Correctional Officer Job Description
Correctional officers work in prisons and detention centers where they are responsible for monitoring inmates. They work with prisoners who are awaiting trial or have been convicted of a crime. In many settings, they are also referred to as detention officers.
The primary job of a correctional officer is to maintain inmate security and accountability. They ensure that unruly behavior is handled with tact and force when needed and also make sure that any disturbances or escapes are prevented or overcome.
Jails and correction facilities usually hire people with great physical strength and mental agility for this position as the need for both these are very high in this work.
Apart from handling the physical aspects of managing inmates, correctional officers also enforce rules and regulations.
They also search prison cells to make sure that inmates are not hiding drugs or weapons that are potentially harmful.
Since correctional officers are mostly security personnel, they look out for signs of tampering on gates, doors, and grills to ensure that prisoners are not planning escapes.
Working in a very demanding position, correctional officers are required to handle many other tasks than the usual job duties. Here are some of them:
Job Duties for a Correctional Officer Resume
• Monitor inmate activities inside prison cells and during activity time.
• Oversee movements of inmates in dining and visitation areas.
• Ensure that detainee movement is coordinated appropriately, handle headcounts, and manage emergency response when required.
• Provide support for control rooms and port entrances.
• Ensure that security measures are taken during program activities.
• Manage disciplinary action when inmates get unruly.
• Provide prompt and apt assistance to inmates in the event of illness and trauma.
• Break up fights between inmates and attempt to control inmate physical contact.
• Promote the cleanliness of the facility – both indoor and outdoor.
• Inspect prison cells to ensure that no hazardous materials are hidden.
• Make sure that any drugs or weapons are seized immediately, and inmate reported appropriately.
• Make sure that inmates are adequately fed per their nutritional needs.
• Perform supervision activities in housing and other activities.
• Provide security assistance when shifting inmates between wings and prisons.
• Instruct inmates in producing food in a hygienic manner.
• Promote social skills development by modeling good behavior.
• Perform random security checks on inmates.
• Escort inmates to court hearings and doctors’ appointments.
• Restrain disorderly inmates.
• Assign new inmates to their cells and provide them with an overview of the facility.
• Handle inmate records and keep the inventory of prison supplies.