How to Succeed as a Correctional Officer
Correctional officers supervise inmates housed in prisons, jails and halfway houses. Employment prospects are high because of expanding prison populations.To become a correctional officer, there are certain criteria that you must meet, such as passing physical tests and training.
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Instructions
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Education and Physical Requirements
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To become a correctional officer, you must be a U.S. citizen. You'll also need a high school degree or GED. A college education or additional training will help with promotions. Any additional training, such as CPR training or tactical training, will help in obtaining and advancing in your job.
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Being certified as a correctional officer will give you greater prospects of being hired. The American Correctional Association has an online certification program and online training. According to the American Correctional Association, the Online Corrections Academy, in partnership with Essential Learning, provides "a full range of e-learning solutions to meet the specific training needs of adult and juvenile correctional agencies."
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Being a correctional officer means you have to watch, listen, and sometimes interact in dangerous situations. Therefore, you have to meet the physical requirements to do the job. That includes having good hearing and eyesight. You will also need good decision-making capabilities to make on-the-spot decisions in dangerous situations.
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Candidates must pass drug tests and background checks. If the drug test comes back positive for any kind of illegal or non-prescribed drug, you cannot be hired. Additionally, if you have a criminal record you cannot be hired. Some facilities might run a credit check. Requirements vary by facility and state. You'll want to check with the facility you are trying to work for to find out its specific hiring requirements.
Training
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Once hired, correctional officers must enter training programs. Once hired, training is the next step. Training requirements vary by facility and state. Most training programs take weeks or months to complete.
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Training includes self-defense, firearm safety and usage, prison or jail policies, and communication skills.
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To advance in your career as a correctional officer, it's important to keep training and continue your education. Many facilities offer courses in criminal justice and related fields.
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Tips & Warnings
Starting your career off at the local jail can give you experience that might help you land a job with state or federal prisons.
Working as a correctional officer can be dangerous and usually involves 12-hour shifts.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit security officer blowing whistle image by Elke Dennis from Fotolia.com police 2 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
