How to Become a Prison Guard
Becoming a prison guard in most state or federal run prisons is akin to becoming a police officer. Background checks and physicals, as well as psychological exams, are common. It's somewhat easier to become a prison guard because the nature of the work doesn't attract as many applicants as police work does and it's easier to find a job.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Inquire about the openings in your county and state. The people at your local job center can help you. Most prison recruiters actually visit job centers on a regular basis.
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2
Learn about pay scales for state and county guards, as well as the benefits offered. Some county prison guards have the opportunity to work a few years in the prison system and then join the police department. Many counties in Florida and other states have this option.
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3
Get a college education for the best job. Becoming a Federal Corrections Officer usually requires at least a bachelors degree. The pay and working conditions are usually better, but the availability of jobs is not as frequent as in the county or state levels.
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4
Complete a basic corrections academy of between 3 to 12 weeks, which is a prerequisite for actually working as a corrections officer. The training is paid training and there is usually a one year probationary period.
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5
Branch out to other prison jobs after you complete the basic training for a corrections officer. These include Fire Arm Instructor, Prison Simulator Instructor, Prison Administrator, Parole Officer, Police Officer, Welfare/Social Worker, Counselor, Firefighter and Security Guard.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You'll want to work where the pay and benefits are best, but remember, the class of prisoners are usually less violent at the county level.
The correction guard union has a membership of over 30,000 strong. It is one of the most effective Unions in the country.
If you become a corrections officer, try to stay squeaky clean. Many prison workers have been convicted of felonies while on the job. Once it's known that you have done something "dirty," some guards may use that information to bring you down into illegal activities.
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