Correctional officers, often called COs, play an essential role in the justice system. 

Beyond simply supervising inmates, correctional officers enforce facility rules, prevent incidents, and address behavioural issues. 

They also assist with inmate rehabilitation programs, aiming to help inmates develop skills for a better future. 

This article will explore the duties and responsibilities of correctional officers, the skills required for the role, and the challenges they face daily in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities.

What is a Corrections Officer?

A correctional officer is a law enforcement professional responsible for managing individuals who are incarcerated. 

They work in various types of correctional facilities, including state prisons, federal prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centres. 

Correctional officers help maintain security within the facility and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. 

While they are not responsible for the rehabilitation process directly, their role in maintaining a stable environment contributes to rehabilitation programs.

Correctional officers are crucial for the justice system, ensuring that sentenced individuals serve their time in an orderly and controlled environment. 

They enforce rules, conduct regular checks, and manage conflicts to keep everyone safe. 

Correctional officers report to supervisors and collaborate with facility staff, including counsellors, healthcare workers, and case managers.

What Does a Correctional Officer Do?

Correctional officers are essential to maintaining security and order in correctional facilities like jails, prisons, and detention centres. 

Their main responsibility is to oversee inmates, ensuring they follow facility rules and keeping the environment safe for both staff and inmates.

Enforcing Facility Rules

Correctional officers enforce rules to maintain discipline and structure within the facility. 

They make sure inmates follow schedules for meals, recreational time, and other activities. 

Officers maintain a firm but fair approach to handling rule-breaking, which promotes a stable environment and reduces potential conflicts among inmates.

Monitoring Inmate Behaviour

Observing inmate behaviour is crucial for detecting issues before they can escalate further. 

Correctional officers watch for any signs of tension, violence, or suspicious activity, such as the exchange of contraband. 

They also look for indicators of inmate distress, which might signal mental health concerns or other issues needing intervention.

Conducting Searches

To prevent the circulation of contraband, which includes drugs, weapons, or cell phones.

Officers conduct searches on inmates, in cells, after certain activities, and in communal areas. 

These inspections help maintain facility security and reduce the risk of violence or other safety concerns related to unauthorised items.

Escorting and Transporting Inmates

Correctional officers are responsible for escorting inmates to different areas within the facility, like medical appointments, and sometimes for transporting them outside the facility, such as to court hearings. 

During these transfers, officers remain vigilant to prevent escape attempts or other possible security issues.

Conducting Security Checks and Head Counts

Routine head counts and security checks are a daily part of a correctional officer’s job. 

Head counts ensure that all inmates are accounted for, while security checks of doors, windows, and locks help maintain a secure facility. 

Officers often perform these checks at irregular intervals to avoid predictability.

Responding to Emergencies

In emergencies, such as fights, fires, or medical crises, correctional officers are trained to act quickly. 

They follow protocols to contain situations and prevent harm to inmates and staff. 

This part of their role requires quick thinking, strong conflict-resolution skills, and a high tolerance for stressful situations.

Documentation and Reporting

Correctional officers also document incidents, daily activities, and inmate behaviour. 

Detailed reports are crucial for maintaining a clear record of events, which can be used for internal reviews or legal purposes. 

These records also help track inmate behaviour over time and support disciplinary actions when necessary.

How Do You Become a Correctional Officer?

Becoming a correctional officer involves several steps, including meeting basic requirements, completing education and training, and passing various assessments.

Basic Requirements

First, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria. 

Typically, correctional officer applicants must be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the state or federal facility. 

They must also be U.S. citizens and hold a high school diploma or GED. 

Additionally, correctional officers are often required to have a valid driver’s licence and a clean criminal record. 

In some cases, experience in the military, law enforcement, or security is preferred, but it’s not always required.

Education and Training

While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement, some facilities may prefer candidates with college coursework or degrees in criminal justice, psychology, or a related field. 

For federal correctional officer roles, an undergraduate degree or relevant work experience is often required. 

Most candidates must complete a formal training program, which is sometimes conducted at a dedicated academy or training facility. 

Training typically covers topics such as facility protocols, self-defence, crisis management, inmate behaviour, and emergency response.

Physical and Psychological Assessments

Candidates must complete physical fitness tests to demonstrate their ability to meet the job’s physical demands.

This ensures they can handle tasks like managing inmates and responding to emergencies.

Psychological evaluations are also conducted to assess mental stability and determine if candidates are suited for a high-stress and often unpredictable work environment.

Additionally, drug tests and thorough background checks are standard requirements, ensuring all candidates meet the ethical, safety, and professional standards needed for the role.

On-the-Job Training and Probation

New correctional officers often undergo a probationary period with on-the-job training. 

During this time, they work under the supervision of experienced officers, learning firsthand how to handle daily responsibilities, from managing inmate interactions to responding to emergencies.

How Much Does a Correctional Officer Earn?

The salary of a correctional officer can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the type of facility where they work. 

On average, in the United States, correctional officers earn around $45,000 to $50,000 per year. 

However, this amount can range widely based on the state, with officers in high-cost-of-living areas earning more. 

For example, correctional officers in California or New York may earn higher salaries than those in less populated regions.

Experience plays a significant role in salary increases. 

Entry-level correctional officers typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with more years of experience or specialised training may earn more. 

Many correctional facilities offer additional pay for overtime, shift differentials (for working nights or weekends), and special assignments.

Federal correctional officers usually earn more than their state or local counterparts. 

The average salary for a federal correctional officer is approximately $50,000 to $60,000, with the potential for higher pay based on rank and responsibilities.

Correctional officers may also receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and career advancement opportunities. 

Conclusion

You should now have an understanding of exactly what a correctional officer does.

Correctional officers play an essential role in maintaining safety, order, and structure within correctional facilities. 

Their responsibilities range from enforcing rules and managing inmate behaviour to preventing violence and ensuring that inmates serve their sentences in a secure environment. 

They help ensure that correctional facilities operate smoothly, which is vital to upholding a fair and effective justice system. 

With the right training, education, and physical fitness, becoming a correctional officer can be a rewarding career path for those interested in the criminal justice field. 

The dedication and hard work of correctional officers contribute significantly to the overall safety of the community by keeping correctional facilities secure.