A correctional officer’s role is to enforce rules on citizens in both jail and prison. They supervise citizens who have been arrested for a crime and awaiting trial or who have already been sentenced and are serving time in jail, rehabilitation centers, juvenile detention, or prison.
how to become a correctional officer in pennsylvania
If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a correctional officer, you must prepare for extensive training. You must also be mentally and emotionally stable, as it can be challenging work. One appealing factor of this job is that you don’t need any qualifications or a university degree for an entry-level position. There is more focus on the on-the-job training, learning skills in the academy, and training on-site with other recruits.
So, let’s take a look at How to Become a Correctional Officer and what it entails.
What Does A Correctional Officer Do?
In prison or jail, a correctional officer is responsible for enforcing rules on inmates. They must perform the same daily routines and keep the prisoners safe and in order. Supervise daily activities, meal times, shower time, and visiting hours. They are also responsible for searching for inmate contraband such as knives, drugs, and alcohol.
The roles can vary as a correctional officer. For example, the hiring manager may assign you to a low-security women’s prison or send you to work in a maximum security facility with death row inmates. Correctional officers must deal with the following;
Punishment
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Correctional officers must punish inmates if they have done something wrong inside the prison. For example, if they were caught stealing food, fighting with another inmate, a correctional officer, or being caught with contraband.
Depending on the severity of the problem, their punishments will differ. Correctional officers should know the extent of the problem and issue the punishment accordingly. This could be anything from missing recreational time or privileges to being sent to solitary confinement for a period of time.
Contraband
Officers are also required to check inmates’ cells often for contraband, unsanitary conditions, unusual activity like broken walls, or changes in the cell bars.
These searches can be pre-warned or can be completely unexpected. Officers are then required to fill out any paperwork or report any items they have found. If an inmate has been found with contraband, it is up to the correctional officer to issue a punishment accordingly.
Communication
Communication between inmates is key. Often the most successful correctional officers create respectful relationships between inmates, but be careful; it’s not a friendship.
In many situations, officers will be tested on their emotional abilities. Inmates are known to throw feces, spit, and verbally abuse officers. Handling these situations requires excellent communication skills and keeping your cool.
Escaped Prisoners
In an instance where a prisoner manages to escape jail or prison, you must assist the authorities with finding the inmate. You must also find out why the inmate escaped and try to keep it from happening again.
Rehabilitation
Depending on the place of work, there are options to work in a variety of jails and prisons. Whether state or federal, there are also options for correctional officers to work in rehabilitation centers.
Often these centers are made up of inmates who have addiction problems and want to change the path of their lives. Rehabilitation centers place inmates who are nearing their release date. These environments are usually less stressful and have a lower security level. Assisting with inmates’ rehabilitation can be a rewarding role.
How To Become A Correctional Officer?
To become a correctional officer in the United States, you must be a US citizen or hold a permanent legal resident eligible for citizenship and are currently in the application process.
