Correctional Officers and Jailers
What is a Correctional Officers and Jailers?
Correctional Officers and Jailers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or those who have been sentenced to serve time in a correctional facility. Their primary focus is on maintaining safety and security within jails and prisons. These professionals monitor inmate conduct, enforce rules, and ensure that facilities operate smoothly. They play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process by maintaining order, preventing disturbances, and handling emergencies within the facility.
Responsibilities of Correctional Officers and Jailers
Correctional Officers and Jailers are responsible for a variety of tasks that include supervising the daily activities of inmates, conducting regular inspections of the facility to ensure safety and security, and monitoring inmate interactions. They may also be required to transport inmates to and from court and other institutions, conduct security checks, and perform searches for contraband. In addition to maintaining order, they also provide support to inmates, including instruction on available programs and services, and may assist in conflict resolution among inmates.
Work Environment
Correctional Officers and Jailers typically work in correctional facilities, which can range from local jails to state and federal prisons. The work environment can be challenging and stressful due to the nature of working with individuals who may exhibit violent behavior. Officers may work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Their work often requires close coordination with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and social services to address the needs of inmates effectively.
Qualifications and Training
To become a Correctional Officer or Jailer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many positions require additional education or training, which may include coursework in criminal justice, psychology, or sociology. New officers undergo rigorous training programs that cover topics such as self-defense, emergency response procedures, legal protocol, and communication skills. Certification requirements vary by state, and ongoing training is often mandated to keep officers updated on new regulations and practices.
Tasks
- Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
- Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
- Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
- Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
- Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- 3M Electronic Monitoring
- Guardian RFID
- Jail management software
- Microsoft Access
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Document management software
- Adobe Acrobat
Tools Used
- Handguns
- Body armour
- Two way radios
- Flashlight
- Security cameras
Knowledge
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Count prison inmates or personnel.
- Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
- Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
- Locate suspicious objects or vehicles.
- Search individuals for illegal or dangerous items.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38340.0 - $87250.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.