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Correction Officer job description

Updated March 14, 2024
8 min read

Correction officers are primarily responsible for overseeing the jails, prisons, or specific cells they are assigned to look after by enforcing rules, managing the activities of the inmates assigned to them, and inspecting the facilities to check whether they meet the safety and security standards. They are expected to be alert and have quick decision-making skills.

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Example correction officer requirements on a job description

Correction officer requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in correction officer job postings.
Sample correction officer requirements
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Pass a background check
  • Complete a training program
  • Physical fitness and agility
Sample required correction officer soft skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work well in a team
  • Composure under pressure
  • Strong ethical standards

Correction Officer job description example 1

York County correction officer job description

1. Ensures a safe and secure facility by managing the secure in and out processing,

transportation, care, and behavior of inmates.

2. Ensures quality inmate activities by preparing, executing, and managing lock downs,

head counts, recreation, visits, interviews, medical passes and treatment, dining and inmate

rehabilitation programs.

3. Ensures inmates court appearance by organizing, preparing, executing, and managing

transport; maintaining the safety and security of inmates and the public throughout the

entire process.

4. Meets all corrections facility standards by supervising the cleaning and disinfecting of

inmate quarters and provides necessary linen and supplies.

5. Takes emergency action when necessary by summoning Medical department and

services as necessary; managing cell assignments and transfers.

6. In emergency situations, such as fire or bomb threat, ensures inmate safety by

organizing, preparing, executing and managing the evacuation of sections or the entire

facility.

7. Ensures inmates follow required behavior standards by supervising recreation, visiting,

dining, schools, AA meetings and other activities.

8. Ensures immediate handling of problems by intervening in inmate altercations and

escorts unruly inmates into segregation area.

9. Meets all legal requirements by maintaining accurate logs on all significant activity in the

housing units.

10. Ensures inmates abide by facility rules by performing searches of inmates, rooms and

the entire facility to prevent use and seize any contraband.

11. Assists staff by working in specialized skill areas as trained and assigned.

12. Provide for inmate’s needs by organizing, sorting, transporting, delivering and

collecting mail.

13. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops,

establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.

14. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

15. Supports the Sheriff’s safety and health policies by attending required safety training

programs, reporting all accidents and suspected safety hazards to Supervisor.

16. Fulfills job function by participating as an active member in training, participating on

Sheriff task forces and performing other responsibilities as assigned.

Company DescriptionWe are an environment that promotes growth amongst our ranks. We pride ourselves on having a culture of respect for all.
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Correction Officer job description example 2

City of Rock Hill correction officer job description

Correctional Officer I
Annual Salary: $40,000 Per Year
Position Type: Full-Time
Close Date: Until Filled

General Description:
The purpose of this job/class within the organization is to perform protective services work involving the detention and incarceration of adults and juveniles awaiting judicial action or serving limited sentences in the City jail facility. This job/class works under close supervision according to set procedures.

Minimum Training and Experience:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and experience in a job that requires extensive public contact. Training or experience in law enforcement is helpful. The equivalent combination of education and related work experience may be considered.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
SCCJA Basic Jail Certification to be completed within 1 year of employment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the purposes of correctional institutions. Ability to exercise good judgment and initiative in a variety of situations and take appropriate action in a firm, courteous, and tactful manner. Ability to communicate with courts, probation departments, juvenile counselors, and other related agencies regarding detention or disposition of prisoners. Ability to meet specific physical requirements established by a competent medical authority. Ability to wear a respirator/air pack and pass a respirator fit test. Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers. Personally demonstrates appropriate customer service skills. Work is performed onsite. The incumbent must be present at work to perform the essential functions of this job.
Essential Job Functions:

Receives, processes, and secures inmates that are brought into the jail facility. Maintains discipline, safety, and security in the City Jail or while in transit to courts, prison farms, detention centers, and medical facilities. Observes conduct and behavior of arrestees to prevent disturbances and escapes; conducts physical searches of arrestees and cells for contraband articles; performs security checks for damage, safety, and other emergency reasons. Assists with bond hearing as needed to ensure bond hearings are carried out efficiently. Processes bond hearing paperwork and inmate releases in a timely manner. Receives and reviews arrest reports, citation reports, bond payments, commitments, bond hearing certifications, warrants and citations, victim forms, summonses, memos, etc. Completes civilian fingerprints as required. Prepares and/or processes jail lists, booking reports, property release forms, hold forms, fingerprint cards, intake forms, visitation logs, daily shift logs, waivers, etc. Performs clerical duties, including typing and filing; completes reports; answers phones; issues summons. Performs light housekeeping duties; prepares and serves food; gives medication; collects and disposes of trash. Performs related work as assigned.
This Notice is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the job. This is intended only to describe the general nature of the job. A more comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and essential job functions is available on the job description. The City of Rock Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, political affiliation, disability, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), or age.
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Correction Officer job description example 3

Lake Region correction officer job description

The Correctional Officer is the front line staff of the Lake Region Correctional Facility and as such is responsible for the safety and security of the facility, staff, and inmates. The Correctional Officers will follow the policies and procedures of the facility to include holding inmates accountable to established rules and regulations.

· Conducting wellbeing checks every hour on an irregular basis, not to exceed sixty minutes between checks

· Escorting inmates to/from assigned housing units for court, visitation, recreation, appointments, release

· Assist in the processing of new arrestees (pat down search, unclothed search, booking photos, PREA assessment, initial medical screening, chemical testing)
· Responding to inmate requests (at your level)
· Dispensing inmate meals, medication, mail and commissary
· Collecting dirty linens / passing out clean linens
· Collecting meal trays and trash after each meal time
· Conducting searches of inmates and assigned areas as instructed
· Inspecting all areas of the secure confines of the jail
· Maintain a chronological daily log in the computer of the events that occurred during the shift
· Complete all counts, inventories and reports prior to going off shift
· Know the emergency evacuation procedures for the entire facility
· Conduct emergency evacuation drills with the inmates as assigned
· Communicate in person, on the phone or radio in a professional manner
· Ensure all inmates are accounted for and in the proper location
· Respond to emergent situations within the secure confines of the jail
· Follow the chain of command and enforce it with the inmates
· Report any concerns to your immediate supervisor
· Additional duties as assigned by supervisors
Required Job Skills:
· Excellent communication skills
· Able to take orders
· Moderate computer skills
· Ability to keep calm in emergency situations
· Critical thinking
· Good judgement
· Self-disciplined
· Resilient
· Unquestionable Integrity
· Must successfully complete a six-month probationary period
Job Qualifications:
· Must be at least eighteen years of age
· Must pass pre-employment drug screen
· Must have a valid driver’s license
· Must pass a criminal background check
· Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)


We are looking forward to reading your application.
Available shifts and compensation: We have available shifts all days of the week. Compensation is $20.00/hour.
About Lake Region Law Enforcement Center: Lake Region Law Enforcement Center is looking for an individual to join our team. Our ideal candidate is self-driven, motivated and trustworthy.


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Updated March 14, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.