Life Stories

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about starting a career in law enforcement, corrections, or another public safety role. And maybe you’re feeling a little unsure, anxious—even afraid.

That’s completely normal.

Almost everyone is scared to start. I was too.
But I’m here to tell you: you’re more capable than you realize—and the reward on the other side is worth every step of the journey.

You’re Not Doing This Alone

One of the biggest misconceptions people have when they first consider this line of work is that you’re out there by yourself, facing everything alone.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

In this field, you work as part of a team. You train as a team. You move as a unit. You always have someone you can call for backup—whether it’s during a tense situation or a routine check. You are never expected to handle everything on your own, and you’re never left to fend for yourself.

You’ll learn how to communicate with your team effectively, how to cover each other, how to respond together, and how to trust the people around you to do the same for you. That support is what builds confidence—and that confidence is what keeps you sharp and safe.

You Are the Authority

If you’re headed into corrections, you may be worried about dealing with inmates. That’s a common fear, especially for first-timers. But here’s something you need to lock into your mindset from day one:

You are the authority. Not them.

You’ll be trained to take control of situations with confidence, composure, and respect. Inmates may test boundaries, but they don’t run the facility—you and your team do. You’ll learn how to de-escalate situations, how to stay in control, and how to command respect without ever having to raise your voice.

You’re not going in there to intimidate anyone—but you’re also not there to be intimidated. You are trained. You are prepared. And you are backed by policy, law, and your fellow officers.

And let’s be clear about something that often gets overlooked:
Correctional officers are law enforcement officers.
You are officially recognized as a peace officer, and your position carries legal weight. The same laws that protect police officers in the line of duty also protect you. That includes protection against threats, harassment, or violence while performing your job.

You’re not “just a guard.” You’re a vital part of the criminal justice system—and your badge, your training, and your authority reflect that.

It’s Not Just a Job—It’s a Foundation for Life

What you’re stepping into is so much more than a job. It’s a career that builds you up while letting you serve others. It’s a path that gives you real purpose and tangible rewards.

Let’s talk about those rewards for a second:

Health insurance that covers you and your loved ones
Dental and vision benefits that protect your long-term well-being
Life insurance that gives your family peace of mind
Pensions and retirement plans like a 401K, so you can actually enjoy your later years
Job stability in a world where many jobs aren’t guaranteed

It’s a career that sets you—and your family—up for success. You’ll be able to pay your bills, build a home, save for the future, and take care of those who depend on you.

That kind of security? It’s rare these days. And it’s right in front of you—if you’re willing to reach for it.

What to Tell Yourself When Doubt Creeps In

Fear will whisper in your ear. Doubt will try to convince you you’re not tough enough, not smart enough, not ready.

Here’s what you do:

Tell yourself you can. Every single time.

Even if you don’t believe it yet—say it until you do.
Because confidence doesn’t come first—action does.

Once you take that first step—into the classroom, onto the training mat, through that first drill—you’ll start to see who you really are. And you’ll realize that the person who thought they couldn’t… just did.

I’d Still Do It All Over Again

I went through the pepper spray. I went through the physical training, the long classroom hours, the mental challenges. And if I had to? I’d do it again tomorrow.

Because even though I haven’t officially started my career as a correctional officer yet, I’m right on the edge—I’m just waiting on the call that confirms it. And everything I’ve done up to this point has led me here. The discipline, the training, the knowledge—it’s all part of what I’m becoming. And I’m proud of that.

If you’re still wondering if you’ve got what it takes, let me end with this:

You do.

You’re stronger than you think.
You’re more capable than you realize.
And you’re absolutely not alone.

So stop telling yourself why you can’t—and start proving to yourself that you can.

Go for it.
You won’t regret it.

In 2008, I made the decision to pursue a career in protection and security. I entered homeland security training with the goal of becoming a certified protection officer through the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO). What followed was one of the most intense, rewarding, and eye-opening chapters of my life—and it changed how I viewed safety, discipline, and responsibility forever.

