WHAT IS A CORRECTION OFFICER?

By James Milowski

One of the most misunderstood and often misrepresented titles in law enforcement has always been that of a Correction Officer. Mostly represented by the entertainment media and Hollywood as that of a low level, knuckle-dragging thug who enjoys a sadistic nature in mistreating inmates and other innocent persons incarcerated in dungeon like prisons. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The men and women of today's Corrections are highly trained, dedicated law enforcement professionals in a rapidly changing and challenging feild. Today's Correction Officers must receive training in a vast array of diverse feilds such as modern mental health, sociology and criminal justice. Many jurisdictions are even now requiring candidates for the job to hold at least an associates degree to be considered for hire.

Correction Officers must evaluate, observe, and classify inmates as they are introduced into their facilities. Based upon their initial observations, they will place an inmate into appropriate housing, whether it be general population (which most individuals qualify), administrative segregation (for special classes of individuals based on mental health, behavioral or other classification issues such as their criminal charges) or other special housing based on individual need or status (which could include secure hospital wards for severe medical/mental health problems). Once inmates are housed, correction officers assigned to those housing units will then monitor those inmates, and oversee all of their daily activities, ensure they make all their appointments (courts, doctors, programs etc.) as well as making sure that they recieve meals, medications and other neccessary items they may need and are entitled to.

Officers will supervise all inmate activities and movements within the facility and wherever they may be required to appear. Many Correction Officers are also certified Peace Officers, giving them broader powers, and as such, greater responsibilities. There are physical, and mental requirements, and you may also be required to train in, and carry firearms. Correction Officer candidates are encouraged to check with their respective jurisdictions as to the particular requirements and qualifications, whether it be federal, state, county or parish, before applying for the job. The best source of information is always a friend, relative or neighbor who may be a Correction Officer, or you can check your local government website for employment opportunities.