Your Career in Corrections
If you’re interested in a job that’s kind of like police work, but with more contact with more criminals, then you’re the perfect person for a career as a corrections officer. The “C.O.” (as they’re known within the facilities) supervises either persons waiting for trial at the county jail, or those convicted of their crimes and serving time in prisons and reformatories. It’s the job of the correctional officer to prevent prisoner disturbances, monitor their actions, and avert escapes and attacks. For all intents an purposes, within the correctional facility, they are the “police,” although outside in “the real world,” they usually have no police powers (There are some exceptions, when sheriff’s deputies serve as C.O.’s in county jails).
Corrections Officer is a career field that seems to be forever growing, with never enough people to fill the available positions. This is due to the growing prison population as well as the fact that many people find the stress too much for them. This results in a high turn-over rate. Keep in mind that in the United States alone, there are half a million people in prison at any one time, with 11 million processed through the nation’s jail system. If you include Canada in the mix, toss in several more million, and you’ll understand why there is plenty of job security in this field. You can expect to earn somewhere around $32,000 as a C.O., although it might reach as high as $50,000.
A Day in the Life of a C.O.
On any typical day inside a prison or jail, the corrections officer is there to ensure security an order and to enforce the rules and policies of the institution. The C.O. will usually be assigned to one area, such as one floor or, in dormitory-style prisons, one dorm. They will alternate between walking the floors to monitor activity an sitting at a desk, to deal with prisoner concerns or fill out paperwork. Some days, the officer might be needed to search an inmate’s cell or to confiscate weapons or drugs or to break up fights. He might also need to check on the security of doors, windows, locks and vents.
Requirements
There is no special degree needed to get into corrections (although a degree such as criminal justice would obviously make a resume more attractive). In most states and counties, however, the applicant must be at least 18 or 21 with either a diploma or GED. There are a number of Corrections Certifications. Most jurisdictions will not allow you to have a felony conviction, and you usually are expected to have held a job for two or more years prior. There are certain physical requirements, which vary from one jurisdiction to another, but might include adequate vision, hearing, and physical well-being. Obviously, drug use will preclude you from consideration.
It’s dangerous work, but for those who thrive on adrenalin an serving their community, corrections might be a perfect career.
For some very detailed information see – Careers in Corrections: Perceptions from the Inside
The Texas Educational Agency has an overview of courses available and required.
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