How to Obtain a Position as a Correctional Officer

Another term for the position of correctional officer is detention officer because in this position you work in a detention center. You will be responsible for maintaining security in the center where accused offenders spend time waiting for trial or sentencing for a crime or those who have already been sentenced to jail terms. Your job will be to enforce the rules of the center and supervise the activities of the inmates. On occasion, you may have to conduct searches of the cells and settle arguments and fights between the inmates. Daily inspection of the facility is necessary to inspect the locks, ensure safety regulations are being met and to ensure the offenders do not have any contraband articles in their possession.

You will have to make oral and written reports on the progress of the inmates so that there is a record of their activity when time comes for parole or early release. This report usually takes the form of a daily log for each inmate. In high security centers, you may have little contact with the inmates in your role of correctional officer because you supervise their activities through close-circuit televisions and computer monitoring systems. When you are in contact with any of the inmates you should display an impersonal attitude so as not to give the impression of favoritism towards any one person. There may be occasions when the rules are broken in these facilities. Some of the issues you may be able to able yourself, but you should work closely with the law enforcement agencies.

In facilities where there is a cellblock, you will be unarmed as you walk the halls. However, you will have an electronic device with you at all times so that you can summon help if you need it. The work of a correctional officer is a highly stressful one. You will have to work shifts as this job requires twenty-four hour vigilance. You will get vacation time during the year, but you may have to work some holidays as the shifts are rotated so as to be fair to everyone. There may also be times when you have to work extra time, but this will be paid overtime.



Eighteen is the minimum age limit for obtaining a job as a correctional officer. In addition to attaining a high school diploma, you should have a two or four - year degree from a college or university. You will have to undergo a full background check as well as medical and psychological testing to ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to work in this profession. The medical assessment will include lifting assessment as this job may require heavy lifting on occasion.

When you check on the qualifications you need to become a correctional officer, you also need to check on the conditions that could disqualify you from the job. Since you will be working with convicted criminals of various crimes, it is important that you do not have any criminal activities in your background.