How to Become a Correctional Officer

Correctional officers oversee and manage individuals who are being detained. That detention might be for short periods of time, such as before a court hearing, or for the long-term, as would be the case with an inmate serving a prison sentence.

Entering a profession as unique as corrections necessitates extensive training and education. However, a formal degree is not required; instead, focused training, both on-the-job and at special academies, will teach correctional officers everything they need to know about handling detainees. This guide will give an overview of correctional officer careers and what it takes to become one, both from an education and training perspective.

What Does a Correctional Officer Do?

Correctional Officer Careers Basics

Correctional officers have the primary role of maintaining order within a detention facility, such as a local jail or federal prison. The detainees a correctional officer will oversee can be incarcerated for any number of reasons, which run the gamut from awaiting a court hearing for a minor offense to serving on death row. This means that the day-to-day duties of a correctional officer can vary widely. Some will work in transport, taking prisoners to and from court. Some will rarely have contact with prisoners, and will instead work in the administrative areas. Others will work “on the floor” at all times, supervising inmate activities, searching through cells for contraband, overseeing occasional visits with family, escorting inmates to the infirmary and other necessary duties.

Correctional Officer Careers In-Depth

Like many other jobs, not all correctional officers have the same primary tasks. Some have special training to deal with violent inmates or large-scale disturbances. These officers are highly-trained and might attend training sessions once a month or more in order to keep their skills sharp. Other correctional officers spend less time maintaining order within a prison and more time helping rehabilitate or counsel inmates. These officers might have a degree in counseling or psychology, or be trained as a rehabilitation expert. There are also correctional officers that have supervisory duties and monitor the officers that are monitoring the inmates. Administrative duties might include working closely with local, state and federal officials – depending upon the security level of the prison – to ensure that everything is working smoothly and efficiently on all levels.

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Correctional Officer Salaries & Job Growth

The amount of compensation that correctional officers can expect to receive varies greatly. Some higher-paid correctional officers are also located in some of the more expensive areas of the country. To find out more about what correctional officers can expect to make in each state, check out the following map.

Correctional Officer Job Growth

Given the anticipated rise in the number of inmates, the number of correctional officers needed is expected to grow. However, governments are trying to reduce prison costs, so the number of correctional officers needed is not likely to rise at the same rate as the inmate population. The following map provides an overview of what areas are expected to grow at what rate.

Steps to Becoming a Correctional Officer

The most important part of becoming a correctional officer is the proper training. Here's how to get there.

Corrections Degrees & Training

While law enforcement degrees aren't necessary for a career in corrections, training is crucial. Understanding the concepts behind the training can be gained through an education program in corrections, criminal justice or a related degree. Students have several options available when deciding which degree level to pursue. The table below details what students can expect at each level.

Preparing for a Correctional Officer Career: Law Enforcement Degrees & Training

There are many educational and training paths an individual can take to begin a correctional officer career; there is no degree type or field of study that corrections officers must take. However, remember that each jurisdiction and department will have its own requirements and expectations. Here's where students can get the education they need.

Vocational/Trade School

Vocational and trade schools offer unique opportunities to their students. Some schools provide full degrees, such as the associate, where students can study any number of justice system related subjects, including as criminal justice. Some vocational or trade schools allow high school students to take classes that will count toward college credit.

Military

Military veterans have the discipline, emotional toughness, specialized training and physical fitness that many jail and prison hiring committees like to see. Prior military experience can show that the applicant has what it takes to complete training and familiarity with the hierarchical culture that is often found within correctional officer departments.

Community College

For those interested in getting a degree or certificate, a community college offers a quick and economical method of education. Not only can associate degrees be completed in two years or less, the cost per credit is often less, as long as the student comes from an area that the community college serves.

Training Academy

Whether it's at the private, local or state level, there are many training centers or academies that provide tailored training to future correctional officers. Classroom instruction includes custody and control, mental health issues and laws and regulations. Physical training will include things like qualification for firearms and crowd control weapons along with physical fitness training.

4-year schools

For most entry level correctional officer positions, a bachelor's degree is not required; however, it will usually be needed for federal correctional officer entry level jobs. Even if a bachelor's degree isn't required, it can expand the possibilities of future promotions and workplace development.

Types of Correctional Careers and Related Degrees

Though only a high school diploma is required to enter corrections, those who choose to go further with their education might see advantages down the road. Here are the options.

Corrections Certificate

A certificate is a popular choice for students who are already established in a legal related field but seek additional knowledge about corrections. Depending on the school, the certificate can serve as the first step in an associate degree in corrections.

