The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in correctional officer roles:

• Oversee the actions and activities of all prisoners during shifts
• Ensure all prisoners are accounted for at all times and in expected locations
• Inspect prisoners and their guests for contraband like drugs or weapons
• Inspect prison cells for contraband and/or signs of an escape attempt
• Intervene in, prevent, and stop violent acts to ensure the safety of all prisoners

A Day in the Life

Correctional officers work in prisons and are responsible for maintaining order. Because prisoners are naturally disgruntled about their situation, correctional officers must be diligent to fulfill their responsibilities. They must conduct frequent and ongoing inspections to make sure no contraband—drugs or weapons—are brought into or held in the prison. This requires searching visitors, incoming mail, and prisoner cells to look for signs of contraband that could create dangerous situations.

Correctional officers also oversee all prisoner activities. They oversee daily activities like mealtimes, work shifts, and free time, allowing prisoners to come out of their cells. When prisoners are in large groups for these activities, correctional officers must observe prisoners for signs that an incident is getting ready to occur. They must be prepared to break up fights or riots using non-lethal weapons like stun guns, night sticks, and pepper spray, and they set punishments for individuals who initiate or participate in these activities.

In addition to maintaining order in prisons, correctional officers may also have administrative responsibilities. They may create and maintain reports of prisoner behaviors that are referenced by lawyers and judges when prisoners are being considered for release. They may also work at the front desk of prisons, allowing visitors in and collecting any necessary paperwork or identification. They report up to a warden and may have other responsibilities as assigned by the warden or other prison leaders.

Typical Work Schedule

Most correctional officers work full-time schedules. However, they do not work a 9-5 schedule because officers must be on hand to monitor prisoners and facilities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means that correctional officers may need to work evening or overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Typical Employers

Most correctional officers work for federal, state, or local governments in government-managed prison facilities. Some may work for correctional service agencies that supply officers to prisons as needed.