Career as a Corrections Officer

Nature of Duty
To begin a career, people must have clear knowledge of what they are actually choosing. They must choose something which will benefit them in future. People who opt to be Corrections Officer should be well aware of the nature of duties and responsibilities.
Corrections officers provide security to the local, state and federal prisons by guarding the inmates an also making sure that proper rules and regulations are maintained. They listen to the needs and problems of the individuals inside the prisons and counsel them accordingly. Their duty also covers areas like patrolling the entire prison building, checking the cells, gates, locks etc. to ensure prisoners cannot escape. They also need to look after the safe transition of prisoners form one place to another as per requirements. Often they have to tackle hostile situations. These officers are specially trained in use of guns, handcuffs and other restraint equipments to handle such situations.
Education
We know that education serves the foundation of every career. In this field, too, certain level of education is required. Some correctional facilities require and prefer at least high school education. The Federal Bureau of Prisons prefers the applicants must have bachelor’s degree. It may accept three years of full-time experience in counseling and supervision of individuals or a combination of college study and counseling work. The age limit may vary form eighteen years to twenty-one years as per rules.
Selection Procedure
The procedures of selection require the candidates to pass a written exam. The exam consists of different stages and questions based on different subjects are provided to the candidates to test their knowledge and abilities. After clearing written exams physical exams are also taken to ensure that the candidate is fit enough for the post.
Mode of Training
The training period can vary according to the institutions and prison size. It may last form one month to six months. The training may be held inside the correctional facility or an academy or in the department of correction. It includes courses in the principles, practices, terminology, and rules of modern correctional methods. Self-defense, physical restraint of prisoners, use of guns and rifle shooting skills are also practiced. When a candidate clears a certain stage of training, he/she is provided certificates form the American Correctional Association to confirm the achievement.

Getting the Job
The local and state prisons offer more job opportunities than federal prisons. Job seekers can apply directly to state or county correctional institutions or state and local civil service commissions. Those who want jobs in the federal prison system should take the necessary civil service tests.
Job Outlook
Promotions are provided according to the experience, performance, education and training. An officer generally receives promotion form Corrections Officer to Sergeant to Lieutenant to Deputy Keeper and so on. The employment outlook for Corrections Officers is very good in the coming years. More vacancies are expected to be filled up as there will be expansion in number of prisons. As such, a candidate who wants to pursue a career as a Corrections Officer can look forward for the opportunities.
Work environment and duty hours
The candidates who want to be Corrections Officer must be aware that this job is not an easy offering. They might have to go through various hostile and stressful situations. Their success depends on how they tackle such situations. Generally the shifts are of eight hours, which is rotational. The officers might be called up during emergencies and may have to work on weekends if the situation demands such involvement.
Earnings
The pay scales of the Corrections Officers vary depending on the type of job, seniority and location of the job. To begin with, they receive an average median annual salary of $39,324. This figure goes up as there is increase in seniority and rank.