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Correctional Officers and Jailers
Also called : Correctional Officer, Correctional Sergeant, Corrections Officer (CO), Deputy Jailer, Detention Deputy, Detention Officer, Jail Officer, Jailer, Jailor
What they do
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.
On the job, one would
- 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.
- Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.
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.
- Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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.
- 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.
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.
- Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
TECHNOLOGY
- Data base management system software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Document management software
- Internet browser software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Word processing software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Some Preparation Needed
- Education
High school diploma.
- Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.