Correction officers, also known as detention officers, are responsible for supervising prisoners, enforcing rules and maintaining security in a correctional facility. Requirements to become a corrections officer vary, but often include training and work experience.Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma and Basic Experience
A high school diploma or its equivalent is the first requirement for individuals who want a career in corrections. Applicants for non-federal positions may find that law enforcement or military experience can take the place of higher education requirements. The job duties of military police officers, for example, include patrolling, guarding military installations, arresting suspected criminals, investigating crime scenes and conducting suspect interrogations. These duties reinforce skills, which may be useful to corrections officers.Step 2: Consider Postsecondary Education Options
Depending on the correctional institution to which a candidate applies, some college coursework may also be required or recommended. Aspiring correctional officers may consider an associate's or bachelor's degree in law enforcement, police studies, criminal justice or a related field. Course topics generally include constitutional law, peacekeeping and criminal investigations. Federal prisons look for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Federal Bureaus of Prisons (www.bop.gov).Step 3: Apply For a Job in Corrections
Because working in corrections requires an individual who can handle all types of situations, including potentially violent ones, employers may favor applicants with law enforcement or military experience. The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires at least three years of full-time work experience in a related field for those who do not hold bachelor's degrees. Physical aptitude is another common job requirement, and newly hired officers at federal prisons must be under 37 years old.Corrections officers are also required to be U.S. citizens and pass a background check. Potential employers may review an applicant's criminal history and look for felony convictions. Candidates for corrections work often need a verifiable work history and the ability to pass a drug test. Some institutions also check a candidate's credit history to identify those who may be vulnerable to bribery.
Step 4: Complete On-the-Job Training
Corrections officers can find work in federal, state or local institutions. A position in federal corrections requires many hours of formal training during the first year of work, plus specialized training during the first months of employment. A city or county jail typically doesn't require extensive training, though some local institutions follow American Jail Association or American Correctional Association training guidelines. Prisons may offer pay differentials based on risk factors and training requirements.Article Source: How to Become a Correctional Officer
