Corrections Officer

Correctional officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Bailiffs, also known as marshals or court officers, are law enforcement officers who maintain order in courtrooms. Inside the prison or jail, correctional officers enforce rules and regulations. Officers maintain security by preventing disturbances, assaults, and escapes and by inspecting facilities.

They check cells and other areas for unsanitary conditions, contraband, and signs of a security breach, such as tampering with window bars and doors. Officers also inspect mail and visitors for prohibited items. They conduct regular counts of people in custody to ensure that everyone is present. They write reports and fill out daily logs detailing anything of note that occurred during their shift. Correctional officers may have to restrain people in custody, such as by using handcuffs and leg irons to escort them to and from cells.

Bailiffs’ specific duties vary by court, but their primary duty is to maintain order and security in courts of law. They enforce courtroom procedures that protect the integrity of the legal process. For example, they ensure that attorneys and witnesses do not influence juries outside of the courtroom, and they also may isolate juries from the public in some circumstances. As a neutral party, they may handle evidence during court hearings to ensure that only permitted evidence is displayed.

Required Education

The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires entry-level correctional officers to have a bachelor’s degree or several years of experience in a field providing counseling, assistance, or supervision. Correctional officers and bailiffs complete training at an academy. The International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training maintains Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) programs. Academy trainees receive instruction in a number of subjects, including self-defense, institutional policies, regulations, operations, and security procedures.

Inmate Supervision and Management focuses on techniques for supervising and managing inmates, including communication skills, conflict resolution, behavior management strategies, and techniques for maintaining order and discipline. Security Procedures and Emergency Response in security protocols, including facility security systems, inmate classification, inmate movement procedures, and emergency response protocols for situations such as riots, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.

Correctional treatment specialists, also known as case managers or correctional counselors, advise probationers and parolees and develop rehabilitation plans for them to follow. They may evaluate inmates using questionnaires and psychological tests. They also work with inmates, parole officers, and staff of other agencies to develop parole and release plans. For example, they may plan education and training programs to improve probationers’ job skills.

Prison Guard Certification

Leadership and Supervision Certificate: This certificate focuses on developing leadership and supervisory skills for correctional officers who aspire to advance to higher ranks within the department. Tactical Response Certificate: This certificate provides training in tactical response techniques, including riot control, hostage negotiation, and use of non-lethal weapons. It prepares officers to handle high-risk situations and maintain control in emergency scenarios.

Certification	Skills Required
Correctional Officer	Understanding and implementing facility security protocols. Writing clear and accurate incident reports. Handling and de-escalating conflict situations. Securely transporting inmates between facilities.
Training Officer	Creating and delivering training programs for new recruits. Providing guidance and support to new correctional officers. Assessing trainee performance and providing feedback. Keeping up-to-date with the latest correctional practices and techniques.
Unit Officer	Skills in handling high-risk situations, such as riot control or K9 units. Knowledge of inmate classification systems. Conducting investigations within the correctional facility. Enhanced self-defense and tactical response skills.
Program Specialist	Designing and implementing inmate rehabilitation programs. Managing inmate cases and coordinating with other agencies. Providing counseling and support to inmates. Assisting inmates with reintegration into society post-release.
Emergency Response	Knowledge of procedures for handling emergency situations. Providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid to individuals in need. Understanding the structure and functions of the Incident Command System. Preparing for and responding to unforeseen circumstances.

Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Certificate: This certificate emphasizes techniques for managing crises and de-escalating volatile situations within correctional facilities. It includes training on communication skills, conflict resolution, and recognizing signs of escalating tension among inmates.

CPR and First Aid Certification is essential for law enforcement in order to respond effectively to medical emergencies they may encounter while on duty. This training covers techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), treating wounds, managing fractures, and providing basic life support until professional medical help arrives. Officers must renew this certification periodically to ensure they maintain their proficiency in life-saving techniques.

Pierce County Jail

Corrections Deputy, Rachel Smith, will guide you through the jail, showing you the booking area, release, the kitchen, a unit in the new jail, and a unit in the old jail.

