What is a Corrections Officer

Correctional Officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, and prison. They are responsible for the supervision, safety, and security of inmates and the jail itself.

Learn about the Cuyahoga County Corrections/Jail

Basic Duties

• Enforce rules and and keep order within jails or prisons.
• Supervise activities of people in custody.
• Maintain security by preventing disturbances, assaults, and escapes.
• Inspect facilities to ensure that they meet security and safety standards.
• Conduct searches in the facility for unsanitary conditions, contraband, signs of a security breach, and other rule violations.
• Report on the conduct and make regular counts of people in custody.
• Inspect mail and visitors for prohibited items.
• Escort and transport people in custody.
• Write reports and fill out daily logs detailing anything of note that occurred during their shift.

Hiring Roadmap

Typical Entry-Level Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• No pending criminal cases or felony/serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Apply to take civil service test.
• Additional interviews and evaluations may occur such as physical agility test, medical evaluation, criminal history/background check, and psychological evaluation.

Training

Complete training at an academy where you will receive instruction in self-defense, institutional policies, regulations, operations, and security procedures.

Advancement

Correctional officers may advance to supervisory positions such as sergeant, lieutenant, or captain. They also may move into specialized units, such as gang task force or hostage negotiation. For employment in federal prisons, the Federal Bureau of Prisons requires entry-level correctional officers to have a bachelor’s degree or several years of experience in a field providing counseling, assistance, or supervision.

Average Pay & Benefits

• National median average per US Bureau of Labor Statistics: $57,970 per year or $27.86 per hour.
• Cuyahoga County Pay: $26.50/hour.
• Benefits will vary by department but often include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holiday pay, overtime pay, uniform allowance, and retirement/pension plan.

Work Environment

Work in jails and prisons, and escort people in custody to court. Working in a correctional institution can be stressful and dangerous. Correctional officers work in shifts that cover all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays.