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Job Report Correction Officers
Nature of the Work
Correction officers are charged with the safekeeping of persons who have been
arrested, are awaiting trial, or who have been tried and convicted of a crime and sentenced
to serve time in a correctional institution. They maintain order within the institution, enforce
rules and regulations, and often supplement the counseling that inmates receive from
mental health professionals.
To make sure inmates are orderly and obey rules, correction officers keep a close
watch on everything the inmates do, such as working, exercising, eating, and bathing. They
assign and supervise inmates' work assignments, as well as instruct and help them on
specific tasks. Sometimes it is necessary to search inmates and their living quarters for
weapons or drugs, to settle disputes between inmates, and to enforce discipline. Correction
officers cannot show favoritism and must report any inmate who violates the rules. To
prevent escapes, officers serve as guards on towers and at gates. They count inmates
periodically to make sure all are present.
Correction officers inspect the facilities to assure the safety and security of the
prisoners. They check cells and other areas of the institution for unsanitary conditions, fire
hazards, and evidence of infraction of rules by inmates. Periodically, they inspect locks,
window bars, grill doors, and gates for signs of tampering.
Correction officers report orally and in writing on inmate conduct and on the quality
and quantity of work done by inmates. Officers also report disturbances, violations of rules,
and any unusual occurrences. They usually keep a daily record of their activities. In some
modern facilities, correction officers monitor the activities of prisoners from a centralized
control center with the aid of sophisticated technical equipment.
Correction officers escort inmates to and from cells and other areas and admit and
accompany authorized visitors within the facility. From time to time, they may inspect mail
for contraband (prohibited items), administer first aid, or assist police authorities by
investigating crimes committed within the institution and by searching for escaped inmates.
Counseling and helping inmates with problems are increasingly important parts of
the correction officer's job. Correctional institutions usually employ psychologists and social
workers to counsel inmates, but correction officers informally supplement the work of the
professionals. Officers help inmates adjust to institutional life, prepare for later civilian life,
and avoid future criminal behavior. They may arrange a change in a daily schedule so that
an inmate can visit the library, help inmates get news of their families, talk over personal
problems that may have led to committing a crime, or suggest where to look for a job after
release from prison. In some institutions, officers have a more formal counseling role and
may lead or participate in group counseling sessions.
Correction sergeants directly supervise correction officers. They usually are
responsible for maintaining security and directing the activities of a group of inmates during
an assigned watch or in an assigned areas.
Working Conditions
Correction officers may work indoors or outdoors, according to their duties. Some
indoor areas are well lighted, heated, and ventilated, but others are overcrowded, hot, and
noisy. Outdoors, weather conditions may be disagreeable. Working in a correctional
institution can be stressful and hazardous; correction officers occasionally have been
injured or killed during disturbances.
Correction officers usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week. Prison security must
be provided around the clock, which means some officers work weekends, holidays, and
nights. During emergencies, officers may work overtime.
Employment
Correction officers held about 189,000 jobs in 1990. About three-fifths worked at
State correctional institutions such as prisons, prison camps, and reformatories. Most of
the remainder worked at city and county jails or other institutions run by local governments.
A few thousand correction officers worked at Federal correctional institutions.
Most correction officers work in relatively large institutions located outside
metropolitan areas, although a significant number work in jails and other smaller facilities
located in cities and towns.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Most institutions require that correction officers be at least 18 years old and have a
high school education or its equivalent, or qualifying work experience. However, the
minimum age is 21 in some institutions. In addition, correctional institutions increasingly
seek correction officers with postsecondary education in psychology, criminology, and
related fields--reflecting an increased emphasis on personal counseling and rehabilitation
of inmates.
Correction officers must be in good health. Many States require candidates to meet
formal standards of physical fitness, eyesight, and hearing. Strength, good judgement, and
the ability to think and act quickly are assets. A few States require candidates to pass a
written examination.
The Federal Government, as well as almost every State and a few localities,
provides training for correction officers. Some States have special training academies.
Most States, however, provide informal on-the-job training.
Academy trainees generally receive at least 4 to 8 weeks of instruction on
institutional policies, regulations, and operations; counseling psychology, inmate behavior,
and contraband; custody and security procedures; administrative responsibilities and
preparation of reports; self-defense, including the use of firearms; and physical fitness
training. On-the-job trainees receive 2 to 6 months of similar training in an actual job setting
under an experienced officer. Experienced officers sometimes receive inservice training
to keep abreast of new ideas and procedures.
With additional education, experience, or training, qualified officers may advance to
correction sergeant or other supervisory administrative, or counseling positions. Many
correctional institutions require experience as a correction officer for other corrections
positions. Officers sometimes transfer to related areas, such as probation and parole.
Job Outlook
Employment of correction officers is expected to increase much faster than the
average for all occupations through the year 2000 as additional officers are hired to
supervise and counsel an increasing number of inmates and to relieve tensions in already
crowded correctional institutions. Expansion and new construction of correctional facilities
are also expected to create many new jobs for correction officers. Most job openings,
however, will result from the need to replace experienced workers who retire or transfer to
other occupations. Difficult working conditions and the availability of jobs in other
corrections or protective service occupations contribute to a particularly high turnover rate.
Employment of correction officers is not usually affected by changes either in
economic conditions or the overall level of government spending because security must be
maintained in correctional institutions at all times. Even when corrections budgets are cut,
correction officers are rarely laid off. With the high turnover in this occupation, staffs can
be cut quickly just by not replacing those who leave.
Earnings
According to a 1990 survey by Contact Center, Inc., correction officers at the State
level had average earnings of about $22,250 a year in 1990. Starting pay averaged
$18,025 and ranged from $12,300 in West Virginia to $37,100 in Alaska. Average
earnings for experienced workers ranged from $14,625 in Arkansas to $42,400 in Alaska.
Salaries generally were comparable for correction officers working in jails and other county
and municipal correctional institutions.
At the Federal level, the starting salary was $16,700 in 1990; correction sergeants
and other supervisory officers could advance to maximum salaries of more than $37,100
to $42,400. The average salary for all Federal correction officers and correction sergeants
was $22,900 in 1990.
Corrections officers usually are provided uniforms or an allowance to purchase their
own. Most are provided or can participate in hospitalization or major medical insurance
plans; many officers can get disability and life insurance. Officers employed by the Federal
Government and most State governments are covered by civil service systems or merit
boards.
Related Occupations
A number of related careers are open to high school graduates who are interested
in the protective services and the field of security. Bailiffs guard offenders and maintain
order in courtrooms during proceedings. Bodyguards escort and protect people form injury
or invasion of privacy. House or store detectives patrol business establishments to protect
against theft and vandalism and to enforce standards of good behavior. Security guards
protect government, commercial, and industrial property against theft, vandalism, illegal
entry, and fire. Police officers and deputy sheriffs maintain law and order, prevent crime,
and arrest offenders.
Other corrections careers are open to persons interested in working with offenders.
Probation and parole officers counsel offenders, process their release from correctional
institutions, and evaluate their progress in becoming productive members of society.
Recreation leaders organize and instruct offenders in sports, games, arts, and crafts.
Sources of Additional Information
Information about entrance requirements, training, and career opportunities for
correction officers may be obtained from Federal and State civil service commissions, State
departments of correction, or nearby correctional institutions and facilities.
Information on corrections careers, as well as information about schools that offer
criminal justice education, financial assistance, and job listings, is available from:
CONTACT, Inc., P.O. Box 81826, Lincoln, Neb. 68501.
Additional information on careers in corrections is available from:
The American Correctional Association, 4321 Hartwick Rd., College Park,
Md. 20740.
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