Corrections Officers

Career summary

#No alt titles, check 3/12/15 lh 3/19/19 lh

Corrections officers monitor the activities and work assignments of inmates. They enforce rules, inspect cells and other areas for fire, safety, or health hazards. They inspect locks, doors, and window bars for signs of tampering to prevent escapes. Sometimes they search inmates or their cells for illegal items, such as weapons or drugs. They screen visitors and mail for prohibited items.

Corrections officers keep a daily log of inmate activities. They report on inmate behavior and the quality of the work inmates do. They report problems such as rule violations or gaps in security. They settle disputes and enforce rules. Sometimes they run educational or recreational programs and offer some counseling.

Most corrections officers have a high level of contact with inmates. They serve meals and hand out personal items. They escort inmates to places within and outside of the prison.

In high security institutions corrections officers monitor inmates from a central control center. They use closed circuit television cameras and a computer tracking system. They sometimes restrain prisoners when taking them to and from cells.

Corrections officers in small facilities may work alone. Those in larger cellblocks usually work with other officers.

Corrections officers who work directly with inmates do not carry weapons. They carry communication devices so they can call for help if needed. They sometimes use physical force to maintain order among inmates. They may use weapons and restraints such as:

• Batons
• Handcuffs
• Pepper spray

Most corrections officers work for police or sheriffs' departments in city or county jails. Others work in state or federal prisons.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bailiffs
• Border Patrol Agents
• Detectives and Investigators
• Police and Detective Supervisors
• Police Patrol Officers
• Probation Officers
• Security Guards
• Sheriffs
• Transportation Security Screeners

Military careers

• Law Enforcement and Security Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to corrections officers.

• Monitor conduct of inmates. Conduct head counts.
• Inspect locks, doors, and window bars for signs of tampering.
• Search inmates and their cells for prohibited items, such as weapons or drugs.
• Screen visitors and mail for prohibited items.
• Take prisoners into custody. Book into prison.
• Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among inmates.
• Keep inmate records and report on inmate conduct. Reports may be spoken, written, or typed into a computer.
• Escort prisoners to places within and outside of the prison, such as visiting rooms, courtrooms, and medical facilities.
• Serve meals and distribute hygiene items to inmates.
• Assign duties to inmates and make activity schedules.
• Sponsor recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups.
• Settle disputes among inmates.
• Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.
• Participate in required job training to keep skills up to date.

Common work activities

Corrections officers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Process information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Assist and care for others
• Develop and build teams
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Teach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Analyze data or information
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Use computers
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Coach others
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Perform for or work with the public

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, corrections officers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction on the job. They have constant contact with inmates and other corrections officers.
• Work with unpleasant, angry, or rude people daily.
• Must deal with physically aggressive or violent people every day.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of coworkers, visitors, and inmates.
• Are placed in conflict situations daily.
• Are responsible for the work outcomes of the people they supervise.
• Work as part of a corrections team.
• Communicate with people daily by e-mail, telephone, and in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors.
• Are exposed to diseases and infections daily.
• Are often exposed to sound and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Wear protective vests and safety attire often.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, depending on weather.
• Work very near other people and have little space between self and others.

Work performance

• Must be highly accurate on the job. Mistakes could have very serious consequence for self and others.
• Must repeat the same physical and mental tasks throughout the day.
• Meet strict weekly deadlines.
• Can set some tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Can make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Make decisions weekly that strongly impact the inmates and coworkers.

Hours/travel

• Usually work an eight-hour day, five days a week.
• May rotate shifts, such as from day shift to swing shift, every few weeks.
• May work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to work overtime.

Physical demands

Corrections officers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for corrections officers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for corrections officers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Corrections officers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Corrections
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology

Other programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Law Enforcement and Police Science
• Security Studies

Training

To work as a corrections officer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be a US citizen;
• be at least 18 or 21 years old;
• pass a physical exam and background check;
• be screened for drug use;
• pass a written exam; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree, three years of work experience, or a combination of the two. Most other employers do not require a degree.

Some employers require corrections officers to attend training at regional academies. Trainees study legal issues, self-defense, and emergency procedures. You also learn how to control prisoners and use weapons properly.

