What is it like to become a correctional officer?
Correctional officers, also referred to as detention officers, work in prisons, jails and reformatory centers and have a responsibility to keep these facilities safe for both staff and inmates. Correctional officers may search cells for contraband or dangerous objects, escort prisoners during transport and enforce order in common areas of the correctional facility.TrainingCorrectional officers need to hold at least a high school diploma, and a state may offer formal classroom instruction in addition to on-the-job training.Working ConditionsCorrectional officers normally work 8-hour shifts and 40-hour weeks. Professionals in the correctional field need to use caution when interacting with inmates, because nonfatal injuries occur frequently in this line of work, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.Additional DutiesCorrectional officers must complete a written report whenever a disturbance occurs in the area they are responsible for. Professionals in thi
