The job of a Correctional Officer is to oversee individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial.  Oversight will extend to inmates sentenced to time in jail, reformatories, or penitentiaries.  The role of the officer is to maintain security and inmate accountability.  Preventing disturbances, assaults and escapes make up a large part of the correctional officers duties.  Because the officer plays such a valuable part in maintaining order within the institution the job can be stressful and sometimes even hazardous.  Enforcing rules and regulations is not always effortless and can become very demanding.

Since it is the primary responsibility of the correctional officer to ensure inmates are orderly and obey rules, it is essential that applicants be in good physical condition and have exceptional interpersonal skills.  Officers that are in cellblocks work unarmed with only a radio to call for help in the event that confrontations with inmates become too dangerous.  Settling disputes between inmates and enforcing discipline can be complicated, so good communication skills are necessary. 

Enforcement of regulations can usually be achieved by the threat or enforcement of progressive sanctions.  When an officer has spent enough time with inmates, however, a mutual respect is generally established.  Most inmates will respond to warnings to avoid losing privileges.  Even though officers may inevitably have more positive exchanges with one inmate as opposed to another, it is never appropriate for a correctional officer to display favoritism.  They will be required to report any and all inmates that choose to violate rules.  In order to keep track of violations, officers usually keep a daily log and will be required to report those finding to superiors.  These logs will consist of inmate activities such as quality and quantity of work done, security breaches, disturbances, violation of rules and any other unusual occurrences.

The officer will also be expected to monitor the activities and supervise the work assignments of inmates.  Another priority of the correctional officer would be to carry out various types of searches. As a rule inmate cells are searched for weapons or drugs.  These types of items are referred to as “contraband”.  The officer will also be expected to conduct periodic inspection of the facilities.  This is utilized to identify unsanitary conditions, contraband, fire hazards, and any evidence of infractions of rules.  Routine inspection of locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates are performed to search for signs of tampering.  Finally, mail is inspected as well as visitors for the possibility that they may hold prohibited items.

The officer will not have law enforcement responsibility outside of institution they work.  The only exception would be in the event they are helping law enforcement to investigate a crime committed within the institution in which they work.  Also in the may become necessary to assist law enforcement in the search for an inmate who escaped from the facility that they work.

Jail Populations are always changing.  As a result correctional officers frequently process new offenders, releases, and transfers.  The most dangerous phase of the incarceration process for correctional officers is when individuals are first arrested and the staff may not yet know if there is a need to place violent inmates in appropriate facilities.  Consequently they may be wrongly placed in the general population.  Although both jail and prisons are dangerous; prison populations are considered more stable then jail populations.  This is mostly due to the fact that correctional officers in prisons already know the security status of the prisoners that they deal with.

The most dangerous inmates are housed in the high security facilities.  The activates of inmates in these facilities are monitored from a centralized control center as opposed to having physical contact in the cell block.  Depending on the individuals history of violence it may become necessary to use handcuffs and/or leg irons to guarantee safe transfers.  This situation only comes into play when inmates are transported to courtrooms, medical facilities, to see visitors and in various other destinations inside and out of the institution.

Because inmates must be monitored around the clock work schedules and job conditions can be unpredictable.  Correctional officer may work indoors or outdoors, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week on rotating shifts.  Sometimes it becomes necessary to work paid overtime or holidays.  Layoffs are rare and officers are entitled to join bargaining units but are not allowed to strike.

The applicant must be at least 18 to 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have no felony convictions.  A High school education or equivalent is mandatory and two years work experience will demonstrates commitment to job stability. Promotions are more available if a postsecondary education is obtained.

If working in a Federal Prison is desired the Federal Bureau of Prisons require at least a bachelor’s degree.  Alternatively they will accept three years of full-time experience providing counseling, assistance, or supervision to individuals. A combination of the two requirements would be ideal. 

Besides being in good physical condition it is very vital that the applicant have keen eyesight, hearing and the ability to be decisive, make good judgments all while acting quickly.  It is typical for applicants to be screened for drug use.  Background checks are routinely used to confirm the Officers claim of a clean record.  Most of the time, a written exam will be given prior to being accepted for employment.

Most correctional officers are employed in State and Federal prisons.  Correctional officer may also obtain employment with Police & Sheriffs departments in county and municipal jails.  Some precinct station houses employ correctional officers as well. When an officer is employed outside of a State or Federal prison they are usually known as detention officers.  The officer would then be under the jurisdiction of the local Sheriff.
The American Correctional Association and American Jail Association provide the guidelines for training at Federal, State and local levels.  There are States that have regional training academies for local trainees.  Academy subjects generally involve subjects such as, institutional policies, regulations, and operations, as well as custody and security procedures.  Once formal instruction is achieved a progression to on-the-job training begins. 

To be a well trained Corrections Officer means to ensure that the work is as safe as possible for all involved.  Therefore, training includes a wide range of continued education.  Officers will be trained on legal restrictions, interpersonal relations, firearms proficiency and self-defense skills.  It is not unusual for trainees to receive several weeks of additional training under the supervision of an experienced officer.  Because the requirements of continued training vary widely depending on the agency it is important to check ahead of time with the institution. This step will ensure that the applicant is better prepared for the specific training required by the desired institution.

Within Federal facilities new officers will undergo 200 hours of training within the first year.  It is required that within 60 days of appointment they attend the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons to complete 120 hours of specialized training.

Job opportunities for correctional officers are excellent.  Officers that transfer, retire, or leave the labor force result in a rise in the demand and available job openings.  Local agencies have a high turnover due to low salaries, shift work, and a low concentration of jobs in rural locations.  This is balanced out by the increased demand that stems from mandatory sentencing guidelines and reduced parole for inmates.  It is notable to add that because of various controversies related to mandatory minimums there may be more emphasis on reducing sentences, probation or rehabilitation.  This is an effort to offset the cost of a fast growing prison population.  Additionally, employment in the private sector will become available as public authorities contract private companies to assist in the staffing of corrections facilities.

The average annual earnings for correctional officers and jailers range from $26,560 and $44,200.  It can drop as low as $22,630 and go as high as $54,820.  In the public sector earnings  in the federal government were about $44,700 annually. Sate and local government were comparable with the State being $33,750 and Local $33,080.  Officers employed  by privately operated prisons earn less with the average pay of $21,490.  Starting salaries in the Federal government is about $26,747.

First line supervisors/managers of correctional officers average about $44,720.  However, the average pay range is between $33,070 and $60,550.  The top 10% earned more then $70,990.  Bailiffs average between $24,710 and $44,240 annually.  This salary range can drop as low as $17,930 and as high as $54,770.

Correctional officers can advance in position with continued education, experience and training.  Supervisory or administrative positions are available to ambitious correctional officers.  It is possible to achieve a promotion all the way up to Warden.  Job availability is increased by officers who transfer to jobs such as probation officer, parole officer, and correctional treatment specialist.

Benefits are available and uniforms provided, along with a clothing allowance to purchase new uniforms as needed.  Federal and most State governments work off of a Civil service or merit system.  Retirement is allowed at the age of 50 after 20 years of service.  Otherwise, officers may retire at any age as long as it is with 25 years of service.