Work experience

You may need at least two years of work or military training to meet the minimum experience requirement for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Some small cities train officers on the job, rather than in an academy setting. Regardless of whether you attended an academy, you will receive additional training on the job. Training may last several weeks up to six months.

Some officers receive additional training as members of special response teams. These officers receive training in riot control, hostage relations, and other dangerous situations.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be law enforcement and security specialists. Training lasts from five to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Criminology
• Foreign Language
• Legal System
• Military ROTC
• Physical Education
• Psychology
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require that corrections officers be at least 18 years old, be a United States citizen, and have no felony convictions. Some employers require applicants to be at least 21 years old. Employers also require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but often prefer applicants with some college. Many community colleges and some four-year colleges offer programs in corrections or law enforcement.

Corrections officers must be in good health. They must usually meet standards in physical fitness, eyesight, and hearing. In addition, applicants may be required to pass standard tests before hiring. Applicants must show they have good judgment and can think and act quickly. Applicants usually must pass background checks, drug screens, and written exams.

Applicants for corrections jobs with the State of Washington must have a valid driver's license. For some positions, a valid commercial driver's license may be required. All employees at state correctional facilities must go through the six-week Correctional Worker Core Academy. Applicants for custody jobs must also pass a physical fitness test, a psychological assessment, a drug test, and a background check. Some applicants must successfully pass a civil service written and oral exam and a polygraph (lie detector) test. Some jobs are open only to one gender, depending on the institutional setting.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Corrections
Office of Administrative Services
Human Resources-Recruitment 
PO Box 41100
Olympia, WA 98504-1100
360.725.8213

# link & address are fine 3/2/17 lh. Contact info ok; changed academy training from 6 months to 6 weeks per DOC website, 36/18 cj. update url 3/19/19 lh

Some employers may require an associate or bachelor's degree or some college course work. Experience in military service, civilian security, or law enforcement may sometimes be substituted, year for year, for education. Applicants who have had paramedic or crisis intervention training or supervisory experience may be preferred. Employers look for people who are self-motivated, work well independently, and have a high degree of professionalism.

Tips

Experience with emotionally disturbed people and law offenders can be gained through internship or volunteer work at a correctional institution. Firearms experience and training in sociology or psychology or law and justice credentials are helpful. Strong leadership and administrative skills as well as a sense of fairness and compassion are qualities employers look for. Computer and statistical skills may be useful.

Costs to workers

Workers who join a professional association may have to pay a membership fee and annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Correctional Officers and Jailers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages for corrections officers who are state or local government employees vary widely from state to state. In general, officers who have experience and education earn more. Wages are somewhat higher for corrections officers who work in federal prisons. Most corrections officers earn a higher hourly rate for overtime. The wages given do not include overtime pay.

Full-time corrections officers usually earn benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan. In addition, officers are often provided with uniforms or a clothing allowance. Corrections officers can usually retire at age 50 if they have 20 years of service. If they have 25 years of service, they can retire regardless of their age.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Nearly 60% of all corrections officers work in state prisons, prison camps, or youth facilities. Most of the rest work at city or county jails. Most corrections officers work in large prisons located in rural areas.

Major employers:

• Federal, state, and local jails and prisons

National outlook

Demand for corrections officers will decrease. As budgets fall, courts are turning to shorter sentences and alternatives to prison. Opportunities may be better in the private sector as many prisons now have private companies run the prison.

This is a stressful occupation and job openings are expected to occur as people leave the occupation to find other work or retire.

Other resources

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences 

American Correctional Association 
206 North Washington Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.222.5646
703.224.0000

American Jail Association 
1135 Professional Court
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301.790.3930

Federal Bureau of Prisons Homepage 
320 First Street NW
Washington, DC 20534
202.307.3198

National Institute of Corrections 
320 First Street NW
Washington, DC 20543
800.995.6423
202.307.3106

US Department of Justice 

Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission 
19010 - 1st Avenue South
Burien, WA 98148
206.835.7300

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Correctional Officers and Jailers (33-3012.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Correction Officer (372.667-018) 
• Guard, Immigration (372.567-014) 
• Jailer (372.367-014) 
• Patrol Conductor (372.677-010) 
• Police Officer II (375.367-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Service Skilled