Job description of correctional officer: Correctional Officer Job Description Template

Опубликовано: July 19, 2023 в 7:55 am

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Correctional Officer Job Description Template

Correctional Officer

[Intro Paragraph] Begin your correctional officer job description with a few words about the organization that will encourage job seekers to apply to the position. Because there isn’t a lot of variance in these positions, you must emphasize whatever makes your agency stand apart from the rest of the employers.

Correctional Officer Job Responsibilities:

  • Supervision of inmates and inmate activity in detention facilities.
  • Provides care and correctional treatment of inmates.
  • Manages inmate holding areas.
  • Ensures that inmates remain in custody.
  • Transports and escorts inmates within secured areas according to relevant laws, policies, and procedures.
  • Contributes to the maintenance of institution security.
  • Performs searches on inmates and visitors.
  • Checks mail for contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
  • Prepares incident reports and other documentation.
  • Enforces rules and regulations governing facility security, inmate conduct, and inmate accountability.
  • Conducts accurate headcounts.
  • Inventories inmates’ personal property and issues receipts.
  • Break up physical confrontations and protect inmates and fellow officers from harm.
  • Provides emergency assistance as needed, including but not limited to CPR, first aid, escape of inmates, and evacuation procedures.

[Work Hours & Benefits] At this point in your job description, you can discuss working hours and benefits. Since you’ve already provided an introduction to your organization and a list of the necessary responsibilities, it’s an ideal time for a job seeker to read information about what to expect from their workday and what benefits they will receive. Your audience will likely be invested enough to read the entire job posting. Provide specific details about the working conditions or requirements, including shift work, weekend work, overtime, and break schedule. Additionally, mention any special perks or bonuses that your agency provides.

Correctional Officer Qualifications / Skills:

  • Decisiveness
  • Communication skills
  • Patience
  • Alertness
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Physical strength
  • Stamina
  • Negotiation skills

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Training qualifications vary by state and agency
  • Must pass written and physical tests

[Call To Action] You’re more likely to receive more responses if you include a call to action at the end of your correctional officer job description. Provide specific information about how to apply. For example, tell the job seeker to click on the “apply” button at the top of the job post or to apply on company website.

Ready to Put Your Correctional Officer Job Description to Work?

Creating your correctional officer job description is the first crucial step in the hiring process. The next challenge is getting it in front of quality applicants, but that’s where Monster can step in to help. Leverage our experience and reach with candidates with a free job posting today.

JOB ANALYSIS: CORRECTIONAL OFFICER – CDCR Careers

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Date of Study: August 26, 2013 – September 10, 2013

Collective Bargaining
Identification:
R06

Job Analysis Conducted By: Cheng Saephan and Natalie Villareal, Selection
Analysts, Office of Workforce Planning, Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation

EDITED TASK LISTING

NOTE: Each position within this classification may perform
some or all of these tasks.

Task Statements:

1.
 Verify inmate identification and intake
documentations from transporting unit for intake processing, utilizing standard
operating procedures as required.

2.
 Review inmate court documents for
accuracy, completeness, and time limits as needed.

3.
 Complete intake screening forms for
classification and inmate housing, utilizing inmate records as required.

4.
 Record disposition of inmate’s property,
e.g., clothing, money on appropriate log from intake processing, cell search,
inmate transfers, and release for tracking and accountability as needed.

5.
 Photograph inmates (incoming and
appearance changes) for identification cards, utilizing digital imaging
equipment as required.

6.  Fingerprint inmates to verify inmate’s identification, utilizing appropriate equipment e.g., fingerprint identification card and Live Scan as required.

7.
 Issue clothing, bedding, commissary, and
supplies e.g., soap and toiletries to inmates for housing needs, utilizing
state issued supplies as require.