Training in Prison Safety

This video gives exclusive access to prison training for new correctional officer recruits.

Rookie Year

Watch the vigorous training that prospective corrections officers must undergo at the New Mexico Corrections Academy.

Corrections Training Program

New Correctional Officers and Juvenile Program Workers in Maine attend a 6-Week Basic Corrections Training Program.

Probation Officer, Parole

Probation officers supervise people who have been placed on probation. These workers ensure that probationers are not a danger to the community and help in their rehabilitation. Probation officers write reports that detail each probationer’s treatment plan and progress since being put on probation. The number of cases a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist handles at one time depends on each individual’s needs and associated risks. Higher risk clients usually command more of an officer’s time and resources.

Parole officers work with people who have been released from prison and are serving parole, helping them re-enter society. Parole officers monitor postrelease parolees and provide them with information on various resources, such as substance abuse counseling or job training. Probation and parole officers note mental health considerations and oversee drug testing and electronic monitoring of those under supervision. Pretrial services officers investigate a defendant’s background to determine whether they can be safely allowed back into the community before their trial date.

Prison Guard Training

Institutional Procedures

Introduction to Correctional Systems: Overview of correctional institutions and their functions.
Security Procedures: Protocols for maintaining security within the facility.
Contraband Control: Techniques for detecting and controlling contraband.
Emergency Response: Procedures for responding to emergencies within the facility.
Report Writing: Writing clear and concise incident and observation reports.

Inmate Management

Inmate Rights and Privileges: Understanding the legal rights and privileges of inmates.
Behavioral Management: Techniques for managing inmate behavior.
Conflict Resolution: Resolving conflicts between inmates and staff.
Classification and Housing: Procedures for classifying and housing inmates.
Inmate Programs: Overview of educational and rehabilitative programs for inmates.

Security and Control

Perimeter Security: Techniques for securing the facility's perimeter.
Cell Searches: Conducting effective cell searches to ensure safety and security.
Use of Force: Guidelines and policies for the appropriate use of force.
Restraint Techniques: Proper techniques for restraining inmates.
Surveillance Systems: Using surveillance systems to monitor inmate activity.

Legal Issues

Correctional Law: Understanding laws and legal issues relevant to correctional officers.
Ethics and Professionalism: Maintaining ethical standards and professionalism in the workplace.
Prisoner Rights: Understanding the rights of prisoners under the law.
Legal Liability: Avoiding legal liability and understanding the consequences of misconduct.
Recent Legal Updates: Keeping up to date with recent legal developments affecting corrections.

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Communication: Developing effective communication skills with inmates and staff.
Crisis Communication: Techniques for communicating during crises and emergencies.
De-escalation Techniques: Methods for de-escalating potentially violent situations.
Team Communication: Enhancing communication within the correctional team.
Documentation: Proper documentation and record-keeping practices.

Health and Safety

Personal Safety: Techniques for maintaining personal safety on the job.
First Aid and CPR: Providing basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Mental Health Awareness: Understanding and managing mental health issues among inmates.
Substance Abuse: Identifying and managing substance abuse issues within the facility.
Stress Management: Techniques for managing stress in a correctional environment.

Qualities for Success

Ask yourself if you can see yourself as a corrections professional, having daily contact with difficult individuals. Some situational awareness is called for, as prison facilities are dangerous by nature. While classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.

Correctional Officers

Decision-making skills, to determine the best course of action to maintain order and discipline, often in stressful situations.

Detail oriented. Correctional officers and bailiffs follow and enforce procedures in correctional facilities and courts to ensure safety.

Interpersonal skills, to interact and communicate effectively with people in custody, visitors, and other officers of penal institutions and the court to maintain order.

Negotiating skills. Correctional officers must be able to assist in resolving conflict in order to ensure safety.

Physical strength, to subdue people as necessary, including those in or visiting penal institutions and those attending court proceedings.