Corrections Officer Training

Correction officers often work in jails or prisons.

Corrections officers are responsible for overseeing individuals in jails, prisons and detention facilities. Their primary responsibilities including enforcing the rules and maintaining the security of the facility where they work. While they are part of law enforcement, correction officers have no police jurisdiction or powers outside of the physical facility in which they work.

Function

The function of corrections officer training is to educate the corrections officers on institutional rules and regulations, teach them about security procedures and provide consistency among corrections facilities. Training and education enables officers to not only control prison populations but provide the necessary care for long-term inmates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical duties that corrections officers are trained for include assigning prison job tasks, settling inmate disputes, performing security checks and implementing the rules of the facility.

Minimum Requirements

Requirements to become a corrections officer vary by state and the type of facility. But all corrections officers must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED and have no felony convictions. Some facilities require some college credits or previous law enforcement or military experience. For a job in a federal facility, corrections officers need to have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of experience in counseling or law enforcement work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, having military experience can often improve your chances of getting hired in this field.

Formal Training

Prospective corrections officers must undergo formal training, either at the facility where they have applied for a job or at a training academy. Trainees are schooled in subjects including institutional rules and regulations, safety procedures and operations. Many institutions also require self-defense training and firearms instruction.

Federal Training

Additional training for federal corrections officer requires 120 hours at a special facility located in Georgia and 200 hours of additional training during the initial year of work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. State and federal facilities require annual training seminars for all corrections officers.

On-the-Job Training

Once hired, corrections officers receive on-the-job training. Jail or prison regulations, interpersonal communication skills, self-defense, custody protocol and security protocol are part of the corrections officer training, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Training is typically conducted with an experienced co-worker. Each facility has specific training requirements to facilitate its efficient operation and to ensure the safety of both officers and inmates.

Specialized Training

Correction officers hired for specialized positions, such as tactical response teams, receive additional training. This type of training focuses on how to respond to hostage situations, make inmate cell changes and execute riot control.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Correctional Officer