Do you have to be qualified to work as a correctional officer or can you start and learn your way?

Question

my brother worked as a correctional officer, and later got certified to be on the special force type thing, like when there are riots and such. Im looking to start at a juvenile detention center, but want to know do you have to have certification first? or can i be like what my brother did and work there as long as im not on the special forces type thing?

Answer 1

For juvenile detention officers it depends on the facility. The county I started off at they required experience with juvenile delinquents (at risk kids). If there is no experience you would have to volunteer 100 hours of your time and shadow the d.o. When shadowing make sure you ask to read their policies and procedures. This makes it easier for you during the interview.

They prefer clean background checks. They mainly are looking for people that have a lot of patience and has excellent self control. If you have knowledge of case law it's ever better for you

As for training they will train you. Since you will be dealing with children they expect you to follow their training. Although they are being detained for a crime, they are under your care. The state sees them as children.

A detention officer has them while they are waiting for adjudication.

A corrections officer has them after they have been adjudicated and they serve their time.

Your facility will certify you with the state after you are hired and go you are done with your training. Then they will allow you to work the pods on your own. Depending on your ratios.

hope this helps

Answer 2

All the people learn their way pretty fast. It has been proven by psychologists.

Answer 3

In the Federal Prison system you can start as a CO See below:

Qualifications: To qualify for a Correctional Officer at the GS-05 grade level, you must have successfully completed at least one of the following:

A full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school or possession of a Bachelor's Degree; or the equivalent of at least 3 years of full-time general experience performing duties such as providing assistance, guidance, and direction to individuals; counseling individuals; responding to emergency situations; supervising or managing; teaching or instructing individuals; or selling products or services (persuasive commissioned sales); or a combination of undergraduate education and general experience equivalent to 3 years of full-time experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Candidates must demonstrate they have the following KSAs to successfully perform their job as a Correctional Officer: (1) ability to supervise others, (2) ability to communicate verbally, and (3) ability to react in crisis situations.

However, you will promote fairly quickly.  After your probationary year, you can apply for the SORT.  Special Operations Response Team (CERT or SWAT in some other organisations).

For more information Go to:



http://www.bop.gov/jobs/job_descriptions...

NOTE:  There are nearly 100 Federal Prisons and you can transfer to any of them...

Answer 4

It depends on the facility you wish to work for.

In my state, the state prison workers must apply and go through an academy like school at the prison, must pass mental and physical agility exams before they're put on the job.

Your best bet is to contact the facility and speak to a recruiter or other hiring official and inquire about their specific requirements.  

Answer 5

The way it works where I live is they hire you and then send you to training classes for several weeks before you're actually put on the job.