Fitness at 50: OCS Special Agent Scott Givens

September 26, 2025

OCS Special Agent Scott Givens decided to focus on fitness after he turned 50.

When Office of Correctional Safety (OCS) Special Agent Scott Givens turned 50 years old, he ramped up efforts to focus on his health and fitness.

His career with the department began as a correctional officer at San Quentin in 2011. He later went to work with the Investigative Services Unit at California State Prison, Sacramento, from 2013 to 2018. He promoted to sergeant instructor at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center from 2018 to 2021 and has been a special agent with the OCS since 2021.

Q&A with OCS Special Agent Scott Givens

A special agent and law enforcement officer with illicit drugs seized in a raid. — *Special Agent Scott Givens, at left, on the job.*

Why did you choose to work for CDCR?

The law enforcement and corrections professions offer me and my family job security, stable income, health benefits, and retirement pensions that are very attractive. Also, there are opportunities for career advancement, lateral movement to different units like training units or special teams, and the chance to work various shifts and units provide ongoing professional development.

How do you keep your home life balanced with work?

When I am with family, I focus on them completely rather than bringing work stress home or in conversation. I engage in enjoyable activities with my kids and hobbies outside of work, providing myself with mental nourishment and a counterbalance to job stress. Also, I enjoy woodworking and vacationing with my family.

How did you get into fitness?

I want to have a long and healthy retirement, so I made a concerted effort to improve my health. Overall, I was wanting to look better and feel better mentally. I have a desire for self-improvement and challenge. So, I found an enjoyable activity such as weight training.

What drove you to train for body building?

At 50, I felt every accomplishment can be a new first. My goal was to achieve a strong, lean, and muscular physique. I also wanted to achieve a more shredded or aesthetically pleasing physique. Training was a mood booster, reduced the work/home stress, and improved my overall mental health.

Scott Givens, OCS special agent, working out to focus on fitness.

What advice do you have for people who find it difficult to get motivated?

Make the process enjoyable by choosing activities you love. Exercise with friends, family, or colleagues to provide mutual encouragement and accountability. Set realistic goals.

Make it a habit by scheduling workouts, preparing gear in advance, and celebrating small wins. For a psychological boost, focus on your deeper why to visualize success.

Find the time and stick with your scheduled workout time. Try not to schedule anything during that time. Monitor your efforts and achievements to see how far you’ve come, which can be a powerful motivator.

Anything else you’d like to add?

From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for health and fitness, but it wasn’t until I turned 50 that I fully committed to transforming my body and mind. After years of being involved in various sports and fitness activities, I decided to take my journey to the next level by training for my first competition.

In the beginning, the road wasn’t easy however, I immersed myself in researching nutrition, workout plans, and the intricacies of bodybuilding. This journey pushed me to not only improve my physical strength but also to cultivate mental resilience.

With the guidance of my trainers, I developed a tailored fitness regimen focusing on strength training, cardio, and a nutritious diet. Each day was a step toward my goal, filled with early morning workouts, meal prep sessions, and the thrill of tracking my progress. I learned the importance of discipline and consistency, which became the foundation of my training philosophy.

Participating in this competition has not only transformed my physique but has also ignited a passion for bodybuilding that I plan to continue pursuing. I look forward to future competitions and sharing my journey with others who aspire to embark on their own fitness paths.

Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Photos courtesy of Scott Givens, OCS special agent