How to become A Correctional Officer

• Corrections Officer
• Detention Officer
• Prison Officer
• Jailer
• Penal Officer

What do Correctional Officers do?

A Correctional Officer would typically need to:

• Enforce rules, keep order within jails or prisons, and supervise activities of inmates while complying with national as well as local policies and legislation
• Inspect facilities (cells and other prison areas) to ensure that they meet security, safety and sanitation standards
• Maintain security by checking for contraband, signs of a security breach or other violations of rules to prevent disturbances, assaults as well as escapes
• Write reports and fill out daily logs detailing inmate behavior and anything else that occurred during their shift
• Restrain inmates in handcuffs and leg irons to escort them safely to and from cells for authorized visits and trips to courtrooms, medical facilities and other destinations
• Screen visitors and mail for prohibited items and supervise visits; carry out patrol duties, and keep all facility entrances secure
• Deal with incidents as ‘first on the scene’ and assist in prisoner reviews; advise and counsel prisoners while ensuring professional help if needed
• Investigate crimes committed by inmates within the correctional facility; aid police investigators with information about such crimes
• Enforce regulations through effective communication and appropriate progressive sanctions, authorized physical control, and restraint procedures
• Oversee the distribution of clothing or tools to inmates; protect their rights, dignity and personal property
• Provide appropriate care and support to vulnerable prisoners by promoting anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies
• Play a proactive role in the implementation of inmate rehabilitation programs, including skill-building workshops, and recreational activities
• Develop relationships with other specialist staff, including health and social work professionals
• Prepare and maintain relevant reports and documentation for managers/quality checking purposes

The work environment of Correctional Officers varies dramatically based upon the location and age of the facility, ownership of the institution, and its level of security. Most of the work is indoors, although patrolling and supervision duties involve spending time outside. Salary and working hours vary between prisons, so check out the terms and conditions before applying. Prison Officers are provided with a uniform.

Correctional Officers usually work full time on rotating shifts. On average, working hours are 37 hours per week over the shift cycle, although you can be contracted up to 41 hours per week.

Given the shortage of Correctional Officers, overtime is almost a given. Because jail and prison security must be provided around the clock, they work all day and night, including weekends and holidays.

Other than regular employment, Correctional Officers have opportunities for part-time or job-share work. Correctional Officers who have completed their probation period can choose flexible working schedules. It is advisable to contact individual providers for information on entry requirements and training for private prisons.

Correctional Officers are generally employed by:

• Governments
• Prisons Operating under Private Contract
• Remand Centers
• Institutions for Young Offenders
• Open or Resettlement Prisons
• Federal Camp Program Organizers
• Halfway Type Houses

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Correctional Officers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications.

• Stressful and dangerous work environment and emotionally taxing work
• Highest rates of work-related injuries and illnesses due to the high possibility of being injured in a confrontation or being exposed to contagious diseases
• Heightened anxiety and stress issues caused by the need for constant vigilance throughout a work shift
• Need to stand for long periods
• Required to work indoors and outdoors regardless of weather conditions

For employment in federal/central prisons, entry-level Correctional Officers must have one to three years of full-time experience in a field providing counseling, assistance, or supervision to individuals, instead of a bachelor’s degree.

While most departments have policies that will accept prior work experience in place of a degree, there is a shortlist of positions that qualify. It is still recommended that you obtain a degree to be as prepared and competitive as possible. Candidates may be hired without a degree if they have worked in one or more of the following fields: parole/ probation officer, firefighter, nurse, welfare/ social worker, security guard, juvenile probation officer, teacher or counselor, emergency medical technician, or police officer.

Maintaining a clean work history is extremely important, as is making a good impression on your employer. During the background investigation, your employer may be contacted for a review of your performance and uncover any issues. A strong recommendation from your previous employer will help you advance in the selection process.

Military service is generally given preference. Eligible veterans (dishonorably discharged veterans do not qualify) will be added to the top rank when competing in a state civil service examination. They will most certainly be among the most desirable candidates in the applicant pool.

Entry-level Correctional Officers must preferably have at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or criminology. Knowledge of psychology, operational security and public safety, and government and law would prove beneficial. Associate degree programs in criminal justice typically take two years to complete.

Prospective Correctional Officers may have to take an online/onsite exam where they will be tested on reading comprehension & deductive reasoning, situational judgment & reasoning skills, basic mathematics, memory, observational skills, and verbal reasoning. The test may be composed of a series of multiple-choice questions and administered as a written exam or computer-based program (with video). For specific information about the application and selection process, dates and venues, contact the office of human resources at your local correctional authorities or visit their website.

A driving license is an essential prerequisite in most locations. You would need to show proof that you are above 18 years of age and a bonafide citizen of the country you want to work in. You will need to undergo security and identity checks before taking up a post.

Many trade schools offer certifications in criminal justice. Certification programs typically take less than a year to complete, but tend to be unregulated. You do not get as broad of a knowledge base as completing a bachelor’s or associate degree. It is advisable to verify the program’s quality and its success in placing students in jobs as Correctional Officers before enrollment.