8.
 Assign proper housing to ensure safety
and security by reviewing inmate documents as required.

9.
 Verify identity of inmates to ensure
accurate release by reviewing photo, fingerprint identification card, social
factors, etc. , as required

10.
 Complete necessary documents for inmate
transfer to another facility utilizing inmate records as required.

11.
 Escort inmates internally within
facility/institution to ensure safety and security as required.

12.
 Search and read inmate mail to identify
and seize contraband or other unauthorized material as required.

13.
 Verify inmate’s identity and
classification utilizing documents, e.g., temporary release, transfer, work
assignment, medical, court for escorting outside of the facility as required

14.
 Apply various restraint devices such as
leg restraints, handcuffs, waist restraints, etc., to inmates to ensure safety
and security as required

15.
 Transport inmates to various
designations, e.g., court, medical, transfer using a vehicle as required.

16.  Maintain daily inmate documents e.g., roster,
housing cards/personal data cards to ensure consistency and accuracy of program
needs.

17.
 Record inmate movement in and out of
cells/facility utilizing a daily log for accountability as needed.

18.
 Record non-institutional personnel,
e.g., attorney, contractor, inmate visitor, civilians, etc. entering and
leaving the facility for accountability as required.

19.
 Provide written and oral
instructions/directions to inmates to maintain order as required.

20.
 Identify changes in inmate behavioral
patterns utilizing awareness e.g., noise level, inmate interactions to prevent
disturbances as required.

21.
 Perform cell and housing areas
inspections for contraband, cell in working order, breaches of security, and
cleanliness e.g., windows, doors, bars, locks to maintain safety and security
by utilizing security check forms as required

22.
 Operate a video camera to document
crimes and or actions taken e.g., critical incident, interviews, surveillance
as required.

23.
 Recognize mental health behavioral
characteristics of inmates to maintain safety e.g., prevent suicides, harming
others as required.

24.
 Perform equipment inventory e. g., keys,
tools, weapons for accountability and proper working condition utilizing
inventory sheet and inspection log as required.

25.
 Prepare correspondences and reports
e.g., incident, disciplinary, memorandum to document/inform staff or inmates
utilizing standard forms and computer as needed.

26.
 Visually monitor inmates attending
various programs e.g., meals, religious services, AA, education, vocational
training to maintain accountability and security as required.

27.
 Supervise inmates assigned to work
programs e.g., culinary workers, yard, maintenance, clerical, utilizing
timesheet and rosters to maintain accountability and security as required

28.
 Identify indicators of gang affiliation
e.g., tattoos, insignias, written materials, photographs for identification,
validation, and tracking of inmates as required

29.
 Respond to emergencies e.g., disorder,
melee, medical, fire, riot, natural disasters in order to maintain safety and
security, utilizing proper equipment as directed.

30.
 Conduct emergency count of inmates
against roster, log, photos or computer-listed numbers for accountability as
required.

31.
 Operate manual/electronic gates leading
into and out of facility to allow staff, inmates, and non-institutional
personnel access to maintain safety and security as required.

32.
 Perform visual security check/patrol
inside/outside the perimeter of the facility e.g., cell, common area, fence
lines, yard, recreational area, dormitories for accountability, safety, and
security as required.

33.
 Perform clothed and unclothed body
search of inmates to prevent unauthorized introduction of contraband, utilizing
vision, pat downs, and metal detectors as required.

34.
 Investigate activities e.g.,
disturbances, crimes, safety concerns, threats to ensure the safety and
security of the institution, utilizing correctional awareness e.g., reports and
informants as required.

35.
 Perform security check of transportation
vehicles entering and leaving the institution for weapons, contraband,
narcotics, etc. , utilizing vision and a physical search to maintain safety and
security as required.

36.
 Process evidence by documenting e.g.,
collect, photograph, log to secure, preserve, and maintain a chain of custody
as required.

37.
 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive
information e.g., medical information, investigation, inmate criminal history
to maintain safety and security, by not disclosing to unauthorized persons.

38.
 Respond to inmate written requests for
interviews, formal/informal grievances, utilizing forms following
guideline/policy for accountability as required.

39.
 Supervise inmate meals in dining hall,
housing area or food service area, monitor and maintain control, and verify
tray and utensil counts.

40.
 Accompany staff and contractors e.g.,
maintenance, plumber, medical personnel within the institution using
observation to provide safety and security as required.

41.
 Prepare inmates for work detail and
appointments e.g., court, medical, transportation using verbal communication to
ensure proper attire, restraints, and timeliness as required.

42.
 Direct inmates in their work assignment
e.g., cleaning, preparing meals, maintenance to ensure overall operation of the
institution, utilizing effective communication as required.