A certificate program is fairly short, rarely lasting longer than six months. It should be noted that the typical certificate curriculum will not include physical training that would be necessary to serve as a correctional officer. Some of the typical classes are detailed below:

Associate Degree in Corrections

An associate degree can serve as an opportunity for additional instruction of the correctional field for those already working as a corrections officer. For those not currently working in the field, an associate degree can either meet minimum educational requirements for correctional officer applicants (assuming an associate degree is required) or provide an education to help individuals succeed in their future correctional officer career.

Usually lasting about two years, an associate degree curriculum may include some of the following courses:

Bachelor's Degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, or Related

A bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, although this timeframe may be accelerated in some programs. A bachelor's degree is good for those who want to work at the federal level, as well as students who may eventually want to go into management, executive or supervisory roles within a correctional facility. A few programs offer a bachelor's degree in corrections, but most offer a criminal justice degree with a specialization in corrections. Either way, students can expect to take the following courses:

Master's Degree in Criminal Justice or Related

At the master's level, a corrections degree will be relatively uncommon. However, there are many related degrees that have a corrections component or opportunity for specialization. Types of degrees available include criminal justice, correctional counseling and justice policy and leadership. Courses available will vary depending on the specific program, but typical classes that can be found at the master's level may include:

Correctional Career Concentrations

There are many careers related to the correctional officer profession. Some of the jobs below are potential jobs that aspiring officers might enjoy pursuing, with yearly salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Probation Officer

Probation officers are responsible for keeping track of those released on probationary terms. In addition to monitoring the individual on probation and ensuring they are following the terms of their probation, a probation officer also takes steps to prevent the individual from committing another crime.

Bailiff

Bailiffs are tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of courtroom activities. Working largely at the direction of the judge, bailiffs handle courtroom tasks such as escorting litigants, protecting courtroom participants and serving as an informational resource to the general public.

Security Guard

Security guards work to protect life and property from harm or theft. Job tasks can include monitoring a given area through visual contact or electronic surveillance, apprehending and detaining violators and controlling who is permitted to enter a protected area.

Police Officer

Police officers are tasked with protecting the public and investigating crimes. Very often police officers must apprehend and capture suspects and criminals, then hand them over to a detention facility, such as a jail.

Federal Correctional Officer

A federal correctional officer works within the federal prison system, which houses inmates who are being charged with or convicted of a federal crime. The job requirements can include a bachelor's degree or at least three years of experience in correctional or related work.

State Correctional Officer

State correctional officers deal with inmates who have violated state law. Generally speaking, the job requirements for state correctional officers are less demanding than for federal correctional officer positions in that a bachelor's degree or several years of correctional experience will not be required as a condition of employment.

Skills, Credentials, Tools & Technology

Correctional officers deal with stressful and dangerous situations; therefore, they must have a set of skills and tools to allow them to do their job effectively and safely. There are also credentials that correctional officers should look into obtaining to improve their chances of professional advancement.

Skills

Tools and Technology

Credentials

Correctional officers receive most of their skills and instruction from on-the-job training as well as local training academies and centers. The opportunity for advancement, promotions and increased responsibility can be improved by obtaining certain credentials. Some of these credentials are certifications, which indicate that the professional holding the certification has a certain amount of relevant knowledge in an area related to their certification. A few of these are listed below.

American Correctional Association

• Certified Corrections Manager
• Certified Corrections Supervisor
• Certified Corrections Officer
• Certified Corrections Supervisor – Security Threat Groups
• Certified Corrections Executive

These certifications can be obtained by passing an exam, having the requisite degree (often a bachelor's or associate degree) and accruing a certain amount of applicable experience.

National Sheriffs' Association

• Certified Jail Officer
• Certified Jail Executive
• Certified Jail Supervisor

Depending on which certification is being sought, the certifications offered by the National Sheriffs' Association require applicants to pass an exam, have a certain amount of relevant work experience and take a minimum number of courses.

Related Careers at a Glance

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

what do related occupations make ?

Graduates of criminal justice programs are passionate about public safety. Similar jobs include police officer, detective, probation officer, and security guard. All of these professions enable the employee to protect the citizens in and around their geographic area.

Criminal Justice and Correctional Career Resources & Degrees

Related Careers at a Glance

Criminal Justice & Corrections Degree Finder

There are numerous degree and program options available to those interested in becoming a correctional officer. Though a degree is not required, earning one might boost the officer's status and hiring potential. The following tool will help narrow down the wide range of possibilities into something more manageable.

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