Why do you want to be a correctional officer?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You answer, "why do you want to be a correctional officer," by focusing on wanting to work in a rehabilitative environment where you can help people turn their lives around. Honesty and integrity are crucial to the role of a correctional officer; therefore, it is vital that you demonstrate these qualities in your answer.

You need to have an understanding of what integrity means and how you apply it to the workplace. Make it clear that you believe in doing what is right.

Correctional facilities are designed to rehabilitate offenders, and every officer on staff should be on board with that mission. This means that you should not be interested in this position in order to "punish" criminal offenders or to have power or control over them. Correctional facilities are looking to treat everyone with humanity, dignity, and respect.

Your answer should focus on your belief that people can change given the right circumstances and opportunities. You believe that you can provide discipline and stability to people in those facilities and serve as a role model and educator. You believe in rehabilitation and the ability to transform criminals into law-abiding citizens.

You also believe that being a correctional officer can make a positive impact on your community. While you cannot arrest the criminals, you play a role in reforming them so that they no longer pose a threat. You also reduce recidivism by matching them with programs that can address their needs and minimize their risk of reoffending.

Example answers include:

I want to be a Correctional Officer for two reasons. The first is that I am at a stage in my life where I want a new challenge that allows me to utilize the skills and qualities I have built up over the years. I have excellent judgment and leadership skills, I am a very strong team player, and I can be trusted to follow the rules and procedures correctly.

The second is that I genuinely want to work in a rehabilitative environment where I can influence people to lead better lives and make better choices. Having studied the job description of a Correctional Officer carefully, I believe I will be a good addition to your already-established team.