How to become a Correctional Officer

Correctional officers are responsible for the custody, care, supervision, welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners in prisons and correctional centres. Correctional officers may specialise in areas such as dog squads, prison industries, offender programmes and field supervision of offenders on worksites outside the prison.

Personal requirements for a Correctional Officer

Enjoy working with people
Normal vision
Good interpersonal skills, including being fair, sensitive and patient
Assertiveness and self-confidence
Good written and verbal communication skills
Empathy and cultural awareness
A mature, responsible attitude towards managing people
Able to resolve conflict and problems
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Able to stay calm in stressful situations
Australian citizenship or permanent residency

Education & Training for a Correctional Officer

You can work as a correctional officer without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10. To gain employment, you will need to complete an initial assessment that includes a range of tests. A National Police Check may be required. If your application is successful, you will join the corrective services division in your state or territory and undertake further training.Contact the corrective services department in your state or territory for further information.

Additional information

Depending on your state or territory, you may need to meet additional requirements. This may relate to age, or holding a Provide First Aid Certificate, relevant clearances or an unrestricted drivers licence.

Duties & Tasks of a Correctional Officer

Correctional officers:

Search prisoners and cells for illegal/prohibited items
Lock prisoners in cells
Observe the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to maintain control, discipline and security within the correctional centre
Advise if prisoners need special care, such as a visit to a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker
Inspect doors, gates, grilles, locks, window bars and other security equipment, ensuring they are secure and functional
Supervise prisoners at all times of the day, including meal times, recreation periods, sport and work assignments
Patrol assigned areas and report to supervisors or other workers any breach of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment problems of prisoners
Serve meals to prisoners confined to cells
Organise clothing, reading material, toiletries or other items needed by prisoners
Participate in the reception, induction and discharge of prisoners in accordance with procedures
Process, direct and observe visitors
Perform escort duties of prisoners, both within the prison and externally when required
Prepare a variety of reports, including admission and incident reports
Assist with the risk/needs assessment of prisoners and provide input into their case and sentence management
Provide leadership and act as a positive role model to assist the rehabilitation process
Help offenders seek rehabilitation and return to the community by providing basic case management support and supervision
Provide a timely response to emergencies or breaches of security
Provide first aid.

Tasks

Supervising prisoners in transit between courts, prisons and other facilities
Requisitioning prisoners' clothing, toiletries, reading material and other allowable items
Supervising prisoners during work assignments, recreational periods, sporting activities and meals
Searching prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband items
Inspecting and maintaining the security of locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates
Patrolling assigned areas and reporting breaches of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes and prisoner adjustment problems
Assisting with the implementation of education, rehabilitation and other programs organised for prisoners
Observing the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes

Working conditions for a Correctional Officer

Correctional officers can be required to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, and may be transferred anywhere within their state or territory. In some states, case management is an important aspect of their work. This gives individual officers the chance to work with small groups of 10 to 15 prisoners within a re-education and rehabilitation program.

Employment Opportunities for a Correctional Officer

Correctional officers are employed by the corrective services department in their state or territory. Prisons are located in both metropolitan and regional areas. Successful applicants commence as trainees and, on successful completion of pre-service training, commence employment as a correctional officer. With experience, and sometimes further training, correctional officers can progress to positions ranging from operational and managerial to project and specialist roles.

Specializations

Correctional Officer

Average age
43
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
32% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,810
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
94%
Employment Size
24,000
Employment by state
ACT: 1.0%
NSW: 28.8%
NT: 3.1%
QLD: 17.7%
SA: 8.3%
TAS: 2.0%
VIC: 22.3%
WA: 16.7%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 3.3%
25-34: 17.1%
35-44: 25.2%
45-54: 31%
55-59: 12.7%
60-64: 7.5%
65 and Over: 3.1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 13.9%
Bachelor degree: 8.4%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 45.1%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.9%
Year 10 and below: 10.1%
Year 11: 5%
Year 12: 14.5%
Years 11 & 10: 17.1%