A corrections officer oversees inmates in a prison, enforcing rules and ensuring safety. Physical and educational requirements vary by state, but most require a high school diploma and passing a civil service exam. The job can be dangerous and physically demanding, but offers opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.
A corrections officer is someone who works in a prison, overseeing inmates. Also called officers of detention, corrections officers are responsible for enforcing rules, overseeing activities, and keeping everything running smoothly. They often work long hours, and the work is potentially dangerous. A corrections officer needs to be able to restrain a prisoner, usually unarmed, sometimes for several minutes until more help arrives; therefore, an officer must be in optimum physical shape to be able to meet the requirements of the job.
Most local and county prisons only require the applicant to have a high school diploma and have passed the civil service exam before being hired as a corrections officer. Some states may also require physical, psychological and drug testing. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no previous criminal convictions. Many states do a criminal background check before hiring new correction agents.
Once you’ve decided to become a corrections officer, the first step is to start working on the physical requirements. Most physical tests require you to drag a heavy weight, run through an obstacle course, and go up or down stairs within a set amount of time. Usually there is also a test running. Being in great physical shape is an important requirement for starting work in a correctional facility, as it allows you to respond quickly and safely if there is a situation that requires it.
Many states require applicants to have a minimum number of college credit hours in order to apply, especially for positions in state or federal prisons. Federal prisons require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or at least three years of relative experience. Correctional officers can major in criminal justice, social science or criminology, which can allow them to gain a better position. An office of corrections must always be learning,
After earning a degree or certificate in a relevant course, the next step in becoming a corrections officer is to take the civil service exam, which is required in most states. The corrections officer exam lasts three hours and tests memory, reasoning, observation, special and visual skills, and concepts in officer-prisoner relationships. In most areas, applicants must score 70 out of 100 to pass.
Most prisons have websites where they post vacancies for prison officers. The application process may involve further testing and interviews to ensure the candidate is a good fit for the job. After being hired, many correctional facilities have a training program that new officers must undergo. This training program will instruct officers in procedures for any situation they may face on the job, preparing them for what they will do as part of their job.
The number of correction agents hired in the United States is expected to continue to grow, making it a great field to enter. There are nearly endless opportunities for advancement and transfers, and the salary is generally higher than many comparable career fields. It’s not difficult to become a corrections officer, and there are special recruitment and incentive programs available across the country to encourage interested individuals to apply.
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