Nature of the Work:
Correction officers are charged with the safety and security of persons who have been arrested, are awaiting trial, or who have been tried and convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a correctional institution. Correction officers may escort prisoners in transit between courtrooms, correctional institutions, and other points. They maintain order within the institution, enforce rules and regulations, and often supplement the counseling that inmates receive from psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.
To make sure inmates are orderly and obey rules, correction officers monitor inmates' activities, such as working, exercising, eating, and bathing. They assign and supervise inmates' work assignments, as well as instruct and help them on specific tasks. Sometimes it is necessary to search inmates and their living quarters for weapons or drugs, to settle disputes between inmates, and to enforce discipline. Correction officers cannot show favoritism and must report any inmate who violates the rules. To prevent escapes, officers staff security positions in towers and at gates. They count inmates periodically to make sure all are present.
Correction officers inspect the facilities to assure the safety and security of the prisoners. They check cells and other areas of the institution for unsanitary conditions, fire hazards, and evidence of infractions of rules by inmates. Daily, they inspect locks, window bars, grill doors, and gates for signs of tampering.
Correction officers report orally and in writing on inmate conduct and on the quality and quantity of work done by inmates. Officers also report disturbances, violations of rules, and any unusual occurrences. They usually keep a daily record of their activities. In some modern facilities, correction officers monitor the activities of prisoners from a centralized control center with the aid of closed circuit television cameras.
Correction officers escort inmates to and from cells and other areas and admit and accompany authorized visitors within the facility. From time to time, they may inspect mail for contraband and other prohibited items, administer first aid, or assist police authorities by investigating crimes committed within the institution and by searching for escaped inmates.
Counseling and helping inmates with problems are increasingly important parts of the correction officer's job. Correctional institutions usually employ psychologists and social workers to counsel inmates, but correction officers informally supplement the work of the professionals. They may arrange a change in a daily schedule so that an inmate can visit the library, help inmates get news of their families, talk over personal problems that may have led to committing a crime, or suggest where to look for a job after release from prison. In some institutions, officers receive specialized training and have a more formal counseling role and may lead or participate in group counseling sessions.
Correction sergeants directly supervise correction officers. They usually are responsible for maintaining security and directing the activities of a group of inmates during an assigned watch or in an assigned area.
Working Conditions:
Correction officers may work indoors or outdoors, according to their duties. Some indoor areas are well lighted, heated, and ventilated, but others are overcrowded, hot, and noisy. Outdoors, weather conditions may be disagreeable. Working in a correctional institution can be stressful and hazardous; correction officers occasionally have been injured or killed during inmate riots.
Correction officers usually work an 8-hour day 5 days a week. Prison security must be provided around the clock, which means some officers work weekends, holidays, and nights. During emergencies, officers may work overtime.
Employment:
About three-fifths of all correction officers worked at State correctional institutions such as prisons, prison camps, and reformatories. Most of the remainder worked at city and county jails or other institutions run by local governments. A few thousand correction officers worked at Federal correctional institutions.
Most correction officers work in relatively large institutions located outside metropolitan areas, although a significant number work in jails and other smaller facilities located in cities and towns.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Most institutions require that correction officers be at least 18 years old and have a high school education or its equivalent, or qualifying work experience. However, the minimum age is 21 in some institutions. In addition, correctional institutions increasingly seek correction officers with postsecondary education in psychology, criminology, and related fields, reflecting an increased emphasis on personal counseling and rehabilitation of inmates.
Correction officers must be in good health. Many States require candidates to meet formal standards of physical fitness, eyesight, and hearing. Strength, good judgment, and the ability to think and act quickly are assets. Other common requirements include a driver's license, work experience that demonstrates reliability, and having no felony convictions. Some States screen applicants for drug abuse and require candidates to pass a written or oral examination.
The Federal Government, as well as almost every State and a few localities, provides training for correction officers based on guidelines established by the American Correctional Association. Some States have special training academies. All States and local departments of correction, however, provide informal on-the-job training.
Academy trainees generally receive several weeks or months of instruction on institutional policies, regulations, and operations; counseling psychology, crisis intervention, inmate behavior, and contraband; custody and security procedures; fire and safety; inmate rules and rights; administrative responsibilities; written and oral communication, including preparation of reports; self-defense, including the use of firearms; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and physical fitness training.
New Federal correction officers undergo 2 weeks of training at their assigned institutions followed by 3 weeks of basic correctional instruction at the Federal Bureau of Prisons training center. On-the-job trainees receive several weeks or months of similar training in an actual job setting under an experienced officer. Experienced officers receive in-service training to keep abreast of new ideas and procedures. Some complete home-study courses.
With additional education, experience, or training, qualified officers may advance to correction sergeant or other supervisory, administrative, or counseling positions. Many correctional institutions require experience as a correction officer for other corrections positions. Officers sometimes transfer to related areas, such as probation and parole.
Job Outlook:
Employment of correction officers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations as additional officers are hired to supervise and counsel an increasing inmate population and to relieve tensions in already crowded correctional institutions. Expansion and new construction of correctional facilities are also expected to create many new jobs for correction officers.
Increasing public concern about the spread of illegal drugs, resulting in more convictions and the adoption of mandatory sentencing guidelines calling for longer sentences and reduced parole for inmates will also spur demand for correction officers. Rapid growth in demand coupled with job openings resulting from the need to replace experienced workers who retire or transfer to other occupations should mean favorable job opportunities for correction officers.
Employment of correction officers is not usually affected by changes either in economic conditions or the overall level of government spending because security must be maintained in correctional institutions at all times. Even when corrections budgets are cut, correction officers are rarely laid off.
Correction officers usually are provided uniforms or an allowance to purchase their own. Most are provided or can participate in hospitalization or major medical insurance plans; many officers can get disability and life insurance at group rates. They also receive vacation and sick leave and pension benefits. Officers employed by the Federal Government and most State governments are covered by civil service systems or merit boards.
Related Occupations:
A number of related careers are open to high school graduates who are interested in the protective services and the field of security. Bailiffs guard offenders and maintain order in courtrooms during proceedings. Bodyguards escort people and protect them from injury or invasion of privacy. House or store detectives patrol business establishments to protect against theft and vandalism and to enforce standards of good behavior. Security guards protect government, commercial, and industrial property against theft, vandalism, illegal entry, and fire. Police officers and deputy sheriffs maintain law and order, prevent crime, and arrest offenders.
Other corrections careers are open to persons interested in working with offenders. Probation and parole officers counsel offenders, process their release from correctional institutions and evaluate their progress in becoming productive members of society. Recreation leaders organize and instruct offenders in sports, games, arts, and crafts.