43.
 Physically subdue inmate(s) with or
without the help of additional staff to gain compliance with orders utilizing
strengths and holds as required.

44.
 Effectively communicate using various
methods e.g., radio, telephone, or intercom, PA, meeting, briefing to relay
information or address staff/inmates as required.

45.
 Perform physical count of inmates to
ensure accountability and prevent escape through visual observation and
tracking to provide safety and security as required.

46.
 Complete work order to notify
appropriate individual or department regarding repairs needed, utilizing the
proper documentation as needed.

47.
 Respond to non-institutional personnel
requests e.g., overview, available programs, and visiting operation by providing
information utilizing institution facts as directed.

48.
 Perform cell extractions of
non-compliant inmates to ensure safety, with a team of officers utilizing cell
extraction equipment e.g., protective equipment, restraints, baton, shield, and
video equipment as required.

49.
 Disarm an inmate with a weapon,
utilizing the necessary equipment and taking the appropriate actions to ensure
the safety and security of staff and inmates as required.

50.
 Testify in court by giving accurate
testimony to uphold the criminal justice system, utilizing reports evidence,
and memory of the event as required.

51.
 Provide orientation to inmates regarding
facility rules and procedures, e.g., meal schedules, daily programs, counts to
ensure consistency and order as required.

52.
 Pursue inmates to make an arrest, obtain
contraband, prevent escape, etc., to ensure the safety and security of staff,
inmates, and the public as required.

53.
 Defend yourself against an inmate with a
weapon, utilizing necessary equipment and actions to ensure the safety and
security of staff and inmates as required.

54.
 Instruct/train inmates in the safe use
of tools and equipment utilizing safety procedures and guidelines to prevent
injury as required.

55.
 Search for missing/escaped inmates
inside/outside the institution by utilizing patrol, surveillance, radio
communication, etc., to maintain the safety of the institution and public as
required. 

56.
 Perform medical aid e.g., CPR and/or
first aid to those in need of medical attention to prevent injury or loss of
life, utilizing first aid equipment as required.

57.
 Arrest inmates and visitors, during the
course of your duties who commit crimes to maintain safety and security
utilizing restraints and search warrants as required.

58.
 Attend
and participate in on the job training programs, classes, and seminars to
maintain peace officer status and to be in compliance with current policy and
procedures as required.

59.
 Operate fire suppression equipment e.g.,
fire extinguisher, fire hose to prevent the spread of a fire as required.

60.
 Perform emergency evacuation of staff
and inmates by being familiar with evacuation routes to ensure accountability
in order to maintain safety and security as required.

61.
 Follow daily written direction from
internal memos, logs, correspondence, activity logs, court/legal documents,
etc., to maintain daily operations of the institution as required.

62.
 Discipline inmates regarding rule
violations e.g., behavior, conduct, actions through formal/informal counseling
and documentation as required.

63.
 Defuse crisis situations by counseling,
subduing or referring to medical/mental health services etc., to prevent injury
and maintain safety and security as required.

64.
 Facilitate training for haircut or
cosmetology services to maintain health and safety of staff and inmates as
needed.

65.
 Recognize sexual misconduct in an
institution to maintain health and safety utilizing visual observation and
communication as needed.

66.
 Preserve a crime scene to maintain
integrity by isolating, photographing, documenting, preserving evidence, etc. ,
as required.

67.
 Recommend changes in local policies,
procedures, or rules to streamline processes through memos, verbal
communication, etc., as needed.

68.
 Operate a computer to communicate,
perform data searches, enter data, and acquire information to maintain
operation of the institution as needed.

Tasks
highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification
specification

EDITED KSAPC LISTING

NOTE: Each position within this classification may perform
some or all of these KSAPCs.

Knowledge of:

K1.
 Basic knowledge of purposes and methods
of discipline as applied to persons in custody.

K2.
 Basic knowledge of a Correctional
Officer’s duties to perform essential functions within a correctional setting.

K3.
 Basic knowledge of grammar, spelling,
and the correct usage of English in written and oral communication.

K4.
 Basic knowledge of proper use and care
of firearms/weapons to safely operate equipment.

