In a correctional facility, such as a jail or prison, a correctional officer supervises prisoners and people awaiting trial. Correctional officers are usually government employees who are also known as prison guards or prison wardens, depending on the region. A correctional officer’s job requirements vary, but generally speaking, he or she must have a bachelor’s degree in the field and pass a physical fitness test. To compensate for the risky environment, prison guards in high-security prisons are frequently paid well.
A correctional officer is a law enforcement representative in most areas, though he or she has no law enforcement powers outside of the prison facility. Correctional officers monitor prisoner behavior, maintain order, delegate jobs or responsibilities to prisoners, and supervise transportation for prisoners who are transported to other locations for medical treatment, such as hospitals. These individuals are usually answerable to a department head, to whom they must report prison infractions and other events.
Being a correctional officer, as one might expect, is a dangerous job. Prison guards are required to intervene in disputes and scuffles between inmates, which can sometimes result in injury or death. In a prison break, these professionals are also the first line of defense, and prisoners may harbor grudges against specific guards, making their work even riskier. Correctional officers may carry weapons, and they usually have the authority to initiate lockdowns and other security measures, depending on the prison.
A bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or a related field may be required for a correctional officer’s education. Counseling and psychology degrees are also recommended. Before beginning work as a correctional officer, a person may be required to attend an academy, and training typically includes a period of working under the supervision of another officer. If desired, a prison guard can work his or her way up through the prison hierarchy to a position of greater authority and higher pay once training is completed.
This job is not only potentially dangerous, but it can also be emotionally draining. Working with inmates can be difficult, particularly in prisons with large populations of inmates serving life or long sentences. A good correctional officer can establish clear boundaries and strong relationships with the people in his or her charge while still maintaining control and discipline.