Corrections Officer Salary

Corrections officers help ensure the safe and efficient management of prison and jail populations. Corrections officers make sure that all prison procedures and rules are followed, supervise and assist inmates as necessary, and report any issues related to health, behavior, or rules violations. These professionals are typically the first point of contact between incarcerated individuals and the prison administration and legal system. The officers enforce all procedures (usually on a very strict timeline), ensure discipline is maintained for the safety of the inmates, and closely observe all behaviors of incarcerated individuals, reporting and acting on anything out of the ordinary. While many jails have extensive surveillance systems to discourage misbehavior by inmates, the corrections officer also serves in a surveillance capacity.

To work as a corrections officer, a person generally must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. In many cases, a state or jurisdiction also requires some postsecondary education or vocational training either specifically in corrections or in other security-related disciplines. Corrections officers must be patient, able to handle high-stress situations, detail-oriented and able to adhere strictly to procedures as required by supervisors. Corrections officers work in prisons and jails, must be in good physical condition, and able to work shifts as required by their institution and position (which may include evening, overnight, and weekend work). (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Corrections Officer Tasks

• Maintain security of the jail or institution.
• Supervise prisoners and maintain security, rules, regulations and cleanliness in correctional facility.
• Responsible for transporting or moving prisoners.
• Receive and secure prisoners until their release.