K5.
 Basic knowledge of arithmetic to perform
inventory and counts.

K6.
 Basic knowledge of computer operation to
perform searches and update records.

K7.
 Basic knowledge of effective listening
technique to gather information.

K8.
 Basic knowledge of non-verbal
communication to assess situations and respond appropriately.

K9.
 Basic knowledge of crisis intervention
techniques to prevent injury and preserve safety.

K10.
 Basic knowledge of conflict management
techniques to defuse threats.

K11.
 Basic knowledge of negotiating
techniques to accomplish a positive outcome.

K12.
 Basic knowledge of gangs to prevent
criminal behavior.

K13.
 Basic knowledge of inventory control for
accountability.

K14.
 Basic knowledge of supervision to direct
others.

K15.
 Basic knowledge of interviewing to
gathering information.

K16.
 Basic knowledge of radio communication
to relay information.

K17.
 Basic knowledge of the signs and
symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse to prevent injury and preserve safety.

K18.
 Basic knowledge of restraints to subdue
others.

K19.
 Basic knowledge of the behavioral
characteristics of a violent offender to prevent injury and preserve safety.

K20.
 Basic knowledge of performing searches
to locate items and persons.

K21.
 Basic knowledge of securing a crime
scene to preserve evidence.

K22.
 Basic knowledge of self defense to
preserve safety.

K23.
 Basic knowledge of evacuation procedures
to prevent injury and preserve safety.

K24.
 Basic knowledge of fire extinguishing
equipment to prevent the spread of fire.

KSAPCs
highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification
specification

Ability to:

A1.
 Control, direct, and instruct inmates or
parolees individually and in groups effectively.

A2.
 Remember names and faces of individuals
accurately.

A3.
 Interpret and enforce institutional
rules and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.

A4.
 Read and interpret written material
accurately.

A5.
 Communicate to others effectively.

A6.
 Prepare accurate and objective written
reports using good grammar, composition and correct spelling.

A7.
 Promote socially acceptable attitudes
and behavior of inmates or parolees effectively.

A8.
 Rate the conduct and productivity of
inmates or parolees accurately and impartially.

A9.
 Think and act quickly in emergencies.

A10.
 Reason with others logically.

A11.
 Make simple arithmetic computations.

A12.
 Follow oral/written directions
accurately.

A13.
 Follow the rules and regulations of the
Department and institution accordingly.

A14.
 Distinguish inmates and correctional
staff from a tower or elevated position accurately.

A15.
 Professionally perform as an
authoritative figure.

A16.
 Make appropriate use of disciplinary
options effectively.

A17.
 Interact professionally and tactfully
with the public, inmates, and staff effectively.

A18.
 Follow chain of command accordingly.
A19. Climb ladders and stairwells effectively.

A20.
 Observe and perform in dim/bright light
situations effectively.

A21.
 Operate departmental equipment and
firearms safely and effective.

A22.
 Subdue combative inmates effectively.

A23.
 Analyze situations accurately and adopt
an effective course of action.

A24.
 Complete the apprenticeship program
satisfactorily.

A25.
 Make
sound decisions in high stress situations effectively.

A26.
 Multitask
in various situations effectively.

KSAPCs
highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification
specification

Personal Characteristics:

PC1.
 Emotional maturity and stability to
provide effective leadership in stressful situations.

PC2.
 Empathetic and objective understanding
of persons in custody to effectively manage inmates.

PC3.
 Satisfactory record as a law abiding
citizen to maintain a positive public image.

PC4.
 Demonstrate leadership in program and
services to effectively manage inmate population.

PC5.
 Demonstrate tact with others.

PC6.
 Good personal and social adjustment for
correctional work to maintain professionalism within the workplace.

PC7.
 Neat personal appearance to demonstrate
professionalism within the workplace.

PC8.
 Courage during dangerous and stressful
situations.

PC9.
 Alertness to be aware of your
environment and be able to respond to emergency situations.

PC10.
 Motivated to perform tasks with due
diligence direction.

KSAPCs
highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification
specification

Physical Characteristics:

PhyC1.
 Good physical health.

PhyC2.
 Mental and emotional stability.

