Correction Officer Requirements

Correctional facilities such as jails and prisons are staffed by correction (or detention) officers who perform a number of duties related to oversight, control and supervision of persons arrested or serving sentences for crime convictions. For many years, the basic requirement to become a corrections officer (CO) was to have a high school diploma or equivalent, but there are several other demands now typically required by employers.

Education

Your chances of become a CO greatly increase if you have a bachelor's degree in criminology, police science, criminal justice or psychology. Some facilities require this basic level of education for any person seeking employment.

Juvenile Corrections Officers

Juvenile COs are required to have familiarity with the physical and emotional needs of youth offenders, a basic understanding of human behavior, knowledge of security procedures, counseling skills and command of the English language.

Minimum Requirements

All corrections officers must be at least 18 years old, although some agencies have 21 as the minimum age requirement. You must be 37 to become an officer in certain federal facilities. In addition, all such jobs require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, sound judgment and a felony-free criminal record.

Multitasking

The ability to multitask and be flexible when it comes to duties is essential for corrections officers. Their jobs can be a combination of the tasks performed by police officers, social workers, counselors, managers, teachers and security guards.

Shifts

COs typically work five days per week in eight-hour shifts but are commonly called upon for overtime and must be prepared to work irregular schedules since correctional facilities need round-the-clock staffing.

Physical Health

Due to the physical demands of the job and the often negative reactions COs may elicit from prisoners on the job, they are required to be in good health and, most times, must pass testing of their sight, hearing and physical abilities.

Training

Some states require new hires to successfully complete a multi-week training, courses after which time the corrections officer will become officially certified to work. Courses cover topics such as Suicide and Crisis Management, Fire Emergencies and Contraband Searches.