If you're interested in working in a jail, prison, or other correctional setting, you may want to consider a career as a corrections officer.
What Is a Corrections Officer?
Corrections officers, also called correctional or detention officers, are in charge of monitoring people who are incarcerated and making sure that the facility they work in is safe and secure.
The job duties of a corrections officer may include:
- conducting periodic searches of the facility to check for things like contraband
- enforcing rules and maintaining order on the facility property
- escorting and transporting inmates
- performing counts to ensure everyone is where they're supposed to be
- reporting on behavior and activities of inmates
- supervising the activities of the people in custody
Corrections officers usually spend most of their time inside the jail or prison that they work in. However, they may sometimes need to accompany patients to places outside of the facility.
This may include escorting prisoners to and from court or to other places, such as the hospital. Corrections officers may be required to stay with prisoners when they're outside the facility.
Often corrections officers have specific jobs or areas they work in. For example, they may be assigned to monitor inmates during outdoor recreation or to transport prisoners.
Generally, corrections officers are employed by the state or local government. On occasion, they may be employed by the federal government or facilities support services.
What Are the Requirements To Be a Corrections Officer?
Requirements for corrections officers will vary depending on whether you're working for the federal, state, or local government as well as the area you work in and the specific facility you work for.
There are some minimum standards that are typically required for all corrections officers. These include:
- you must be a United States citizen
- you must be at least 18 years old
- you must have no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Below, we've outlined some other basic requirements that corrections officers generally need to fulfill.
Mental and Physical Requirements
Working as a corrections officer can be physically and mentally difficult. Before you jump into the necessary education and training, you'll need to assess if you can do the job.
Corrections officers need to have certain soft skills, that is, personal and interpersonal skills that help them succeed in their careers. These include:
- being detail-oriented: Corrections officers must follow and enforce procedures, monitor inmates for signs of trouble, and keep records.
- communication skills: Corrections officers need to be able to clearly and effectively communicate with people in custody as well as other corrections officers and staff members.
- conflict resolution skills: Corrections officers may be required to manage conflict between people in custody or between people in custody and other corrections officers.
- decision-making skills: Corrections officers may have to make snap decisions to maintain order.
- emotional control: Corrections officers need to be able to control their emotions in hostile situations. They also need to be able to empathize with those in custody while still maintaining order.
- empathy: Corrections officers who are cold and brutal toward those in custody are a danger to the facility.
- teamwork: Corrections officers need to be able to work with other officers and staff members to keep things under control.
There is also a physical aspect to working as a corrections officer. Corrections officers spend most of their time on their feet. They also may need to break up fights or restrain inmates.
While you don't need to be an Olympic athlete, you may be required to pass specific fitness tests to be employed as a corrections officer.
Education Requirements
At a minimum, to work as a corrections officer, you'll need a high school diploma or the General Educational Development (GED) equivalent.
However, those without any higher education often end up working the lowest-paying and most undesirable jobs.
At the federal level, you'll need to have at least a bachelor's degree. This is a four-year undergraduate degree.
Common majors for those interested in corrections careers include:
- criminal justice
- criminology
- human services
- public safety
- social services
Some criminal justice programs offer tracks specifically for those wanting to go into corrections that help teach you some of the key skills required for corrections officers.
Depending on the state you work in and the facility, you may be able to substitute experience for education. For example, experience in the military or law enforcement is often favored.
Training Requirements
Corrections officers are typically required to undergo training through a peace officer training program or academy.
These vary by state, but programs typically cover topics such as:
- institutional operations and regulations
- institutional policies
- prisoner transportation
- security procedures
- self-defense
You can find more information about the type of training your state offers and requires through the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
After you complete the training program, you may begin your career as a corrections officer on a probationary period.
This probationary period can vary but could take a year or so. During this time, you'll be working alongside more experienced correctional officers and doing lower-level tasks.
Certification Requirements
Some states may require corrections officers to become certified after they complete their training. This can vary between states.
There are optional certifications you can pursue as well. While not required, these could allow you to earn a higher salary or get a promotion.
Some popular certifying bodies for corrections officers include:
- American Correctional Association (ACA)
- American Jail Association (AJA)
- National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO)
As a corrections officer, you may also be required to hold certification in first aid, automated external defibrillators (AED), and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Become a Corrections Officer
The requirements to become a corrections officer can vary but generally include meeting minimum requirements, gaining education or experience, and completing a training program.
Armed with the information above, you start your journey toward becoming a corrections officer today.
