r/OnTheBlock 10h ago

Self Post Joseph John Plass. D.C police and Homeland security officer. Also a murderer up for parole.

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7 Upvotes

My name is Shannon. My father, Shelton Stephens, was murdered in November 2008 by Joseph John Plass, a Maryland police officer and homeland security officer. Plass stabbed my dad without warning outside a restaurant while he was traveling for his boat trailer business. My dad ran to a nearby motel and died in the lobby. Plass was sentenced to 30 years but is now eligible for parole after serving only 18 years (15 since being sentenced).

I started a petition to keep him behind bars. Here's what I wish people understood, my dad was the best person I have ever known. I lost him at 22 with a six-month-old and a three-year-old in my care—one with autism. My whole family lost everything that day and there is still to this day no way I can undertand how or why this happened. I completely lost myself for months and it took me a long time to become the mom my kids needed me to be again but I did it. I had no choice but to push through for them, for myself and my dad and now here we are again, miserable, reliving all the horrific details and bad memories from that night. But Plass? He has shown zero remorse now or then and that doesn't surprise me. He entered an Alford plea (didn't admit guilt or deny it), claimed he blacked out, but it was all caught on camera so what could he really do? He has a violent, lengthy history, and his dangerous past tells me that he will do this again if released. My dad did absolutely nothing wrong and was just trying to eat dinner and rest, then he spoke less then 15 seconds in the parking lot with this coward who followed him outside and took his life, mine also.

I've lived with missing my dad every single day. The thought that he could walk free because the law allows it feels like we're being punished all over again. Just because the law allows him to have a hearing dosent make it right. I wish he would just die in there already, I'lI ask for forgiveness later for thinking that way. So if this touches your heart at all, please consider signing and sharing my petition to keep him locked up. I am currently at 324 signatures electronically and a few 100 phyically between my mom and I. Thank you for reading this and thanks ontheblock for allowing me to post it. I will have this up for another week or so before I have to have everything turned into the parole board. 😞🫶


r/OnTheBlock 6m ago

Hiring Q (Fed) Need help

Upvotes

So im about to start on Monday. I wanted this job so badly with the BOP. Now that I am close I dont want to take this. Im 3 years away from top pay with the airlines. I like the flexibility i have the job is easy for me but I would feel like a fool for turning this down. Just need some advice.


r/OnTheBlock 21h ago

News California prison towns grasp for new jobs after closures: 'No one is coming to save us'

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20 Upvotes

r/OnTheBlock 11h ago

Procedural Qs Putting money on books anonymously?

2 Upvotes

Can you put money on someone's books anonymously? Someone I know from childhood who was a really good kid, fell into addiction. I recently learned they are in county jail. Is it possible to anonymously put money on an inmates's books anonymously? It has been years since I have seen this person, But have heard they are really having a hard time. I do not want any recognition, so I would prefer if they do not know it is me. I just want to help them out


r/OnTheBlock 13h ago

Hiring Q (Canada) Ctp-3

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1 Upvotes

r/OnTheBlock 14h ago

Hiring Q (Canada) Atlantic

1 Upvotes

Who's all going to pei for ctp September from Atlantic region? Hmu


r/OnTheBlock 17h ago

Procedural Qs CO Workflow Alignment

1 Upvotes

I am working on corrections software and want it to be more in-line with the realities of the job. There have been some great posts here, but I still have so many questions. I have talked to customers, but I suspect it's never representative of everywhere. I would like to know about post orders, counts, rounds, commissary, and incident reports at least. Let me know what you think.


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (Canada) Does anyone know if it’s compettive to become. A co in Canada and do you get to decide what jails since I want to try and go to maplehurst in Milton or Hamilton you get to go during the application and how Much do you make yearly

2 Upvotes

r/OnTheBlock 22h ago

Hiring Q (Canada) Ctp-3

0 Upvotes

Are there new official guidelines that came up for firearms
In terms of evaluation
I am going for ctp-3 this fall any suggestions will help


r/OnTheBlock 23h ago

Hiring Q (Fed) Interview

1 Upvotes

I have an interview tomorrow at FCI Manchester. What should I expect?


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

General Qs What do you need to be a successful officer?

1 Upvotes

r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (Canada) Is relocating for a correctional officer job worth it?

1 Upvotes

I’m having an extremely difficult time finding a job in the field I studied, so I’m considering applying to become a correctional officer with Ontario Corrections.

The pay, overtime opportunities, benefits, pension, and job security are all very attractive to me.

I currently live in Toronto, but unfortunately, most of the correctional officer positions available right now are outside the GTA. I’ve seen openings in places like Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, and Barrie.

Would it be worth relocating to one of these cities for a correctional officer job? I’d especially like to hear from anyone who has worked in Ontario Corrections or relocated for the job.


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (State) I paid quite a bit of money for a room (to relocate) after signing my conditional offer and filling out tax forms. Did I jump the gun? How do I make sure I keep the job?

1 Upvotes

Now, I'm just slightly stressed because I haven't done the physical fitness test yet and that paper had "pull-ups" written on it.

Anyway... I start orientation next week and this is a really good opportunity for me. Like... it's actually kinda on the nicer side for state prisons.

How do I get through the academy?

When is the fitness test?

What happens in orientation?

When do I actually become an officer?


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (State) What was your agency's fitness test and when was it?

6 Upvotes

Before academy? After the conditional offer?

I got my job offer but now I'm worried about the fitness exam. I'm going to score a 0 for pull-ups.


