Corrections Officer
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Correctional OfficersCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for corrections officers, including advancement and salaries. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about this career in corrections facilities enforcement.
Princeton Review: Corrections OfficerLog in, and find out about a day in the life of a corrections officer at this page, as well as links to information on facts and figures about the career, majors that might be useful in advancing your position as a police officer, and what you can expect to earn in the field as a person just starting out and after several years. Links at the left of the page will take you to further information on salary, job outlook, and training information.
Occupational Titles
Co (Corrections Officer)
Community Services Officer
Convict Guard
Correction Officer
Correctional Corporal
Correctional Officer
Correctional Sergeant
Corrections Officer
Corrections Specialist
Cottage Master
Cottage Parent
Custodial Officer
Custody Assistant
Deputy
Deputy Jailer
Deputy Sheriff
Detention Deputy
Detention Enforcement Officer
Detention Officer
Gang Pusher
Gate Guard
Gate Watch
Gate Watchman
Guard
Guard, Correctional
Guard, Immigration
House Father
House Mother
House Parent
Jail Guard
Jail Officer
Jailer
Jailer/Training Officer
Jailkeeper
Jailor
Juvenile Corrections Officer
Juvenile Detention Officer
Lock Up Keeper
Matron
Patrol Conductor
Penal Officer
Police Matron
Prison Guard
Reformatory Attendant
Security Guard
Security Officer
Security Officers
Supervisor, Cottage
Turnkey
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: College Majors, Corrections OfficerSeveral college majors may be appropriate as precursors to a career as a corrections officer. Find a list of them at this site, click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in, including those in criminal justice and Army R.O.T.C.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Corrections OfficerThe median hourly rate by years of experience as a corrections officer or jailer is displayed at the graph at this page. If you scroll down, you will find median salary by employer city or state, or find links to related information on salary by education, gender, and other categories that can affect pay rate.
Professional Organizations
American Correctional AssociationThis organization is the oldest and largest of its type and serves all specialties within the corrections field. The organization offers professional certifications, networking opportunities, research, publications, and conferences. Go to the online corrections academy, seek out information on training, or learn about student opportunities, such as internships. The site also hosts a nationwide job bank.
American Jail AssociationGo to the membership tab to find out what a low fee will give a student member of this organization. Learn about the association’s bimonthly magazine and other benefits, or check out training and education opportunities and obtaining certification in the field.
Federal Bureau of PrisonsThis organization helps to create effective, safe, and humane confinement. At this page, you can search for information regarding its policies, inmate matters, and prison facilities. You will also find an inmate locator and news and information in the field of corrections.
Job Opportunity Sources
American Correctional Association: Job BankGet a taste of the types of jobs available in corrections at this page and locate opportunities by post date, position, and state at this site, with opportunities from around the country presented.
Indeed.com: Corrections OfficerConnect to hundreds of position descriptions around the country for a corrections officer. Each link will take you to outside sources of information on jobs, derived from several well-known job databases, private contract employers, or government positions.
USA JobsYou can find information on obtaining a position as a correctional officer at the federal level from this site of the federal government’s official employment system.
Licensing & Certification
American Correctional Association: Professional CertificationThis certification program was created to advance the knowledge of corrections officers and help to recruit new and talented staff. Several types of certification are offered within adult corrections, juvenile corrections, nursing and management.
American Jail Association: Certification ProgramLearn about the Jail Manager Certification Program offered by the American Jail Association. Here, you will find details on voluntary certification for jail managers—one of the highest levels of achievement in the field of corrections.
Publications
American Correctional Association: PublicationsIn addition to Corrections Today Magazine, this site hosts other award-winning publications in the field, numerous books, research journals, and courses and videos. Come here to learn about all the resources the American Correctional Association provides to students and professionals.
American Jails MagazineThis is the only magazine geared completely towards issues surrounding jails, including American and foreign jail management. This magazine is published bimonthly and offers and contains timely information regarding the operation of detention facilities. You can find out about the magazine’s most popular topics here and student member subscriptions.
Online Forums & Blogs
Corrections.com: DiscussionsCorrections forums at this page are collected by one of the largest online communities for corrections, jail, and prison officers. Different forums host discussions of the law, open general discussions, security concerns, juvenile programs, and education for the profession.
Career Videos
ISeek: Corrections OfficersLearn how corrections officers monitor inmates and prisons and jails, enforce rules, and keep records of inmate activities at this video of corrections officers. Click on the tabs at the top of the page, and you can find more information on work activities, skills needed, career preparation, and wages.
YouTube: Corrections Officer and Jailers Job DescriptionLearn about correctional facilities and the responsibilities associated with being an officer. An overview of indispensable qualities needed to be successful in this field is presented, as well as information on the work environment and their role in the effective operation of the prison system.
