National Application Center :: career details :: Correctional Officers and Jailers
Career Details :: Correctional Officers and Jailers
Description
Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institution in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Monitors conduct of prisoners, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
- Records information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidences of inmate disturbance.
- Guards facility entrance to screen visitors.
- Serves meals and distributes commissary items to prisoners.
- Takes prisoner into custody and escorts to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.
- Inspects locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facility, to prevent escape.
- Uses weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.
- Searches prisoners, cells, and vehicles for weapons, valuables, or drugs.
Related Careers
- Bailiffs
- Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
- Fire Inspectors
- Fire Investigators
- Immigration and Customs Inspectors
- Police Detectives
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Security Guards
- Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
- Transit and Railroad Police
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Consequence of Error
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Objective or Subjective Information
- Importance of Being Aware of New Events
