Correctional Officer Job Description
The corrections system includes a variety of institutions that play roles in the sentencing, imprisonment, and rehabilitation of those who have committed a crime. This includes correctional policies, the complex issues of different correctional populations, and prison life. A correctional officer typically works in a jail or prison overseeing those who have been sentenced to jail time and/or those who are awaiting trial. These officers work full-time and may work nights, weekends, and/or holidays to oversee inmates. A corrections officer will spend much time in these dangerous settings and so provide an integral service to the corrections system. Below, we explore the career in more detail.
Correctional Officer Duties and Responsibilities
Correctional officer responsibilities primarily revolve around the safety, security, and management of inmates. The duties of correctional officers include making sure that inmates cannot escape, harm themselves or others, and that they obey the rules of the prison. An officer must be highly vigilant to ensure that all inmates, visitors, and staff follow these rules. This will ensure the safety of all those within the prison. The duties of a correctional officer may include, but are not limited to:
- Maintaining order among inmates
- Overseeing inmate activities
- Conducting all supervision lawfully, safely and securely
- Making sure facilities meet safety and security requirements
- Searching for contraband
- Restraining inmates in handcuffs or other restraints
- Escorting inmates to different locations
- Recording inmate behavior
- Perform security checks and search procedures (prisoners, staff and visitors)
Correctional Officer Work Environment
The work environment of a correctional officer can be both stressful and dangerous. A correctional officer will spend their entire working day indoors and within a prison setting. The prisoners behind bars in a detention center are criminals and may have done terrible things. A correctional facility must be staffed well 24 hours a day and so shifts may be long and during odd hours of the day. This job has one of the highest rates of non-fatal work injuries in the US and so a correctional officer must constantly be vigilant to keep both themselves and other inmates out of danger.
Though this job may be taxing, a corrections officer is a vital role in the prison system as they protect people from criminals, and prevent people from being harmed. Prisons are often areas of rehabilitation for prisoners, and so this position can be highly rewarding. Furthermore, these jobs typically provide excellent benefits and a good retirement package.
Correctional Officer Requirements
Correctional officers must meet a number of requirements before securing a position at a jail or prison. Different states and agencies may have varying qualifications for these officers, but usually, correctional officers must be at least 18 to 21 years of age. A corrections officer must be physically fit and able to protect themselves, other workers, and the inmates of the correctional facility. Officers are typically relatively young and healthy.
Education requirements for correctional officers generally consist of at least a high school diploma or a GED. There are correctional officer classes and certificate programs available, and some of these officers may pursue a bachelor's degree in areas like criminal justice. Typically, officers working at federal jails and prisons need to either hold a bachelor's degree or have multiple years of work experience in the field.
Finally, correctional officers are expected to attend a training academy. The length of these training programs differs by state but is usually at least a few months long. During training, correctional officers are instructed in security procedures, self-defense, and more. These training academies are typically highly intensive due to the dangerous nature of the job. The skills learned within the academy, and the certifications gained at them will allow a corrections officer to carry out their duties safely, and protect an officer in both everyday and extreme situations.
Correctional Officer Salary and Job Growth
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average annual salary for correctional officers and jailers as of May 2019 was $45,180. The 10th percentile of correctional officers earned less than $31,740, while the 90th percentile of workers earned over $78,090. The BLS stated that state governments had the highest level of employment of these professionals, and the average salary was $50,530. Those officers and jailers who worked in the federal executive branch made the highest average salary of $57,870 for the same year.
Jobs as a correctional officer are predicted to decline. The BLS reported that from 2019 to 2029 correctional officers and jailers had a job outlook of -7% (negative) which translates to the loss of 33,100 jobs. This may be due in part to changes in criminal law and budget constraints that are causing many states to require shorter sentences and other rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing prison populations.
Alternative Careers to Correctional Officer
Those who are unsure which part of the criminal justice system they wish to work in may be interested in some other careers that are similar to a correctional officer. For example, police officers are required to have met many of the same standards as correctional officers for police certification and may utilize many of the same skills as correctional officers when working with suspects.
Another corrections-related position is a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist. These professionals typically work with inmates or those on probation through the rehabilitation process. These workers allow for inmates a fresh start and provide the skills and emotional tools necessary to leave behind their crime-filled past, and to attempt to start fresh.