PhyC3.
 Freedom from any physical or mental
condition that would interfere with the full performance of the duties of a
Correctional Officer.

PhyC4.
 Strength, endurance, and agility.

PhyC5.
 Hear sufficiently to perform the
essential functions of the job.

PhyC6.
 A corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or
better in each eye, an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/60 or better in each
eye, ability to pass a color vision test comparable to the Farnsworth D-15
without the use of an X-Chrome lens or other colored filters, and a peripheral
field of view of at least 120 degrees of horizontal extent and 100 degrees of
vertical extent with no evidence of scotomas (nonseeing areas) within the full
visual field of each eye.

KSAPCs
highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification
specification

Sample Correction Officer Job Description

A Correctional Officer, often known as a prison guard in a prison, prison, or any correctional facility, is primarily responsible for enforcing rules and following procedures.

They are responsible for inspecting prison cells in accordance with security protocols and regulations, supervising prisoners during meals and rest, and resolving prisoner problems to maintain peace and order.

Therefore, if you are looking to apply for or hire a corrections officer at any correctional facility, it is important that you understand what the job description entails.

And that’s what makes this article so handy, as we’ve put together the best correctional officer job description templates for you.

These job description templates define the roles and responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications of a corrections officer.

Contents

  • What is the role of a corrections officer?
    • Other roles of a corrections officer
  • What is it like to work as a correctional officer?
  • How much does a prison officer earn?
  • What are the requirements to become a corrections officer?
    • #1. You must be a citizen of the United States.
    • No. 2. You must be at least 18 years old, and in some places even 21 years old.
    • #3. Either a high school diploma or a GED is required.
    • No. 4. You must have a clean criminal record.
    • No. 5. Must have a valid driver’s license in most states.
    • No. 6. You must be physically able to perform your duties.
  • Sample Correctional Officer Job Description 1
    • Position Overview
    • Responsibilities of a Correctional Officer
    • Qualifications of a Correctional Officer
  • Correctional officer Sample job description 2
    • Responsibilities of a correctional officer:
    • Requirements for a correctional officer
  • Recommendations
  • recommendations

What is the role of a corrections officer?

The role of a correctional officer is enormous. However, his/her main responsibility is to manage, supervise, secure and regulate prisoners.

The following are the roles of a corrections officer;

  • They are responsible for persons convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison, as well as for their care, custody and control.
  • They are also responsible for the security of the facility and its property, as well as other law enforcement functions.
  • Correctional officers enforce the rules and regulations in the prison or jail to prevent any disturbance.
  • They supervise the daily activities of the prisoners in order to know where all the prisoners are and prevent escapes.
  • They also look for weapons or drugs, resolve conflicts and enforce rules.
  • Correctional officers can also help offenders with their rehabilitation by assigning work, counseling, and providing training opportunities.
  • They inspect institutions on a regular basis. They are looking for unsanitary conditions, smuggling, signs of security breaches such as forced entry of window bars or doors, and any other evidence of rule violations in cells and other locations. Officers also look for illegal items in the mail and on visitors.
  • Correctional officers write reports or keep daily diaries detailing the behavior of prisoners and anything notable that happens during their shift.
  • When correcting a situation, corrections officers must use both their experience and common sense to decide the best course of action.
  • To maintain order in correctional facilities and courtrooms, they must interact and talk with prisoners.

Other roles of the corrections officer

Correctional officers may need to handcuff and leg shackle them to properly escort prisoners to and from cells and other facilities. They also escort prisoners to and from courtrooms, health centers and other locations.

If a crime is committed in their facility or an inmate escapes, they assist law enforcement officials in investigating or tracking down the escapee. Outside the place of work, correctional officers do not have any obligations to law enforcement agencies.

Although some are employed by private organizations that provide prison services to the government, most prison or corrections officers are employed by the government of the jurisdiction in which they work.

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What is it like to work as a corrections officer?

The government employs the vast majority of correctional personnel. Some of them work for private companies that provide correctional services to prisons and pre-trial detention centers.

Work in a correctional facility can be difficult and dangerous. Correctional officers are regularly injured in conflicts with inmates and have one of the highest rates of non-fatal work injuries.

