People interested in working as a correctional officer usually have the need to be challenged and to work in a career considered rewarding. Although this particular job is not for everyone, there are certain people that excel working in confinement situations. Unlike traditional law enforcement officers, correctional officers work strictly in jails, prisons, and other legal holding facilities where they carry out an array of job functions that focus on keeping prisoners and offers safe.
Duties of a Correctional Officer
It is important to understand that the job of a correctional officer might be exciting but it is also demanding and potentially dangerous. This individual works among prisoners in monitoring daily activities to ensure they stay within the guidelines of the law and jail or prison. Additionally, a correctional officer would oversee and participate in other functions some that include the following:
- Remain alert to impending fights, escapes, and riots
- Ensure prisoner security and accountability
- Aid in cell shakedowns and extractions
- Patrol common areas during meals, showers, and recreation
- Confiscate drugs, paraphernalia, alcohol, and other unauthorized items
- Perform routine cell checks while on shift
- Provide checks on areas of possible risk such as windows, doors, vents, and ductwork
- Resolve prisoner-to-prisoner or prisoner-to-officer conflict
- Remain fair but firm
- Create both written and oral reports specific to prisoner behavior or actions
- Document all hazards, discrepancies, and suspicious situations
- Report prisoners that violate the facility’s rules and regulations
Although somewhat rare, there are some correctional officers that provide supervision to foreign prisoners awaiting deportation or release by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. There are even officers that work for private, for-profit organizations. With keen observation and dedication to the job, correction officers have the ability to maintain control and integrity for the very holding facility being worked.
Along with correctional officers being directly responsible for the daily activities of prisoners, some work in positions not involving direct contact. For instance, correctional officers might perform mail duties looking for contraband and drugs, they could get involved with the technology side of things or perhaps managing the facility’s computer tracking and monitoring system.
The Perfect Correctional Officer Candidate
How to become a Correctional Officer?
Someone interested in this type of job must be 18 or 21 years of age depending on the facility and exact job responsibilities. Additionally, this person cannot have any felony convictions, would need to be a citizen of the United States, have at minimum a high school diploma or GED, and have a solid work history for two years prior. This person would also need excellent hearing, eyesight, and physical ability. Other qualifications include having good communication skills, making sound judgments, and being a good decision-maker.
Looking into the Future
Considering that every year approximately 11 million people go through the processing system for jail or prison and that at any given time, holding facilities manage some 500,000 prisoners. Sadly, about 80% of all released prisoners will end right back up in the legal system within a few months. With all this, the need for qualified correctional officers becomes obvious. Not only is there current need for these professionals but following patterns of criminals and looking at the history of jails and prisons, there is no doubt that future need for good officers will always exist.
Educational and Training Requirements
Although someone with a high school diploma or GED could qualify to work as a correctional officer, most jails and prisons prefer an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree. As far as training, standard options are provided for all holding facilities through the American Correctional Association and American Jail Association. As a part of training through an approved academy, individuals would learn self-defense and complete firearm certification.
Coursework while training in the academy focuses on facility regulations, prison operations, custodial practices, and tactical responses. For employment as a correctional officer, 200 hours of official training would be mandated within the first year of being hired but in addition to this, another 120 hours of training would be needed during the first 60 days of employment. For correctional officers interested in working on specialized teams or advancing within this sector, more education and training would be needed.
Income Level for Correctional Officers
The average annual income for correctional officers is currently $33,000 although those with the best education and training could earn around $55,000 and those on the lower end of education and training around $32,000. Advancing within the jail or prison would provide opportunity to earn even more money according to position and responsibilities. Other determining factors include location of the holding facility, level of education, type and degree of training, and amount of prior experience working as a correctional officer or other prison employee.