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Career Details : Correctional Officers and Jailers

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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

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    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

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Administration of Justiceadd Administration of Justice to MyFSA
    Aviation/Criminal Justiceadd Aviation/Criminal Justice to MyFSA
    Correctional Studiesadd Correctional Studies to MyFSA
    Correctionsadd Corrections to MyFSA
    Corrections Administrationadd Corrections Administration to MyFSA
    Criminal Justice/Law Enforcementadd Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement to MyFSA
    Criminology/Correctionsadd Criminology/Corrections to MyFSA
    Economic Crime Investigationadd Economic Crime Investigation to MyFSA
    Law Enforcementadd Law Enforcement to MyFSA
    Pre-educationadd Pre-education to MyFSA
    Pre-electrical Engineeringadd Pre-electrical Engineering to MyFSA
    Probation/Paroleadd Probation/Parole to MyFSA
    Security Administrationadd Security Administration to MyFSA
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