Become a Corrections Officer

Read about corrections officer training and career opportunities.

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Corrections Officer Career Overview

Corrections officers oversee individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve jail or prison time.

They maintain security and inmate accountability to prevent disturbances, assaults or escapes. They also provide reports on inmate conduct and on the quality and quantity of work done by inmates. Corrections officers periodically inspect the facilities, checking cells and other areas of the institution for unsanitary conditions, contraband, fire hazards, and any evidence of infractions of rules.

In addition, they routinely inspect locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates for signs of tampering. Officers also report security breaches, disturbances, violations of rules, and any unusual occurrences. They normally keep a daily log or record of their activities. Officers have no law enforcement responsibilities outside the institution where they work.

Where Corrections Officers Work

Most corrections officers are employed in state and federal prisons, watching over the incarcerated offenders. A relatively small number of correctional officers oversee individuals being held by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service before they are released or deported, or they work for correctional institutions that are run by private for-profit organizations.

Corrections Officer Prerequisites

At minimum, you'll need to be a U.S. citizen over 18 years old, not be a convicted felon, have a GED or high school diploma, and pass several competitive written and physical examinations. Specific entry requirements and on-the-job training vary widely from agency to agency.

Corrections Officer Education and Training

All states and local correctional agencies provide formal instruction and on-the-job training. However, earning your bachelor's degree, especially in a criminal justice-related field, will increase your chances of promotion.

Academy trainees generally receive instruction on a number of subjects, including institutional policies, regulations, and operations, as well as custody and security procedures.

As a condition of employment, new federal correctional officers must undergo 200 hours of formal training within the first year of employment. They also must complete 120 hours of specialized training at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons residential training center at Glynco, Georgia within the first 60 days after appointment.

Career Opportunities for Corrections Officers

Qualified correctional officers can be promoted to supervisory or administrative positions all the way up to warden. Officers sometimes transfer to related areas, such as probation officer, parole officer or correctional treatment specialist.

Correctional officers working for the government may retire at age 50 after 20 years of service or at any age with 25 years of service.

Corrections Officer Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of corrections officers was $42,610 in 2009, but the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,850. The average annual wage in the public sector was $52,310 in the federal government, $43,710 in state government, and $41,370 in local government.