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Degrees and Schools
College credits are sometimes required by state and local employers, while a four-year degree is required of federal corrections officers if a candidate does not have the required work experience. Many four-year colleges offer bachelors degrees in criminal justice. Other applicable degrees include but are not limited to psychology, sociology, police science and social work.
Training academies are offered at the Federal, state, regional and local levels for training of correctional officers. Guidelines are established by the American Jail Association and American Correctional Association.
Classes
Students of criminal justice, psychology, sociology and social work study:
- theories of human behavior
- statistics, measurement and research
- social problems and interventions
- the justice system
- psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior
Curricula at training academies typically cover:
- institutional policies and regulations
- processes and operations
- custody and security procedures
Officer trainees receive weeks or months of supervised on the job training which usually includes:
- legal restrictions
- interpersonal relations
- firearms proficiency
- self-defense skills
- tactical response
Online Classes and Programs
College-level online classes and degree programs in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work and related areas are plentiful and convenient. Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Employment Requirements
All corrections officers and jailers must:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent
- be at least 18 to 21 years old (depends on the location)
- be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen
- have no convictions for felonies
- have previous work experience in any field, law enforcement / military work experience, or college credits (varies by state)
- meet standards of physical and mental fitness
- pass drug screening and background checks
- pass a written examination
State and local agencies sometimes require at least some college credits, while federal corrections officers must have at least a bachelors degree, 3 years in a relevant field, or a combination. Law enforcement or military experience can be applied to meet this requirement.
All corrections officers go through academy training and on-the-job training. Beginning federal correctional officers must complete 120 hours of training within 60 days of their hire, and receive an additional 200 hours of training during their first year.
How to Evaluate Corrections Schools
Students comparing degree programs in corrections-related fields of study should consider asking these questions:
- State / Federal acceptability - Does the chosen area of study fall within state or federal guidelines?
- Classes and subjects - If a criminal justice or police science degree program, is the curriculum geared towards preparing students for a career in corrections?
- Financial aid and expenses - What student loan, grant, work / study or scholarship opportunities are available? Does the school provide an abundance of resources to take advantage of these financial aid options?
- Graduate success - How many program graduates went on to become employed in corrections?
Correctional Officer or Jailer Job Description
In prisons, reformatories and jails, correctional officers supervise and manage suspected and convicted criminals. Correctional officers and jailers interact with adolescents and adults who have entered the justice system after they are arrested, while they are awaiting trial, and as they serve their time. Also known as detention officers, correctional officers' responsibilities include:
- Maintaining order within the institution
- Preventing disturbances, violence and escapes
- Enforcing inmate accountability, rules and regulations
- Monitoring inmate activities and supervising work assignments
- Searching inmates and their belongings for contraband
- Restraining and / or escorting inmates
- Inspecting cells and other areas for evidence of infractions or tampering with security measures, contraband, unsanitary conditions, and fire hazards
- Checking mail and visitors for restricted items
- Providing verbal and written reports on inmate conduct and work productivity
- Reporting disturbances, rule violations, security breaches and any unusual occurrences
- Assist local law enforcement with investigating escapes and searching for escapees
- Using technology such as computers, video cameras and tracking software to monitor activities
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