SADOC without them. I have had the chance to speak to some of them to hear their stories.

First off was Mr. Jack Macdoff who was in prison for 2 felonies and 2 misdemeanors:
  • GM10 - Failure to Comply / Identify
  • GM08 - Vandalism
  • VF01 - Evading an officer
  • WF01 - Assault with a deadly weapon of a Gov. Employee
Mr. Macdoff explained the story that landed him in prison:
Jack Macdoff wrote:I started hitting someone's car at Burger Shot and some feds started chasing us so the boys got out of the car and started hitting the fed then they chased us. We were on some dirt road getting chased by the feds. The feds get out of their car and I get my baseball bat out to shoot some balls, then I get shot and taken to prison.
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Having a nice chat with Mr. Macdoff in the yard.

Next up was a young offender, Mr. Liang Yang. At this point, he has been in prison for 1600 days (~5 years), he came in at the young age of 16 and due to the lack of a juvenile detention center was locked up in Bolingbroke Penitentiary under the care of the SADOC.

He came to the prison with the following charges:
  • GM16 - Face concealment
  • Aggrevated WF01 - Assault with a deadly weapon of a gov employee
  • Attempted SF07 - Bank Robbery
  • VF01 - Evading an officer
  • GM04 - Resisting Arrest
  • VF02 - Felony hit and run of a government employee
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A now matured Liang Yang.

Mr. Yang explained the scenario in which he went to prison and he says that he disagrees with the way the charges were put on him as the Aggravated WF01 and VF02 were for the same thing, stemming from him accidentally hitting an officer with his car prior to arrest. Unfortunately, he did not have the know-how at the time to get a lawyer and attempt to dispute the charges as the SAJB was in its infancy at the time.

After 5 years in prison, Mr. Yang is now 21 years old, a much more mature adult than the child he was when entering the facility but he did have some wishes about the implementation of an education program with the prison which will be raised and suggested to the Warden.
A SHIFT WITH GROUNDSKEEPING

One of the most important divisions in the SADOC is the Groundskeeping division, a dedicated team of technically-minded people who handle the day-to-day maintenance of Bolingbroke Penitentiary. I sat down with Master Groundskeeper Babu Headick and Head groundskeeper James Stile to learn about what they do. To become a groundskeeper you are required to hit the rank of Correctional Officer 1, which means you can apply right after your promotion from trainee.

If something is broken in the prison then any officer can raise what they call a "Work order", this is a template form used for making the Groundskeeping division aware of work that requires completion. They have a process defined for this where once a work order has been submitted, it goes under review for an inspection of the work, and then work begins. Once the work has been completed the person who created the work order is notified.

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A work order example with a response.

On top of the work orders, there are weekly tasks that the groundskeepers must do to ensure the prison is in tip-top shape for housing inmates. Some examples of these are, CCTV maintenance, checking the medical bay stock and equipment, maintaining fire extinguishers, etc.

Sometimes, other government agencies reach out to the SADOC groundskeepers for their technical knowledge and expertise. A recent example of this is where they assisted the San Andreas State Government in repair efforts on the Palmer Power Plant after the recent terrorist attack. The SADOC groundskeepers worked alongside the SASG Public Works Bureau to get emergency power up and running.


Sometimes, when inmates have good behavior or if there are repeat offenders who are trusted within the DOC they get the option to assist the Groundskeeping division in some of their duties. This is a way for them to spend their time in prison doing something useful, whilst also gaining new skills and getting paid for it. These tasks are categorized into 3 tiers: Low Risk, Medium Risk, and High Risk, with the higher risk tasks being reserved for the more trusted inmates showing exemplary behavior. Here are some examples of low-risk tasks that can be completed by inmates to keep them out of trouble:
  • Sweeping the cellblock (Plastic broom)
  • Cleaning the interior windows (With water and sponge)
  • Making the beds in the cells
  • Tidying the showers
  • Sorting through broken books and replacing them
  • Examining the weights and sorting them on the racks
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen - Making low-risk foods such as sandwiches
  • Washing dishes
Work is not done for free here, however, Low-risk tasks get rewarded with 500 stamps, medium-risk tasks reward 1000 stamps, and high-risk tasks are 2000 stamps/.

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An inmate mowing the grass to earn stamps

What is a division without its specialized vehicles? The Groundskeeping division has a variety of vehicles used for their division for any task that gets put upon them. Below is one of their main vehicles, the utility truck. This truck features a lift to access any area they usually could not access while also featuring storage areas for any tool they need for the job.

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The Groundskeeping Division Utility Truck
A SHIFT WITH CERT

The Correctional Emergency Response Team, CERT for short, is the final division within the SADOC we will be covering in this showcase. I sat down with Deputy Warden Steve Blata, the commanding officer of CERT:

What is CERT, could you give us an introduction to your division?
Steve Blata wrote: CERT is a team responsible for situations that are uncontrollable by the general staff and requires an additional level of force and tactics to be done on scene. For example, a hostage situation and potential breakout are happening, the responsibility of CERT in such a case is to take control of the situation and handle negotiations. They would also control the scene to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to work with other departments.
What are the requirements for joining CERT as a correctional officer?
Steve Blata wrote: Attaining the rank of CO3 is the current requirement as they have more experience in General Field Operations. We are, however, in talks currently to lower this requirement.
What training do new people to the CERT division undergo?
Steve Blata wrote: Newcomers are called probationary operatives, they undergo a number of general training, weapon certifications, and tactical training. We have a dedicated area for breaching training to train newcomers to the division to ensure they are up to our standards.
What weapons and equipment do CERT officers get access to that they might not as regular officer?
Steve Blata wrote: Probationary operatives can deploy Remington shotgun initially providing they have passed the required certifications. Going higher rank they get access to more weapons. The smoke grenade launcher is another tool in their arsenal to non-lethally handle situations.
What work do you do with other law enforcement agencies?
Steve Blata wrote: We have done training with PD Metro SWAT when the SADOC got access to the Brickade. In general, situations that involve us and other departments such as hostages and breakouts when the demand is to leave the prison are when PD/SD assistance is required. A bomb situation or a shootout at the front parking lot would also call them.
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The CERT Brickade
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The CERT Cara Cara

There is only so much we can cover about the CERT division due to their nature and us not being able to disclose training practices and tactics but if this seems like the division for you then go talk to one of the CERT operatives up at the prison to find out more information!
CLOSING MESSAGE
From my experience working at the SADOC prior to my retirement and position within SASG, it has always been clear that the Department of Corrections employees are all very close to one another. You often hear people refer to their colleagues and work as a second family and within the DOC this is very apparent from the moment you walk through the doors, be it as a 10-15, an officer, or a civilian.

If you choose the San Andreas Department of Corrections as your career path within the city then you will find there are many opportunities for progression across a variety of divisions and responsibilities. The command and supervisory team have tailored the available roles to be extremely flexible allowing employees of the SADOC to have freedom in choosing their career paths.


Once again, huge thanks to the SADOC Command team, supervisor team, and divisional leaders for allowing this insight to their department to showcase it.
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      Solomon Cobb, Esq.
      Director | Public Relations Bureau
      San Andreas State Government

      [email protected]

      ☏ 335-2510

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