Correctional Officer Careers & Degrees

What is a Correctional Officer?

A correctional officer, also known as a detention officer, is a law enforcement agent who is responsible for supervising prisoners, enforcing rules and keeping order in a prison. Correctional officers are in-charge of maintaining security by preventing any disturbances, assaults and attempts to escape. They aid in the rehabilitation and counseling of people involved in criminal offences and the supervision of their daily activities. In addition to that, they are also responsible for inspecting prison facilities for any required updates or improvements, searching inmates for any illegal items and reporting on the overall conduct of the prisoners.

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Now that you are clear on what a correctional officer does, you might be wondering how to become a corrections officer. Read on to find out how.

Skills Required to Become a Correctional Officer

To become a successful correctional officer, it is essential to possess a specific set of skills and attributes that will help you effectively manage and maintain a safe and secure environment within a correctional facility. Here are some key skills and qualities required for this role:

Physical Fitness

Correctional officers must be in good physical shape, as the job often involves standing for long periods, restraining or subduing inmates, and responding to emergencies.

Interpersonal Skills

The ability to communicate and interact effectively with inmates, coworkers, and supervisors is crucial. Building rapport and maintaining a professional demeanor is necessary for maintaining order and respect within the facility.

Emotional Intelligence

Correctional officers need to manage their emotions and understand those of others, especially when dealing with potentially volatile situations. Being able to empathize, maintain self-control, and remain calm under pressure is essential.

Observational Skills

Keen attention to detail and the ability to recognize potential problems or threats is critical for maintaining security and preventing incidents within a correctional facility.

Conflict Resolution

Officers must be adept at resolving conflicts among inmates and deescalating tense situations. This includes using negotiation, problem-solving, and mediation skills.

Integrity and Ethics

Correctional officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, and ethical behavior, both on and off the job.

Adaptability and Resilience

Officers should be able to handle stress, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a positive attitude despite the challenging environment they work in.

Cultural Competency

Correctional facilities house diverse populations, so understanding and respecting various cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values is essential for fostering a harmonious environment.

Decision-making and Critical Thinking

Officers must be able to assess situations, weigh options, and make sound decisions quickly, especially in emergencies.

Time Management and Organization

Correctional officers are responsible for managing multiple tasks, such as supervising inmates, conducting searches, and completing paperwork. Efficient time management and organizational skills are crucial to performing these duties effectively.

In addition to these skills, most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may require additional education or certification, such as completion of a training academy. Many jurisdictions also require a thorough background check and a clean criminal record.

Work Environment for a Correctional Officer

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs held nearly 419,000 jobs in 2021. A majority of these worked at the federal, state or local government level while some were employed by private companies.

The job of a correctional officer can get pretty tough. You may be required to stand for long periods of time. Your work might be indoors or outdoors and the conditions of the facility you work in will play a huge part in how comfortable the job is for you. Some correctional facilities are temperature controlled and properly ventilated, while others might be old, overcrowded, noisy and hot.

A typical correctional officer usually works 8 hours per day, 5 days per week on rotating shifts. Since prisons operate on a 24/7 basis, officers are required to work all hours, day or night, weekends and even holidays.

There are different careers that you can pursue with a corrections degree. Some include:

• General Corrections Officer.
• Corrections Counselor.
• Corrections Administrator.
• Probation Officer.
• Substance Abuse Counselor.
• Activities Specialist.
• Local Corrections Officer.
• Juvenile Corrections Officer.
• State Correctional Administrator.
• Federal Correctional Case Manager.

How to Become a Corrections Officer?

How long does it take to become a Correctional Officer?

The answer to the amount of time required to become a correctional officer varies according to the educational path you take. For instance, if you go for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as criminal justice, you will spend four years in college. And upon graduation, you will need to enroll in a training program which could take between 6 to 12 months.

So, now that you are aware of how to become a correctional officer, read on to find out what the job entails.

Work Environment for a Correctional Officer

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs held nearly 462,300 jobs in 2019. A majority of these worked at the federal, state or local government level while some were employed by private companies.

The job of a correctional officer can get pretty tough. You may be required to stand for long periods of time. Your work might be indoors or outdoors and the conditions of the facility you work in will play a huge part in how comfortable the job is for you. Some correctional facilities are temperature controlled and properly ventilated, while others might be old, overcrowded, noisy and hot.

A typical correctional officer usually works 8 hours per day, 5 days per week on rotating shifts. Since prisons operate on a 24/7 basis, officers are required to work all hours, day or night, weekends and even holidays.

So when applying to become a correctional officer, be mentally prepared for the amount of energy you will be required to put into the job and the types of circumstances you might have to face.

How Much Can I Earn as a Correctional Officer in the US?

If you are wondering what the requirements are to become a correctional officer and the kind of money they make, then we have the information you need. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correctional Officers and Jailers earned $ 53,420 as mean annual salary in the US in 2021.

Below are the top paying states for

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

Career Outlook

In comparison to other jobs in similar field, not much growth is seen for Correctional Officers and Jailers in the US. In fact, according to the job projections by BLS, Correctional Officers and Jailers will experience 0% growth between 2021 and 2031. There are some states however, that have good opportunities for correctional officers.

States with the highest employment level in Correctional Officers and Jailers:

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)