The corrections system includes a variety of institutions which play roles in the imprisonment, sentencing, and rehabilitation of those who have already committed a crime. This includes correctional policies, the complex problems of different correctional populations, and prison life.
A correctional officer usually works in a prison or jail overseeing those who have been sentenced to jail time or those who are awaiting trial. These officers work full-time and may work nights, weekends, and/or holidays to oversee inmates. The correctional officers are going to spend much time in these dangerous settings and thus provide an integral service to the corrections system. Below, we are going to share the Correctional Officer’s job description and other information related to the correctional officer.
Correctional Officer Job Description
Correctional officer responsibilities particularly revolve around the safety, security, and management of inmates. The duties of correctional officers include making sure that the inmates cannot escape, harm themselves or other inmates, and that they obey all of the prison’ rules. A Correctional officer must be highly vigilant to make sure that all inmates, visitors, and staff obey these rules. This will ensure the safety of all inmates within the prison.
Here are the duties and responsibilities of the correctional officers:
- Correctional officers have to follow and enforce all prison rules and regulations.
- Correctional officers have to distribute prison clothing and personal effects to new inmates.
- Frequently Correctional officers have to search inmates, vehicles, work areas, and housing spaces for contraband.
- Correctional officers have to guard prison entrances or exits and screen the visitors.
- Correctional officers have to act as a security escort for the visitors.
- Correctional officers have to review incoming and outgoing mail to and from the inmates.
- Correctional officers have to conduct daily inmate head-counts.
- Correctional officers have to discipline the inmates by using de-escalation tactics or physical restraint if necessary.
- Correctional officers have to observe and monitor inmates’ behavior, health and activities at all times, looking for any disturbances or threatening issues.
- Correctional officers have to supervise all activities outside of housing cell such as bathing routines, mealtimes, recreational, and educational activities)
- Correctional officers have to supervise and monitor the inmates in solitary confinement or serving other detention measures.
- Correctional officers have to patrol prison grounds looking for any security breaches or contraband.
- Correctional officers have to help transport and escort prisoners between cells or facilities (may include driving prisoners in facility vehicle)
- Correctional officers have to make sure precaution is taken and proper restraining equipment applied when directly interacting with the inmates.
- Correctional officers have to help inmate rehabilitation efforts including counseling and job training.
- Correctional officers have to answer inmate questions to a reasonable degree
- Correctional officers have to keep and submit detailed reports on prison behavior.
- Correctional officers have to assist conduct searches on prison grounds with any escapees.
- Correctional officers have to work in accordance with prison protocol.
Correctional Officer Requirements
The Correctional officers have to meet a number of requirements before securing a position at a prison or jail. Each state and agency may have different qualifications for these officers, however usually, correctional officers have to be at least 18 to 21 years of age.
Here are correctional officer requirements and qualifications:
- Correctional officers must have observational skills with high attention.
- Correctional officers must have physical strength and stamina.
- Correctional officers must have experienced self-defense.
- Correctional officers must have excellent communication skills both written and spoken.
- Correctional officers have to adhere to a strict schedule easily.
- Correctional officers have to take and give directions or orders effectively.
- Correctional officers have to excel in conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Correctional officers have to be confident, strong-willed, and not adverse to dangerous situations.
- Correctional officers have to be aware and perceptive.
- Correctional officers have to engage at all times.
- Correctional officers have to be alert, attentive and organized.
- Correctional officers are able to remain calm in emergencies and under demanding high-stress circumstances.
- Correctional officers have to be adept and experienced using firearms.
- Correctional officers have to be knowledgeable in first aid.
- Correctional officers must be United States citizens or permanent residents.
- Correctional officers have graduated High School Diploma/ GED equivalent
- Correctional officers have valid driver’s licenses.
- Correctional officers have pass background check (with no felony convictions)
- Correctional officers have passed drug tests.
- Correctional officers have to be 18-21 years old (depending on state laws)
- Correctional officers must have physical stamina and ability to work in a stressful, potentially dangerous environment.
- Law enforcement or military experience is a plus.
Correctional Officer Work Environment
The work environment of a correctional officer can be stressful and dangerous. The correctional officers are going to spend their entire working day indoors and within a prison setting. The inmates behind bars in a detention center are criminals and may have already done terrible things. A correctional facility has to be staffed well 24 hours a day. This profession has one of the highest rates of non-fatal work injuries in the United States. Thus, a correctional officer has to be vigilant to keep themselves and other inmates out of danger.
Even though this job may be strenuous, a corrections officer is a crucial role in the prison system because they protect people from criminals, and also prevent people from being harmed. Prisons are frequently areas of rehabilitation for the prisoners, thus this position can be highly rewarding. Aside from that, these jobs usually give excellent benefits and a good retirement package.
Average Salary for Correctional Officer United States
Now, you may want to know information about the average salary for a Correctional Officer in United States. Since May 27, 2022, the average salary for a Correctional Officer in United States is $55,545. But, the range falls between $49,309 and $61,786. Salary ranges for Correctional Officers are able to vary depending on many factors, including certifications, education, the number of years you have spent in your profession and additional skills. We get information that 434,870 correctional officers who worked in United States in 2011 earned an average annual salary of $43,550. Some 26,000 correctional officer jobs were available in the decade ending 2020.
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