However, successful certification programs give employers a benchmark standard for measuring employee candidates, seek to serve and protect public welfare, and are responsible for investigating individuals that practice outside of the program’s Code of Ethics. Voluntary certification is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions as a Correctional Officer.

Correctional Officers with relevant capability are encouraged to apply for promotion as soon as they feel ready. This involves going through a series of selection procedures designed to assess skills and the ability to operate at the next level.

Posts involving greater responsibility and staff management form the obvious promotion pathway. You can progress through managerial posts to further experience different prison functions (e.g., security, performance management), different categories of prisons, or the different prison populations, e.g., mothers and babies, vulnerable prisoners, or young offenders.

Following this, you can apply for senior manager accreditation and then govern your prison. Prison Governors have overall responsibility for the management of a team that includes prison officers, duty governors, and other staff.

Alternatively, you could move to a role outside of the prison service. Opportunities for Senior Managers include policy roles within the Civil Service or the Ministry of Justice, working with third sector providers or in ministers' private offices.

Other opportunities include work at training or service headquarters, or work within specialist projects in the service, such as rehabilitative work with specific groups of prisoners or their families. Opportunities may also arise for secondments to other establishments.

Despite the projected decline in employment, job prospects should still be good due to the need to replace Correctional Officers who retire, transfer to other occupations, or leave the labor force.

Correctional Officers usually complete training at an academy. Training typically lasts several months, but this varies by location. Academy trainees receive instruction in several subjects, including self-defense, institutional policies, regulations, operations, security procedures.

Training may be followed by a period of consolidation where you will apply what you have learned from your training. There might be a mandatory probation period during which the initial training will continue. Successful completion of the probationary period requires passing every stage of the training.

Newly hired cadets and seasoned professionals receive training continually to maintain high levels of operational excellence, adapt to new technologies, and to learn new skills that will aid them in their job. Learning on-the-job and participating in organized training is a requirement for all Correctional Officers, making it part of their job description. Opportunities for training and development will vary depending on the employers.

Correctional Officers have access to a range of training and development activities in areas such as equality and diversity, dealing with challenging behaviors, suicide prevention, and anti-bullying programs, and opportunities to access promotion programs.

The Role of Correctional Officers

Correctional Officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. In addition to your custodial duties, you must establish and maintain positive working relationships with prisoners, balancing authority with great understanding and compassion to affect rehabilitation. Correctional Officers should maintain awareness of how prisons fit within the more comprehensive criminal justice system and the community.

What Correctional Officers Must Watch Out For

The nature of the role demands the ability to think on your feet, make quick decisions and deal effectively with unexpected situations. Inmates are incredibly organized. They develop sophisticated communication methods, test the responses of Officers, and, in many cases, have no fear of additional punishment. Officers must be vigilant and highly prepared for any situation that may confront them.

Factors that Influence the Work Environment

The population explosion in the prison system has caused a building boom of new prison facilities. These facilities tend to be temperature controlled, less crowded, and better able to accommodate inmates in a controlled and orderly environment. The older facilities tend to be poorly ventilated, hot, and noisy.

The second factor is the ownership of the institution. Traditionally, prisons and jails were owned by the government. A trend that is likely to grow in the future is the private ownership of institutions. The work environment’s quality ties directly to the amount of money expended by the governmental unit or private corporation operating the institution. Traditionally, the federal/central correctional institutions have received better funding, and are considered better work environments.

The third factor is the level of security of the institution. Typically, prisons and jails are categorized as maximum, medium, or minimum security. Jobs in maximum security prisons tend to involve more conflict and violence. The more violent the inmate population, the more stressful the position is likely to be.

The Application and Selection Process

The usual process is for candidates who are successful in the written exam to attend a recruitment assessment day for evaluation in areas such as agility, endurance, and strength and assess whether you have the required skills and qualities to be a Correctional Officer. The assessments include a written test, role plays, and fitness test. Good eyesight is also essential. It is essential that anyone who aspires to work in Corrections be fully knowledgeable about the application and selection process and spend time preparing physically and mentally.

Most locations report that only three-four percent of all applicants for Correctional Officer positions make it through the entire selection process. Many applicants are disqualified due to events or factors in their past. It is important to keep in mind that making bad personal choices can derail your ability to get the job you want.

In the PAWS (Pairing Achievement with Service) Dorms, youngsters are paired with shelter dogs. The dogs receive care and training in proper behavior to prepare them for adoption while the youth learn responsibility and empathy.

Consider becoming a Correctional Officer, a career where personal qualities and life experience are more important than academic qualifications - if you enjoy a challenge, remaining calm under pressure, and want to help people make better choices with their lives. Only those with the highest character and integrity should be entrusted with the Correctional Officer’s job - the last line of defense between peace and chaos.

All lives matter. The goals are simple: safety and security. Although prison pictures may show big and burly guards, real life is more about Correctional Officers of any size enforcing prison rules by talking to prisoners about changing behavior.