Correctional officers can work both inside and outside. Most of the rooms are well lit, climate controlled and ventilated, but some are old, congested, hot and noisy.

How much does a prison officer earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income of correctional officers and jailers in May 2012 was $39,040.

Half of the workers in one occupation or another earned more than this amount, and the other half – less. The bottom 10% made less than $27,000, while the richest 10% made over $10.610.

When a corrections officer works for a government agency, he or she is eligible to participate in benefit programs offered by that level of government.

This usually results in large medical and retirement benefits for federal and state employees.

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What are the requirements to become a corrections officer?

If you are considering becoming a corrections officer, ask about the minimum requirements for the system you want to work in.

Each state and federal prison system has its own set of job requirements. The federal government and some states have become choosier about who to hire. Others have only the essentials.

You can expect the following in almost every jurisdiction:

#1. You must be a citizen of the United States.

Undocumented workers have little chance of finding employment in some jurisdictions because they apply for citizenship or otherwise qualify to work in the United States. To be eligible to work in multiple state prison systems, you must be a resident of that state.

No. 2. You must be at least 18 years old, and in some places even 21 years old.

Because this is such a common practice, some states have excluded it from their written core criteria.

If the state does not have a clear policy requiring you to be older, assume the minimum age is 18. You must be between 20 and 37 years of age to participate in the federal system.

No. 3. Either a high school diploma or a GED is required.

This is also not a written requirement in several states. A couple of these states require you to complete some post-secondary education, which means you will need either a high school diploma or a GED.

Expect to be required to have a diploma or GED if you do not have military experience or previous remarkable work experience.

№ 4. You must have a “clean” criminal record.

A felony conviction will likely ruin your chances, but some states allow applicants who have been pardoned or whose records have been erased to apply.

Misdemeanors are treated differently. Some jurisdictions will accept candidates with minor violations if the term and/or probation has been completed and all fines and restitution have been paid.

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#5. Must have a valid driver’s license in most states.

Surprisingly, few of them require you to have a perfect driving record. Some states require that you have no more than two DUIs or DWIs on your file.

No. 6. You must be physically able to perform your duties.

When you are hired, you will have a medical examination and a fitness test.

Sample Correctional Officer Job Description 1

Below are sample corrections officer job descriptions.

Item overview

Example Co. is the leading company in the region in our sector. Our Glassdoor 4.0 rating is something we are very proud of.

We are looking for an experienced corrections officer to join our already great team. Example Co. is a great place to move up the career ladder if you are looking for a new challenge. You were hoping for this chance.

Responsibilities of a Correctional Officer

  • Inmates entering and exiting are registered and processed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Report incidents in detail and accurately.
  • Patrol the facility inside and out.
  • Search the prisoners and their cells.
  • Examine the people and packages delivered to the site.
  • Respond to crises in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Supervising activities such as meals, classes, visits and recreation for prisoners.
  • Surveillance cameras are used to monitor prisoners and the surrounding area.

Correctional Officer Qualification

  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
  • Depending on the state, you must be at least 18 or 21 years old.
  • You must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Preferred experience in the field of correctional facilities from 1 year.
  • Passing a background check, drug test and medical examination
  • Working understanding of the methods and procedures used in the detention of prisoners
  • You are familiar with the safety standards and measures.
  • Demonstrated ability to behave calmly and rationally in emergency situations.
  • Can be lifted and carried up to 100 lbs.

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Correctional Officer Sample Job Description 2

We are looking for a dedicated prison guard to supervise and monitor inmates at our facility. You will be responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations in our facility, as well as supervising prisoners in their cells and group quarters and escorting visitors.

You will need excellent observational skills to succeed as a corrections officer. The best candidates will act with authority while remaining non-aggressive.

Correctional Officer Responsibilities:

  • Enforce and comply with all prison rules and regulations.
  • Patrol and inspection of prisoners’ cells.
  • Meal times, toilet breaks, work and leisure activities are under my supervision.
  • Visitors are checked and escorted around the facilities.
  • Assistance with counseling and rehabilitation activities.
  • The confrontation must be de-escalated as soon as possible.
  • Report on the behavior of the prisoner.
  • Prisoners and premises are searched for contraband.
  • Incoming and outgoing correspondence from and from prisoners is checked.