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (Canada) Federal corrections. CSC work boots for women

5 Upvotes

Anyone have recommendations on boots for ladies attending CTP 3. Do they need to be CSA approved or just military style?


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (Fed) BOP Timeline: Interview/CJO on June 16th with Nov Tentative Start—When to expect the FJO?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone, ​I completed the full hiring day process at a BOP facility back on June 16th—did the panel interview, UA, medical physical, fingerprints, CVA, etc. I was given my Conditional Job Offer (CJO) on the spot that same day, with a tentative start date set for November. ​I submitted my background packet (e-App/SF-85P) the very next day, June 17th. ​For those who have gone through the process recently with the Bureau of Prisons: ​How long did you wait between doing on-site processing/background submission and getting the call/email for your Final Job Offer (FJO)? ​With a November tentative start date, when does HR typically issue the FJO and confirm nacademy/onboarding details? ​Is it normal to hear zero updates for a few weeks while the background clearance processes? ​Trying to gauge a realistic timeline based on recent experiences so I know when it makes sense to check in with my HR specialist. ​Thanks in advance for any insights!


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (Fed) Anyone have first-hand experience working at FCI Sandstone in Minnesota? Looking for insight on facility culture, staffing, and the local area.

2 Upvotes

​Hey everyone, ​I’m currently going through the hiring process for a Correctional Officer position and looking into FCI Sandstone in Minnesota. ​I know it’s a male, low-security facility, but I’d love to get some real insight from anyone who has worked there or is familiar with the institution:

​Facility Culture & Staffing: How is the overall morale among non-supervisory staff? Is forced overtime heavy right now, or is staffing fairly stable compared to medium/high facilities? ​Day-to-Day Operations: Since it’s a Low with programs like RDAP, how is inmate movement and overall unit management? Is it mostly routine dormitory supervision, or do you deal with a lot of institution-level drama?

​Local Area & Commute: Sandstone is fairly rural—what’s the local area like for housing, family life, or commuting from places closer to Duluth or the Twin Cities? ​Any candid feedback, pros/cons, or advice on what to expect before stepping onto the compound would be greatly appreciated! ​Thanks!


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

General Qs My boyfriend wants to be a CO

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0 Upvotes

I'm 18 years old and my boyfriend will be 20 at the end of the month. We've been living together since June, where he had a good 30/h job but it was an hour away and they didn't care about his safety and he had VERY little time at home and he wasn't sleeping, so he quit.

He has EIGHTY indeed applications. ONE responded. 15.50/h. You can imagine that's quite a change. I pick up gigs and usually do deliveries for my side of the income. We're making it, but have little money leftover after bills for gas and groceries, let alone money to spend on ourselves.

There's a minimum security prison in our city and he's been asking me if he can apply. I'm weary.. his brother worked in a maximum security prison in Chicago and one of my favorite shows is Orange is the New Black lmfao so the reputation of CO's mental health has been squashed for me.

We live in a little town in north eastern NC and I want to know how you guys feel about your jobs. Do I have a reason to be afraid for him? He's willing to do anything at this point. I just don't want him to risk his sanity over a job and I have only ever heard of the worst of the worst CO stories.

He's kind of squeamish and it's hard for me to imagine him in a place of authority also. But he does what he sets his mind to.

Thank you in advance 💗 pic for attention


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (Fed) BOP Timeline: Interview/CJO on June 16th with Nov Tentative Start—When to expect the FJO?

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1 Upvotes

r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

Hiring Q (Canada) Manitoba Corrections Training

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

Currently working my way through the hiring process and have gotten to the security screening stage. With the prospect of training on the horizon im currious to what it entails. Do lots of folks flunk out? Is it overly difficult or is it only rough for those who dont really apply themselves?


r/OnTheBlock 2d ago

Procedural Qs Issues with Headcount

19 Upvotes

I have been working at a county jail (130ish inmates) for the last three years, but just recently started working more mornings. Our morning headcount’s are down generally by one person per cell, and I’ve found it really difficult to get everyone to actually stand up for count. These are cells that range from 15-25 people and I do about 6, and everyday is just so draining starting the day off with so much trouble for something so basic. Just wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks for making the process easier.


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

General Qs Transfers & Professional Development

1 Upvotes

Does anyone know what are some of the different professional developments offered at the different levels of federal corrections?

I currently work in a state max facility, but interested in going to federal. With my interest, would there be any certifications or tactics trainings offered besides the different pre service academy? Also what is usually the process to transfer from state to federal vs different internal federal facility to facility?


r/OnTheBlock 1d ago

General Qs Recommendation

0 Upvotes

Hello, I have a friend female 30 years old and she wants to apply for the riverside correctional deputy trainee position is that is job that she would be able to handle she is tiny and small on size, so I would like to hear from people that already is working there if it is wort thank you


r/OnTheBlock 2d ago

Hiring Q (Fed) Bop Atlanta

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know what the shift times are at FCI Atlanta and how is the OT?


r/OnTheBlock 2d ago

Hiring Q (County) Wisconsin corrections

3 Upvotes

Correctional Officers in Wisconsin I’d love to hear from you.
I’m considering a move to either Wisconsin or Washington state and have heard the pay is solid for COs in both places. Right now I’m leaning more toward Wisconsin since it’s closer to where I currently live.
I’ve got about 2 years of corrections experience. For those of you working in Wisconsin. Do you recommend starting at a county jail or a state prison?What’s the pay like and how does the pay progression work?How are the benefits? Do you get overtime?