Correctional Officer / C.O.

Training Academy

The Correctional Officers’ Training Academy is a seven-week, paramilitary-style training program conducted Monday through Friday. Training consists of a 10-hour workday, beginning at 6:00 a.m. or as otherwise directed.

During the Academy, recruits will be compensated at $22.00 per hour without benefits. Upon successful completion of the Academy and transition to full-time employment as a Correctional Officer, the hourly rate will increase to $26.85 per hour.

The Academy is designed to be rigorous and demanding, both physically and mentally. Candidates should be prepared to meet high standards of professionalism, discipline, physical fitness, and performance.

Upon successful completion of the Correctional Officers’ Training Academy, recruits will transition into full-time employment as Correctional Officers.

Work Schedule and Overtime

Correctional Officers are required to work a regular 8-hour shift. Due to the operational needs of the facility, employees may be mandated to work additional hours, including 16-hour double shifts.

Mandatory double shifts may occur 3–5 days per week, depending on facility staffing and operational requirements. Employees may be scheduled to work 40 regular hours plus up to 24–40 hours of overtime per week. Overtime and mandatory assignments are a condition of employment and are not optional.

Employees must be available to work overtime with little or no advance notice and may be required to work additional hours during emergencies.

Examples of Duties

The following represents examples of essential job functions and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or performance standards:

• Maintain security within assigned areas by observing and controlling detainee behavior, considering detainee classification levels, enforcing facility rules and discipline, and documenting and reporting observations.
• Inspect living conditions within housing units to ensure compliance with sanitation and safety requirements.
• Conduct housing-unit and cell checks, including detainee census verification and searches for contraband.
• Operate, monitor, and inspect life-safety equipment, electronic safety and surveillance systems, and door-control systems.
• Monitor visitors entering and exiting the facility.
• Perform booking, fingerprinting, identification, and records-maintenance procedures.
• Participate in evacuation procedures and maintain security during emergencies.
• Provide information to detainees and members of the public regarding facility rules and regulations.
• Maintain the security of detainees during transportation and provide for the safety of surrounding areas.
• Provide escort services within the facility.
• Transport and maintain security of detainees to and from various locations.
• Apply approved physical restraints, including handcuffs, leg irons, and restraint chairs, when necessary and in accordance with policy.
• Enter, retrieve, and maintain information using automated records systems.
• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to new recruits as assigned.
• Complete annual firearms requalification and demonstrate proficiency in the authorized use of firearms.
• Carry and/or use firearms as required by assignment and applicable policy.
• Comply with the Employee Handbook, facility policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Work overtime with little or no advance notice when required.
• Work additional hours during emergencies or other critical operational situations.

The Correctional Officer has primary responsibility for the direction, supervision, security, and control of detainees assigned to the facility.

The position requires a professional work ethic, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a secure correctional environment. Working conditions may be stressful and require individuals who can remain composed and professional in challenging situations.

Required Knowledge

Knowledge of

Considerable knowledge of:

• Interpersonal communication.
• The English language.

Working or general knowledge of:

• The criminal justice system.
• Security practices and procedures used in a direct-supervision correctional facility.
• Social, economic, and cultural differences and backgrounds.
• Report preparation, record keeping, and report writing.
• Spanish language skills are desirable.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Maintain the security, control, and custody of detainees.
• Respond to emergency situations quickly, calmly, and decisively.
• Observe situations accurately and recall relevant facts and details.
• Interact effectively with individuals from varied social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, detainees, and members of the public.
• Listen effectively and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
• Perform defensive tactics requiring quick reflexes, agility, coordination, and physical strength.
• Recognize normal and abnormal behavioral patterns.
• Perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Use basic computer systems and automated records-management systems.
• Demonstrate sound correctional practices and an understanding of security procedures.
• Demonstrate sound moral and legal character.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid state-issued driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Ability to work any shift, including weekends and holidays as required.
• Ability and willingness to work mandatory overtime and double shifts.
• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• No felony convictions or other disqualifying criminal history.
• No face, neck, or hand tattoos.

Employment is contingent upon successfully meeting all applicable background, screening, training, and employment requirements.

Licenses and Certifications

A current and valid state-issued driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Employees may also be required to maintain applicable firearms qualifications and certifications associated with their assigned duties.

Supervisory Structure

The Correctional Officer reports directly to the Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Captain, as assigned.

The Correctional Officer position does not have direct supervisory responsibility for other positions.

Rules, Policies, and Guidelines

Correctional Officers are expected to perform their duties in accordance with:

• Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility policies and procedures.
• Applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Federal, state, and local laws.
• Facility rules, regulations, and operational directives.
• Employee Handbook requirements.

Contact Information

Employees must maintain current contact information and be available to be contacted by telephone, email, and physical address as required for employment and operational purposes.

Essential Functions

The Correctional Officer must be able to:

• Direct and manage detainees effectively.
• Obtain compliance with facility policies, procedures, and lawful directives.
• Maintain professional conduct and sound moral and legal integrity.
• Operate computers and utilize electronic records systems.
• Apply correctional policies and procedures appropriately.
• Exercise sound judgment in routine, stressful, and emergency situations.
• Maintain security and control in a correctional environment.

Physical Demands

The position requires the physical ability to:

• Respond quickly and effectively to physical confrontations and emergency situations.
• Stand and sit for extended periods.
• Bend, reach, kneel, and crouch.
• Climb stairs and ladders with speed and agility.
• See clearly and accurately recall visual details.
• Drag up to 175 pounds for 60 yards.
• Perform multiple physical tasks simultaneously.
• Operate vehicles, including automobiles and vans.
• Speak clearly and communicate effectively.
• Hear and understand verbal communication and radio transmissions.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.

Candidates should understand that the position involves a secure correctional environment, direct interaction with detainees, physically demanding activities, emergency response responsibilities, and mandatory overtime requirements.