Correctional Officer Requirements

  • You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Police, security or military experience is a plus.
  • Interpersonal skills are strong.
  • Physical endurance and strength are important.
  • Ability to act calmly and quickly under pressure.
  • You must be acutely attentive and observant.
  • Psychological stability is important.

Recommendations

  • Glassdoor – Correctional Officer Job Description
  • Indeed – Correctional Officer Job Description
  • Correctional officer. Education – What is a corrections officer?
  • Career Investigator – Correctional Officer Salary.

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Sample Correction Officer Job Description

A correctional officer, often known as a prison guard in a prison, prison, or any correctional facility, is primarily responsible for enforcing rules and following procedures.

They are responsible for inspecting prison cells in accordance with security protocols and regulations, supervising prisoners during meals and rest, and resolving prisoner problems to maintain peace and order.

Therefore, if you are looking to apply for or hire a corrections officer at any correctional facility, it is important that you understand what the job description entails.

And that’s what makes this article so handy, as we’ve put together the best correctional officer job description templates for you.

These job description templates define the roles and responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications of a corrections officer.

Contents

  • What is the role of a corrections officer?
    • Other roles of a corrections officer
  • What is it like to work as a correctional officer?
  • How much does a prison officer earn?
  • What are the requirements to become a corrections officer?
    • #1. You must be a citizen of the United States.
    • No. 2. You must be at least 18 years old, and in some places even 21 years old.
    • #3. Either a high school diploma or a GED is required.
    • No. 4. You must have a clean criminal record.
    • No. 5. Must have a valid driver’s license in most states.
    • No. 6. You must be physically able to perform your duties.
  • Sample Correctional Officer Job Description 1
    • Position Overview
    • Responsibilities of a Correctional Officer
    • Qualifications of a Correctional Officer
  • Correctional officer Sample job description 2
    • Responsibilities of a correctional officer:
    • Requirements for a correctional officer
  • Recommendations
  • recommendations

What is the role of a corrections officer?

The role of a correctional officer is enormous. However, his/her main responsibility is to manage, supervise, secure and regulate prisoners.

The following are the roles of a corrections officer;

  • They are responsible for persons convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison, as well as for their care, custody and control.
  • They are also responsible for the security of the facility and its property, as well as other law enforcement functions.
  • Correctional officers enforce the rules and regulations in the prison or jail to prevent any disturbance.
  • They supervise the daily activities of the prisoners in order to know where all the prisoners are and prevent escapes.
  • They also look for weapons or drugs, resolve conflicts and enforce rules.
  • Correctional officers can also help offenders with their rehabilitation by assigning work, counseling, and providing training opportunities.
  • They inspect institutions on a regular basis. They are looking for unsanitary conditions, smuggling, signs of security breaches such as forced entry of window bars or doors, and any other evidence of rule violations in cells and other locations. Officers also look for illegal items in the mail and on visitors.
  • Correctional officers write reports or keep daily diaries detailing the behavior of prisoners and anything notable that happens during their shift.
  • When correcting a situation, corrections officers must use both their experience and common sense to decide the best course of action.
  • To maintain order in correctional facilities and courtrooms, they must interact and talk with prisoners.

Other roles of the corrections officer

Correctional officers may need to handcuff and leg shackle them to properly escort prisoners to and from cells and other facilities. They also escort prisoners to and from courtrooms, health centers and other locations.

If a crime is committed in their facility or an inmate escapes, they assist law enforcement officials in investigating or tracking down the escapee. Outside the place of work, correctional officers do not have any obligations to law enforcement agencies.

Although some are employed by private organizations that provide prison services to the government, most prison or corrections officers are employed by the government of the jurisdiction in which they work.

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What is it like to work as a corrections officer?

The government employs the vast majority of correctional personnel. Some of them work for private companies that provide correctional services to prisons and pre-trial detention centers.

Work in a correctional facility can be difficult and dangerous. Correctional officers are regularly injured in conflicts with inmates and have one of the highest rates of non-fatal work injuries.

Correctional officers can work both inside and outside. Most of the rooms are well lit, climate controlled and ventilated, but some are old, congested, hot and noisy.

