Contact
Search Jobs Search WorkKeys®

in

Welcome,
New User

Correctional Officers and Jailers

Email Print

Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.

Related: First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers  Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers  Radiologic Technologists & Technicians  Ship Engineers  Transit & Railroad Police   

Industries: Government 

View All

    Work Activities

    Work Activities

    • Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
    • Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
    • Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
    • Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
    • Process or book convicted individuals into prison.
    • Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.
    • Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.
    • Search for and recapture escapees.
    • Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
    • Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.
    • Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.
    • Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.
    • Settle disputes between inmates.
    • Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites.
    • Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.
    • Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences.
    • Participate in required job training.
    • Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.
    • Arrange daily schedules for prisoners, including library visits, work assignments, family visits, and counseling appointments.
    • Supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers.
    • Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates.
    • Assign duties to inmates, providing instructions as needed.
    • Sponsor inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups.

    Skills

    • Social Perceptiveness

      Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

    • Speaking

      Talking to others to convey information effectively.

    • Active Listening

      Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

    WorkKeys®

    Applied Math
    3
    Workplace Documents
    4
    Graphic Literacy
    4

    Abilities

    • Oral Comprehension

      The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

    • Oral Expression

      The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

    • Problem Sensitivity

      The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

    Knowledge

    • Public Safety and Security

      Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

    • Law and Government

      Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

    • English Language

      Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

    Career Video

    Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop
    Search 2-4 year Schools
    Search Graduate Schools
    Find Jobs
    Create a Career Plan What's this?
    Search Career Pathways

    Ohio Employment Trends

    • Currently Employed 13,520
    • Yearly Projected Openings 980

    Typical Education

    Personality

    Realistic: People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.They do well at jobs that need:
    • Integrity
    • Stress Tolerance
    • Self Control
    • Attention to Detail
    • Dependability
    • Adaptability/Flexibility

    Tools

    • Handguns
    • Ear plugs
    • Desktop computers
    • Body armour
    • Anti cut gloves

    Technology

    • Word processing software
    • Internet browser software
    • Document management software
    • Data base user interface and query software
    • Data base management system software

    Tags

    • InDemand occupations are considered a priority by the state of Ohio.
    • Apprenticeships are available for this occupation. These programs can help you get hands-on experience and build your skills.
    Need help on researching occupations and careers? Download the Guide to Researching Occupations (PDF).

    Need help on how to research education and training programs? Download the Guide to Higher Education (PDF).

    Budget Calculator

    Answer a few questions to determine your target salary. Use this target salary to help choose the right occupation for you.

    Start

    Lifestyle Calculator

    Answer a few questions to determine your target salary. Use this target salary to help choose the right occupation for you.

    Start

    Workforce Supply Tool

    Workforce Supply Tool

    The Workforce Supply Tool provides statistics for the occupations in highest demand throughout Ohio.

    You can view statewide statistics as well as more region specific information.

    Visit Site
    Powered By: