Correctional Officer

What a Correctional Officer Does

Keeping the streets safe does not end with finding a criminal and putting that person behind bars; another important factor in keeping crime rates low is keeping those criminals safely locked up. This is precisely what correctional officers do. Correctional officers work in jails to enforce security and make sure that inmates do not cause any damage to the property, themselves, or to one another. In addition, correctional officers keep an eye on inmates to prevent any escape attempts. These officers can work at small county jails or in large Federal prisons. Yet, despite having the title of "officer," correctional officers do not possess any law enforcement credentials outside of the jailhouse. In the detention facility, however, officers have authority. They may check inmate cells and possessions for contraband and unsanitary or unsafe conditions, and all corrections officers must also keep daily logs of the day's events, noting any disorderly conduct that may have occurred. The job can be a stressful and dangerous one, but many correctional officers find it highly rewarding to be actively keeping criminals behind bars.

How to Become a Correctional Officer

Due to the stressful and important nature of a correctional officer's work, all prospective officers must meet an education standard before being able to work in a detention facility. Most local jails have the minimum requirement of a high school diploma for all correctional officers, but those who aspire to work in a Federal prison must have at least a bachelor's degree or three years of professional experience in the field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is because the criminals kept in Federal jails have committed more serious crimes and are therefore more likely to be dangerous, so those working with them must have a combination of both knowledge and skill to deal with that environment. Earning a degree in criminal justice is a great way to break into the field, as students will learn about human psychology, criminal psychology, law enforcement techniques, and other related topics that will help them deal with criminals and the justice system. Most correctional officers who make it past the interview stage in the job hunting process will undergo mandatory job training, which includes training in the use of firearms and security measures. No credentialing or licensing is needed for the position.

Career Outlook for Correctional Officers

As the population grows, the crime rate will unfortunately and inevitably increase as well. This means that more people will be arrested and jailed, which in turn means that there will be an increased demand for correctional officers to help deal with the growing prison population. In fact, employment opportunities for correctional officers are projected to increase nine percent during the 2008-18 decade, the BLS asserted. This may not sound like a large percentage, but by 2018, approximately 48,300 new correctional officer jobs will have opened up, which is great news for those with plans to join the field. The financial rewards are good, too. The median annual salary for correctional officers was $38,380 in May 2008, the latest information available from the BLS. However, those who work in Federal institutions earned an average annual salary of $50,830. Generally, those who work with the Federal government or State tend to earn more. Yet, the greatest reward that correctional officers receive is the knowledge that their hard work is keeping their communities and loved ones safe.