I’m sharing this story today because I know how nerve-racking it can be when you’re staring down the path of academy training, especially if you’re new to the field. Whether you’re looking into corrections, security, or law enforcement, the anxiety is real. And if you’re anything like a certain someone close to me (you know who you are), the thought of getting pepper sprayed or tased is enough to make you question whether it’s all worth it.

Let me say this clearly: it is.

Classroom Training: The Foundation of Protection

The training I went through was about six months total, which was considered early compared to many others in my class. The first part was classroom-based, and honestly, it was one of the most valuable parts of the entire journey. You learn more than just procedures—you’re trained to think, observe, assess, and act.

Some of the major things we studied included:

Threat assessment
Understanding how to identify potential threats before they escalate. This includes reading body language, identifying suspicious behavior, and knowing how to de-escalate a situation before it becomes dangerous.
Use of force continuum
Learning the appropriate level of force based on the threat level. When to use verbal commands, when to go hands-on, and when to escalate further—if necessary.
Legal responsibilities
You’re taught exactly what your role allows you to do within the law, and more importantly, what not to do. There’s a legal and ethical weight to every action you take, and you’re expected to uphold that standard every day.
Mental preparedness
Situational awareness is drilled into you. You have to know your environment, your exits, your blind spots, and your limits. You also learn how to stay calm in high-stress moments, which could be the difference between saving a life or losing one.
Emergency response
Medical emergencies, fires, active threats—you train to be the calm in the storm, not the panic in the room.

One of the first things we were taught—something that stuck with me—is this:
“If you can’t help yourself, you can’t help anyone else.”

That might sound selfish at first, but it’s the opposite. If you rush into danger recklessly, without thinking, you become a liability. An injured officer, or worse, a fallen one, is someone who can’t assist their team or protect the people they’re responsible for.

Real-World Situations Where That Matters

Responding to a violent fight
You don’t just charge in swinging. You assess—who’s involved, is there a weapon, can verbal commands work, is backup available? Running in blind gets you hurt, and now your team has two people to rescue.
Active shooter scenario
You’re trained to take cover, secure the area, and respond with precision. Charging in without a plan gets you killed—and it puts others in more danger.
Medical emergencies
Even in non-violent situations, rushing in without PPE or gloves could expose you to diseases or hazardous materials. Protect yourself first, so you can provide aid safely and effectively.

That philosophy isn’t about fear—it’s about readiness. It’s about being smart, so you can be effective.

Field Training: Where It Gets Physical

After the classroom, things get real. You move on to field training, and that’s where the physical part kicks in.

We trained in defensive jujitsu, hand-to-hand combat, disarming techniques, and suspect control. Everything we did had a real-world focus. The rubber knives and training weapons we used were designed to feel like the real thing—same size, same weight. You treat every scenario like it’s live.

Yes, the drills are controlled, but they aren’t easy. You’re being pushed to react under pressure—how fast can you disarm someone? How do you break a wrist hold? How do you get someone to the ground without causing unnecessary harm?

Your reflexes improve. Your instincts sharpen. And your confidence? That grows more than anything.

The Pepper Spray Gauntlet

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room—pepper spray.

It’s a rite of passage. When I went through it, we all had to line up outside. The instructor told us to stand tall, eyes open, and keep our focus. Then—bam. MK9 riot control spray to the face.

Instant agony.

My face burned for a solid week. I won’t sugarcoat that. But you learn that you can function through pain. You learn that your body can push through even when your brain says no. That kind of resilience is critical in corrections and law enforcement.

Because in real life, there’s no “pause” button. You can’t give up when it hurts. You have to get the job done. The training gives you that edge.

Why I’d Do It All Over Again

Despite the pain, the sweat, the stress—I loved every second of that training. It shaped me. It gave me tools that I still carry today. And now, as I look ahead at the possibility of joining a correctional officer academy, I’m not anxious—I’m excited. I know what I’m walking into, and I know I’m ready.

To anyone considering this career—especially those who might be nervous about the intensity of training—don’t let fear be the thing that stops you. You’re not alone. Most of us were nervous going in. But with every day of training, that fear gets replaced by knowledge, discipline, and strength.

Short-term pain.
Long-term gain.
It’s worth it.

Not Sure If You’ve Got What It Takes? Read This.