How much does a prison officer earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income of correctional officers and jailers in May 2012 was $39,040.

Half of the workers in one occupation or another earned more than this amount, and the other half – less. The bottom 10% made less than $27,000, while the richest 10% made over $10.610.

When a corrections officer works for a government agency, he or she is eligible to participate in benefit programs offered by that level of government.

This usually results in large medical and retirement benefits for federal and state employees.

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What are the requirements to become a corrections officer?

If you are considering becoming a corrections officer, ask about the minimum requirements for the system you want to work in.

Each state and federal prison system has its own set of job requirements. The federal government and some states have become choosier about who to hire. Others have only the essentials.

You can expect the following in almost every jurisdiction:

#1.

You must be a citizen of the United States.

Undocumented workers have little chance of finding employment in some jurisdictions because they apply for citizenship or otherwise qualify to work in the United States. To be eligible to work in multiple state prison systems, you must be a resident of that state.

No. 2. You must be at least 18 years old, and in some places even 21 years old.

Because this is such a common practice, some states have excluded it from their written core criteria.

If the state does not have a clear policy requiring you to be older, assume the minimum age is 18. You must be between 20 and 37 years of age to participate in the federal system.

No. 3. Either a high school diploma or a GED is required.

This is also not a written requirement in several states. A couple of these states require you to complete some post-secondary education, which means you will need either a high school diploma or a GED.

Expect to be required to have a diploma or GED if you do not have military experience or previous remarkable work experience.

№ 4. You must have a “clean” criminal record.

A felony conviction will likely ruin your chances, but some states allow applicants who have been pardoned or whose records have been erased to apply.

Misdemeanors are treated differently. Some jurisdictions will accept candidates with minor violations if the term and/or probation has been completed and all fines and restitution have been paid.

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#5. Must have a valid driver’s license in most states.

Surprisingly, few of them require you to have a perfect driving record. Some states require that you have no more than two DUIs or DWIs on your file.

No. 6. You must be physically able to perform your duties.

When you are hired, you will have a medical examination and a fitness test.

Sample Correctional Officer Job Description 1

Below are sample corrections officer job descriptions.

Item overview

Example Co. is the leading company in the region in our sector. Our Glassdoor 4.0 rating is something we are very proud of.

We are looking for an experienced corrections officer to join our already great team. Example Co. is a great place to move up the career ladder if you are looking for a new challenge. You were hoping for this chance.

Responsibilities of a Correctional Officer

  • Inmates entering and exiting are registered and processed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Report incidents in detail and accurately.
  • Patrol the facility inside and out.
  • Search the prisoners and their cells.
  • Examine the people and packages delivered to the site.
  • Respond to crises in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Supervising activities such as meals, classes, visits and recreation for prisoners.
  • Surveillance cameras are used to monitor prisoners and the surrounding area.

Correctional Officer Qualification

  • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
  • Depending on the state, you must be at least 18 or 21 years old.
  • You must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Preferred experience in the field of correctional facilities from 1 year.
  • Passing a background check, drug test and medical examination
  • Working understanding of the methods and procedures used in the detention of prisoners
  • You are familiar with the safety standards and measures.
  • Demonstrated ability to behave calmly and rationally in emergency situations.
  • Can be lifted and carried up to 100 lbs.

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Correctional Officer Sample Job Description 2

We are looking for a dedicated prison guard to supervise and monitor inmates at our facility. You will be responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations in our facility, as well as supervising prisoners in their cells and group quarters and escorting visitors.

You will need excellent observational skills to succeed as a corrections officer. The best candidates will act with authority while remaining non-aggressive.

Correctional Officer Responsibilities:

  • Enforce and comply with all prison rules and regulations.
  • Patrol and inspection of prisoners’ cells.
  • Meal times, toilet breaks, work and leisure activities are under my supervision.
  • Visitors are checked and escorted around the facilities.
  • Assistance with counseling and rehabilitation activities.
  • The confrontation must be de-escalated as soon as possible.
  • Report on the behavior of the prisoner.
  • Prisoners and premises are searched for contraband.
  • Incoming and outgoing correspondence from and from prisoners is checked.

Correctional Officer Requirements

  • You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Police, security or military experience is a plus.