If you are thinking about entering a career in law enforcement, then becoming a correctional officer is something to consider. Read on for the job description of a correctional officer.
What is a correctional officer?
Correctional officers or also referred by some as detention officers are persons who are responsible in securing and monitoring inmates inside the center for juvenile detention or in prison. Most of the correctional officers are hired by their local governments and state. Candidates who aspire to pursue in this kind of job may also look for employment at private detention centers.
Duties of a correctional officer
- Correctional officers are responsible in guarding inmates either inside or outside the state, local and federal prisons. A correctional officer counsels individual and group regarding rules in prison and listens to their needs and complaints.
- Inside the prison, a correctional officer escorts inmates from prison cells to dining area/rooms, hospitals, classrooms, work areas and chapels. They guard over in any forms of recreational activities and keep watching for any possible disturbances that may occur.
- Correctional officers patrol grounds and buildings, checking windows, bars, locks and gates in order to make sure that prisoners cannot escape.
- Other correctional officers also escort other inmates outside the boundaries of prison like taking them to some court ordered trip or in the community. They are also responsible bringing back escapees and persons who violated a parole.
- Correctional officers are in-charge in watching over those people who are arrested and are still waiting for a trial. They are well- trained in using handcuffs, guns and other equipments for restraining.
Conditions of work
A correctional officer may be assigned in patrolling the grounds and the external guard gates making them exposed severely on intense weather conditions. New facilities and equipments provide comfortable environment in working especially for those stationed indoors.
Educational Requirements
- In order to become a correctional officer, a GED or a high school diploma is essential for all positions. Additional requirements may also be required by some governmental agencies.
- Aspiring candidates must also accomplish an intense training program before assuming the position. They are required to pass many tests measuring their marksmanship, physical fitness and comprehension regarding relevant policies before going into the permanent position.
Occupation and Progress
According to the United States BLS (Bureau of Labor and Statistics), there are about 454,500 correctional officers during 2008. A growth in employment rate of about 9% is predicted starting from 2008 until 2018.