CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS Number 220 Interest Area 4 1998
THE JOB
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS help maintain the security, custody, discipline and welfare of adults convicted of felonies and serving a term in one of the 32 State or seven federal correctional facilities. The primary duty of Correctional Officers is to maintain custody and supervise the conduct of inmates in prisons, penitentiaries, conservation camps and community correctional work centers. Officers supervise inmates during work, meals, bathing, recreation and in all other activities, and escort them during transfers inside and outside of the institution. For example, they transport prisoners from one facility to another and accompany them to court appearances. Correctional Officers ensure that inmates know, understand and obey the rules and regulations of the institution; they write reports on any violations and take appropriate action. Officers must periodically count and search inmates and inspect their living quarters. Officers secure towers, gates and fences, and if escapes occur, help search for and recapture escapees. Officers also admit, instruct and escort authorized visitors and supervise visits to inmates.
Helping to prepare offenders for return to society is an important part of the Correctional Officer's job. Officers strive to build good relationships with inmates as an aid in promoting socially acceptable attitudes and behavior. They may sponsor inmate newspapers and self-help groups.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Correctional Officers work in various sized penal institutions, ranging from tightly controlled, maximum-security prisons to light-security complexes resembling college campuses. Some work in small, minimum-security conservation camps located in forest and brush lands throughout the State. A few are assigned to "halfway houses" or to community correctional centers, which are located in several major cities.
There is some potential for personal harm, although the nature and extent of danger vary with each assignment. In general, the hazard is minimized by following recognized procedures for preventing and controlling violence.
Correctional Officers may join the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, the organization that represents Correctional Officers in the State.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Correction Officers and Jailers which includes Correctional Officers.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 26,090 Estimated number of workers in 2005 42,590 Projected Growth 1993-2005 63% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,620
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment of Correctional Officers is projected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2005. Several new State prisons are being planned over the next few years to accommodate an anticipated increase in the number of convicted felons. Legislation such as the "Three Strikes" law is thought to have increased the inmate population, necessitating an increase in the number of officers. With the population as a whole increasing, the steady demand for new officers is likely to continue well into the next century.
In addition to these new jobs, hiring will also be needed to fill vacancies resulting from turnover and workers leaving the labor market. Since Correctional Officer is an entry-level position, turnover is often high, with promising job opportunities in facilities having frequent vacancies.
Over 95 percent of Correctional Officers are employed by the State of California, while the balance work in federal correctional facilities.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
State Correctional Officers start at $2,001 a month during their six-week training period. After successful completion of training they receive $2,355 a month with in-grade raises up to $3,835. The usual work week is forty hours, but officers may be assigned to any one of three eight-hour shifts. Overtime, which may be required during emergencies, is compensated at time and a half.
Federal employees start their careers at the GS-5 level, which offers a pay range of $1,627 to $2,115 a month. The top step usually achieved is the Senior Officer Specialist, GS-8, which ranges from $2,231 to $2,901 per month. Shift work and working on Sundays and holidays is common.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Correctional Officers must be physically fit and emotionally mature. They must be able to analyze situations accurately and to react quickly when necessary. Human relations skills are also important because officers are expected to supervise inmates with firmness, impartiality and tact.
Eligibility for employment as a State Correctional Officer is determined by a three-phase examination which consists of a video and written test, a medical evaluation including a physical abilities test and a thorough background investigation.
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent, or 12 units of college. Applications cannot be accepted from persons with felony convictions or certain drug usage. Correctional Officers must be at least 21 years old at time of appointment and have a valid California driver's license.
New hires attend a Department of Corrections Training Academy in Galt, near Sacramento, for six weeks. During their first nine months of employment (probationary period), Correctional Officers rotate among various assignments and different shifts.
Throughout their first year, officers receive on-the-job training in all the basic custodial skills including cell search, body search, transportation of prisoners, supervision of inmates and human relations. To supplement on-the- job training, officers take formal courses in subjects where their skills need strengthening. Experienced employees receive additional training as part of an ongoing program to improve job performance.
Eligibility for employment in the federal prison system requires three years' public contact experience or a bachelor's degree plus six months' experience, high school graduation or GED, and maximum age of 35. Applicants must also pass an oral and physical exam. A written test is not required. Three weeks of specialized training is given at the residential training center located at Glynco, Georgia.
ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities are sometimes available for promotion to correctional sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Two years of experience at the previous level is required to take the promotional examination for each of these positions.
FINDING THE JOB
For employment with the State of California, applications for examinations are accepted continuously in person or by mail at the regional testing centers (see below).
The written examination is given in various places in California as the number of candidates and conditions warrant. An applicant may take the written exam only once a year, but may take the physical abilities test more often. Persons who pass the complete examination will be placed on an eligible list according to rank. Appointments are made from this list, which remains in effect for two years.
Persons interested in a career in the federal corrections system should contact the Federal Prison System Examining Section at the address below.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Federal Prison System, Examining Section 320 First Street, NW, Room 460 Washington, DC 20534 (202) 514-2000
State of California Regional Centers
Northern Testing Center 2201 Broadway Sacramento, CA 95818-2572 (916) 227-2110
Southern Testing Center 9055 Haven Avenue, Suite 104 Rancho Cucomonga, CA 91730-5428 (909) 944-6697
Central Testing Center 4440 North First Street, Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93726 (209) 445-6141
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Security Guards No. 75 Probation Officer and Parole Agents No. 192 Law Enforcement Occupations No. 457
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Jailer 372.367-014 Correction Officer 372.667-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Correction Officers, Jailers 630170
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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