Correctional Officer
How to Become a Correctional Officer
Correctional Officer Job Duties
Skills or Qualities Needed to Become a Correctional Officer
Correctional Officer Salaries
Influential Professional Correctional Officers
Leading Organizations in this field
Top Cities for Correctional Officer Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Correctional Officer
Candidates for a career as a correctional officer must have either a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some employers, such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, require a bachelor's degree or higher for their correctional officers. Other employers may require a college degree or a certain amount of work experience before they will look at a candidate.
Much of the training for correctional officers is on the job training. Potential correctional officers first undergo formal education in an academy setting, then continue with on the job training, usually provided by a more experienced officer acting as a mentor. The length and intensity of the on the job training differs depending upon the agency or employer.
While trainees are in the academy, they study many different subjects. Some subjects, such as security procedures, policies, regulations, and operations, are specific to the different institutions that employ correctional officers. In addition, trainees may received specialized training such as training for hostage situations, riots, and other situations that may become dangerous.
Much of the training for correctional officers is on the job training. Potential correctional officers first undergo formal education in an academy setting, then continue with on the job training, usually provided by a more experienced officer acting as a mentor. The length and intensity of the on the job training differs depending upon the agency or employer.
While trainees are in the academy, they study many different subjects. Some subjects, such as security procedures, policies, regulations, and operations, are specific to the different institutions that employ correctional officers. In addition, trainees may received specialized training such as training for hostage situations, riots, and other situations that may become dangerous.
What does a Correctional Officer do?
Correctional officers oversee people who are waiting for their trial after having been arrested or who are serving time in a jail, prison, or other correctional institution. Correctional officers, who can also be called detention officers, watch over these people and facilitate the transitions when they enter or leave a correctional facility.
Security is one important responsibility of correctional officers. The officers are responsible for maintaining order and safety, preventing escapes from and disturbances within the facility. Officers enforce the rules of the facility, sometimes searching inmates or their cells. They sometimes have to stop problems that arise between prisoners and enforce facility rules.
Correctional officers are responsible for writing up and submitting reports on a variety of subjects. Reports may include information about the behavior of inmates, the quantity of work done by inmates in a given time period, any rules that have been broken and any unusual occurrences or incidents. Some correctional officers are armed while others are unarmed, but all generally carry communications devices.
Many correctional officers work in a highly stressful environment, both physically and mentally. They often are required to work overtime and are responsible for maintaining order in old and overcrowded facilities.
Security is one important responsibility of correctional officers. The officers are responsible for maintaining order and safety, preventing escapes from and disturbances within the facility. Officers enforce the rules of the facility, sometimes searching inmates or their cells. They sometimes have to stop problems that arise between prisoners and enforce facility rules.
Correctional officers are responsible for writing up and submitting reports on a variety of subjects. Reports may include information about the behavior of inmates, the quantity of work done by inmates in a given time period, any rules that have been broken and any unusual occurrences or incidents. Some correctional officers are armed while others are unarmed, but all generally carry communications devices.
Many correctional officers work in a highly stressful environment, both physically and mentally. They often are required to work overtime and are responsible for maintaining order in old and overcrowded facilities.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Correctional Officer?
It is very important that correctional officers are in good physical health, since they have many physical demands in their line of work. Tests on candidates' hearing, vision, and physical fitness are performed, and candidates are screened for drug use and have background checks performed. Depending upon the employing agency, candidates may be required to take a written test as well.
How much do Correctional Officers make?
The median yearly salary of correctional officers in the United States as of 2006 was $35,760. The middle fifty percent of all American correctional officers made between $28,320 and $46,500 per year. Correctional officers employed by the Federal government tend to make the most money, with those working for the State governments making more than local governments. As correctional officers advance to supervisory positions, they usually earn more money per year.
Many correctional officers receive either a clothing allowance or uniforms, depending upon the facility in which they are working. Retirement plans for many correctional officers allow officers to retire after 25 years of service, no matter their age, or to retire at age 50 after 20 years of service.
Many correctional officers receive either a clothing allowance or uniforms, depending upon the facility in which they are working. Retirement plans for many correctional officers allow officers to retire after 25 years of service, no matter their age, or to retire at age 50 after 20 years of service.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Although correctional officers do not usually become household names, certain correctional officers who advanced to the level of prison warden did achieve notoriety. Elam Lynds was the first warden of Sing Sing Correctional Facility and used his "Auburn system," ensuring silence at all times, with prisoners in solitary confinement at night, to keep order. Lynds left after the public was scandalized by a female prisoner becoming pregnant. Wardens at other prisons, including Warden Johnston at Alcatraz, followed suit with the enforced silence.
In 1920, Lewis Lawes, became the warden of Sing Sing and set about to reform the prison. He found missing and incomplete records of inmates, as well as a significant number of money missing from bank accounts in the prison. Lawes, possibly due to the mess he inherited at Sing Sing, became an outspoken advocate of prison reform. During his 21 years at Sing Sing, he instituted many much-needed reforms.
In 1920, Lewis Lawes, became the warden of Sing Sing and set about to reform the prison. He found missing and incomplete records of inmates, as well as a significant number of money missing from bank accounts in the prison. Lawes, possibly due to the mess he inherited at Sing Sing, became an outspoken advocate of prison reform. During his 21 years at Sing Sing, he instituted many much-needed reforms.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
Alcatraz was one famous federal prison in the United States, at one time employing many correctional officers. Alcatraz began its incarnation as a detention facility when it was used as an Army prison, and correctional officers imposed tough discipline and strict rules on the inmates. Any prisoner who violated rules could be assigned to hard labor, a heavy ball and ankle chain, a diet of bread and water, and solitary confinement. Although there were fourteen different escape attempts over Alcatraz's 29 years as a Federal prison, none of the escapees are known to have safely made it to land.
Another famous federal prison is Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York. This prison is located on the Hudson River, about 30 miles north of New York City. Sing Sing opened as a federal penitentiary in 1828, and was said to be a model prison because the state actually made a profit off the facility. Rules were enforced by whipping, absolute silence, and other harsh punishments.
Another famous federal prison is Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York. This prison is located on the Hudson River, about 30 miles north of New York City. Sing Sing opened as a federal penitentiary in 1828, and was said to be a model prison because the state actually made a profit off the facility. Rules were enforced by whipping, absolute silence, and other harsh punishments.
What are the top cities for Correctional Officer jobs?
The top city in the United States for correctional officer jobs is Riverside, California. Another good city for correctional officers looking for work is Eloy, Arizona. Tallahassee, Florida and Reno, Nevada are the third and fourth cities, respectively, for correctional officer jobs in the United States.
In addition, correctional officer jobs can be found at most local, state, and federal jails, prisons, penitentiaries, and any other governmental detention facilities in the United States.
In addition, correctional officer jobs can be found at most local, state, and federal jails, prisons, penitentiaries, and any other governmental detention facilities in the United States.
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