What does a Corrections Officer do?
Correctional officers oversee inmates to ensure they are safe, secure, and supervised. They do so by enforcing outlined rules and regulations. This might include inspecting cells, writing incident reports, and restraining inmates. Most correctional officers are employed by county, state, or federal agencies in jails or prisons.
Correctional officers must have a high school diploma or general education degree (GED) and be of a certain age, either 18 or 21 depeding on the state. Some correctional officers also obtain an associate's degree in criminal justice in order to help with professional development. Correctional officers must be alert, decisive, and have good judgment.
- Book and process incoming and outgoing prisoners according to written policies and procedures
- Write detailed and accurate incident reports
- Patrol the interior and exterior of the facility
- Conduct inmate and cell searches
- Inspect visitors and packages delivered to the facility
- Respond to crisis situations as outlined by policies and procedures
- Oversee inmate activities including meals, classes, visitation, and recreation
- Monitor inmates and grounds with surveillance cameras
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
- Must be at least 18 or 21 years of age, depending on state
- Must possess a valid driver's license
- 1 year of experience in the field of corrections preferred
- Ability to pass a background check, drug test, and physical
- Working knowledge of the methods and procedures associated with processing prisoners
- Familiarity with security regulations and safety procedures
- Proven ability to react in a calm and collected manner to emergency situations
- Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds
How much does a Corrections Officer make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$49,135
/ yrCorrections Officer Career Path
Learn how to become a Corrections Officer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Corrections Officer Insights
Minnehaha County Sheriff“Respect others and don't be power hungry and the job is actually pretty fun and not difficult.”
Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry“Overall this is a great department and I can honestly say that I love my career.”
Texas Department of Criminal Justice“Good benefits that’s about it pay isn’t all that good for what you have to deal with”
Florida Department of Corrections“High risk retirement is 3% but you can find MUCH better in the private sector.”
HM Prison Service“Good stable and secure job”
Corrections Corporation of America“Good salary and condition great”
SPS“Stable and good pay for everyone”
“This job can be stressful and dangerous.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Corrections Officer
When working as a Corrections Officer, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are 24 Hour, Responses, Tolerance, Report Writing, and English Language.
- Police Officer
- Security Officer
- Police Sergeant
- Public Safety Officer
The most common qualifications to become a Corrections Officer include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.
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Question for you all. I was let go from my company for processing policy changes that led to me receiving extra pay...issue is I was not aware until termination day I was even receiving the pay unethically and no training or corrective plan was offered before this situation became known. I lost my job, 250k bonus retirement and confidence in how this company operates. Did I get screwed over?