What Do Correctional Officer or Jailer Do?
Correctional Officer or Jailer Job Description 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.
List of Correctional Officer or Jailer Job Duties
- Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.
- Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidences of inmate disturbance, and keep daily logs of prisoner activities.
- Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.
- Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
- Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
- Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.
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Things a Correctional Officer or Jailer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Correctional Officers and Jailers say are important on the job.
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Correctional Officer or Jailer
- Police Matron
- Jailkeeper
- Cottage Master
- Community Services Officer
- Guard
Job Outlook for Correctional Officers and Jailers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 450,000 jobs in the United States for Correctional Officer or Jailer. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Correctional Officer or Jailer. The BLS estimates 31,300 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Correctional Officer or Jailer are Washington, Illinois, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, New Jersey, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Correctional Officer or Jailer
The average yearly salary of a Correctional Officer or Jailer ranges between $31,140 and $76,760.
Correctional Officers and Jailers who work in California, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
How much do Correctional Officers and Jailers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $36,760 |
Alaska | $64,670 |
Arizona | $44,150 |
Arkansas | $34,120 |
California | $75,400 |
Colorado | $50,620 |
Connecticut | $54,420 |
Florida | $43,410 |
Georgia | $34,290 |
Hawaii | $59,020 |
Idaho | $39,710 |
Illinois | $62,440 |
Indiana | $36,960 |
Iowa | $50,750 |
Kansas | $36,550 |
Kentucky | $35,940 |
Louisiana | $34,370 |
Maine | $40,440 |
Maryland | $49,220 |
Massachusetts | $67,920 |
Michigan | $51,890 |
Minnesota | $51,660 |
Mississippi | $30,840 |
Missouri | $31,650 |
Montana | $40,570 |
Nebraska | $40,310 |
Nevada | $62,140 |
New Hampshire | $47,860 |
New Jersey | $70,280 |
New Mexico | $36,250 |
New York | $64,490 |
North Carolina | $38,500 |
North Dakota | $44,700 |
Ohio | $45,190 |
Oklahoma | $33,060 |
Oregon | $58,450 |
Pennsylvania | $54,140 |
Rhode Island | $68,710 |
South Carolina | $37,560 |
South Dakota | $39,310 |
Tennessee | $35,470 |
Texas | $42,380 |
Utah | $46,150 |
Vermont | $45,810 |
Virginia | $41,860 |
Washington | $57,740 |
West Virginia | $36,960 |
Wisconsin | $44,230 |
Wyoming | $42,290 |
What Tools & Technology do Correctional Officers and Jailers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Correctional Officers and Jailers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Guardian RFID
- Jail management software
Becoming a Correctional Officer or Jailer
Education needed to be a Correctional Officer or Jailer:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
Who Employs Correctional Officers and Jailers?
Below are examples of industries where Correctional Officers and Jailers work:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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