How to become a Correctional Officer

An individual who oversees the prisoners in the rehabilitation facilities and prisons are known as correctional officers. They are also accountable to supervise people who have been arrested, waiting for trials or sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. They usually work with the local, state and federal government departments, although there are job openings for them in the substance abuse facilities as well as psychiatric departments in hospitals. They are also expected to maintain law and order, enforce rules and regulations amongst the people in the prison or rehabilitation centers as well as, write reports for the same.

Correctional officers also have the authority to restrain inmates with handcuffs or leg irons and escort them safely to and from their cells for authorized visitors, courtrooms, medical facilities etc. The maintenance of security is practised by preventing violence, assaults, and escapes in the cell along with inspecting the facilities. They supervise the cell area for sanitary conditions, rule violations, security breach, etc. Their task also involves writing reports and filling out daily logs in detail about the inmate's behaviour as well as any other incidence that needed attention. 

A few core responsibilities that a correctional officer is held accountable for are:

• Supervise inmates in prisons and rehabilitation centers.
• Oversee arrested individuals, serving out the sentence as well as ones waiting or undergoing trials.
• Ensures the cell facilities are safe by regulating a strict schedule for the inmates. routine inspections, preventing fights, etc.
• Prevent escapes by performing regular inspections to guard against possible interference as well as checking locks, fences and gates surrounding the facility.
• Keep a close watch on the charges of the inmates as well as report any odd, dangerous or suspicious behaviours. 
• Supervise most aspects of prisoners daily routine, including recreational activities to transportation services provided to them.
• Fulfil mandatory administrative tasks such as sending e-mails regarding prohibited items to the expected visitors, editing and maintaining records of the transferred inmates, etc.
• Act as a direct link between the court and inmates in providing reports, maintaining files as well as informing the higher officials about any unusual situation.
• Conduct routine inspections in the cells of the inmates for restricted, missing or suspicious items.

• There are a few mandatory abilities and skills needed to become a correctional officer so that they function at their optimum level in their job role.
• They need a good sense of social perceptiveness, that helps them be aware of the inmate's reactions and understand the reason behind their reactions.
• They must also have good speaking skills as it helps in conveying information more effectively to the prisoners as well as other officers. Their monitoring skills need to be efficient so as to make improvements or take corrective actions.
• Critical thinking must come in handy to them to use logic and reasoning as per the need of the situation. The skill of persuasion is also one of the major strengths that the officer requires so as to convince the prisoners to change their minds or behaviour.
• They also need writing abilities for a better hand in written communication skill for filing reports. They must also demonstrate social awareness and emotional control to keep calm under pressure.