Correctional Officer

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Enforce rules and keep order within jails or prisons.
• Supervise activities of inmates.
• Aid in rehabilitation and counseling of offenders.
• Inspect facilities to ensure that they meet standards.
• Search inmates for contraband items.
• Report on inmate conduct.

Education:

• High school diploma
• Bachelor's degree

Salary:  $35,000 per year

Work Hours: Correctional officers usually work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, on rotating shifts. Because jail and prison security must be provided around the clock, officers work all hours of the day and night, weekends, and holidays. Some correctional facilities have longer shifts and more days off between scheduled workweeks. Many officers are required to work overtime.

Reflection:

Being a correctional officer requires many specific responsibilities and duties. The lives and health factors of these inmates are in the hands and care of these officers. They are responsible to make sure the inmates are in their best behavior, they must search their rooms and belongings for any health risks, enforce rules and authority, report , etc. I am hoping to pursue my education in learning Sociology to become a correctional officer to a Juvenile Court Prison. Being able to be involved with juveniles who are focusing on only doing bad gives me enough motivation to study and conquer this career path.