How To Become A Correctional Officer and Jailer

Step 1: Learn About Criminal Justice in High School

High school students who want to become Correctional Officers can start completing independent research to learn more about the job. Look for interviews with Correctional Officers to ensure that this is the right fit.

Aspiring Correctional Officers should also remain physically active. Participating in school sports can help students stay in shape, which is useful for passing the physical exam when applying for Correctional Officer jobs.

Step 2: Obtain a Corrections Certificate

Correctional Officers receive on-the-job training, but some states require applicants to first obtain a corrections certificate through an approved training program. The program typically lasts 12 to 18 months, depending on the state requirements.

Correctional Officer training often covers 15 to 18 semester hours of Criminal Justice, Sociology, Corrections, and Human Relations college credits. It offers the shortest path to becoming a Corrections Officer in most states.

Most certificate programs include an introduction to Criminology, including the theories used to explain criminal behavior. Students also explore the basics of corrections, which covers penal policies and the types of issues that tend to arise in a corrections facility. The program may also include classes on the basic theories of Law Enforcement. Students may learn more about the concepts used in law enforcement and police policies.

Step 3: Earn an Associate’s Degree

An Associate’s degree is an optional step for those who want additional instruction before starting their career but do not want to attend a four-year college. An Associate’s degree may limit career advancement but provides the background needed for entry-level Correctional Officer jobs. Most Associate’s degree programs take two years to complete.

An Associate’s degree in Corrections covers conflict resolution strategies, counseling, interviewing, supervision, and control. Students learn how to interact with inmates and use counseling methods to develop positive relationships.

Step 4: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a Bachelor’s degree is an alternative path to becoming a Correctional Officer. Bachelor’s degrees are often necessary for advanced positions, such as Senior Corrections Officer, and jobs at Federal prisons.

Three or more years of entry-level work experience as a Correctional Officer at a state prison may work as a substitute for earning a Bachelor’s degree. However, a Bachelor’s degree is often preferred.

A specific major is not required, but a Correctional Officer may need to complete certain courses. As with the corrections certificate, the requirements may include Criminal Justice, Sociology, Corrections, and related courses. Majoring in one of these fields of study should allow students to meet the minimum requirements for Correctional Officers in their state.

Step 5: Apply for a Correctional Officer Position

After completing college or earning a correction certificate, aspiring Correctional Officers can start applying for jobs. The application process varies but typically involves several exams. For example, in the state of California, applicants need to pass a written exam, a physical fitness test, a medical exam, a vision test, and a background check.

Background investigations are necessary for Correctional Officer jobs in almost every state. The background check often includes a review of the applicant’s past employment, relationships, credit responsibility, and criminal history. The prison is also likely to run a fingerprint search.

A criminal history can disqualify candidates from Corrections Officer jobs. Issues that may disqualify an applicant include felony convictions, suspended or revoked licenses, domestic violence misdemeanors, and failure to pass a drug test.

The written exams for Correctional Officer jobs often include multiple-choice questions and cover the duties and responsibilities of the position. Completing a corrections certificate program should provide students with the knowledge needed to pass the exam. Many municipalities and jurisdictions supply applicants with learning resources before the exam.

Step 6: Complete the New Hire Training Program

Most prisons have training programs for newly hired Correctional Officers. The training program may be held at the prison or a separate training center and often lasts several weeks to several months. Correctional Officers are paid during training. Some of the topics covered during training include self-defense techniques, inmate handling methods, officer safety protocols, physical conditioning, and crisis management.

Step 7: Seek Advancement in Your Career

Correctional Officers may seek several career paths, including Senior Correctional Officer and Federal Correctional Officer. Both positions typically require a Bachelor’s degree and/or several years of work experience.