Are you interested in a career that allows you to take a hands-on role in the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals? Corrections officers serve as the lifeblood of jails and prisons, working to keep inmates and staff safe while cultivating a supportive and rehabilitative environment for offenders. 

So, what does a day in the life of a correctional officer look like? Dive in and learn more. 

Morning Routine – Security and Preparation

A correctional officer’s shift may start in the morning — but because staffing is needed 24/7, this “morning routine” could technically begin any time of the day. 

Shift Briefings and Daily Updates

At the beginning of their day, a correctional officer may attend a brief roll call, where they are informed of any pressing matters or updates from the previous shift. From there, they may don protective gear and check their equipment. 

Inmate Headcounts and Facility Checks

Early in the day, they may also perform rounds of their assigned area of jail or prison. Typically, this includes taking inmate headcounts and handling inmate processing as needed. 

Cell Inspections and Contraband Control

Another essential part of a correctional officer’s shift is completing cell inspections to control and eliminate contraband. This may include looking specifically in inmates’ cells for items like weapons or drugs as well as checking other areas of the facility for security issues. 

Midday – Supervision and Engagement

By the middle of the workday, a correctional officer may move on to other activities that range from escorting inmates to completing paperwork. 

Overseeing Inmate Activities 

Ongoing inmate supervision is one of the most critical aspects of a correctional officer’s job. Correctional officers can never let their guard down, as doing so could lead to dangerous, unexpected situations. By keeping a close eye on inmates throughout the day, correctional officers can remain on the lookout for signs of problems. 

Escorting Inmates Between Locations

Inmate movement is the responsibility of most correctional officers. When inmates need to be transferred from one jail or prison to another facility or court, correctional officers are often the ones tasked with transporting them safely and efficiently. 

Administrative Work and Documentation

Believe it or not, working as a correctional officer entails a fair amount of writing. Specifically, officers may spend a good chunk of their days writing reports to document incidents or maintain daily logs for future shifts. 

Afternoon – Conflict Management and Collaboration

As the day wears on, corrections officers may find themselves executing additional tasks to mitigate crises and keep rehabilitation programs running as smoothly as possible. 

De-escalating Tense Situations

When arguments and disputes inevitably arise between inmates, correctional officers play a crucial role in managing tensions and diffusing potentially dangerous situations. Strong conflict management skills can prove indispensable here, especially when trying to prevent disturbances and fights. 

Enforcing Facility Rules

Jails and prisons have strict rules in place regarding inmate behavior and expectations. Enforcing these rules is essential to maintaining predictability and keeping inmates in line, so corrections officers are expected to know all facility rules and hold inmates accountable for following them at all times. 

Supporting Rehabilitation Programs

In many ways, correctional officers also support broader rehabilitation programs by modeling positive behavior and promoting positive attitudes among inmates. In some cases, they may even be involved in facilitating group rehabilitation sessions or working directly with inmates to guide them on their journeys. 

Evening – Security Wrap-Up and Transition

As a correctional officer’s shift wraps up, there are some loose ends to tie up before heading home for the night and allowing a new shift to take over. 

Final Inspections and Rounds

Officers may need to complete final inspections before their shifts end, including searching inmates’ cells for contraband and conducting security rounds throughout the facility. 

Evening Headcounts and Lockdowns

Additionally, evening headcounts are a critical security requirement before the end of a shift; these are designed to ensure that all inmates have returned to their cells for the night. In the event of a fight or other security issue, corrections officers may be responsible for handling incident response measures, such as lockdowns or other procedures. 

Reporting and Shift Handover

Before heading out, corrections officers must complete and file any necessary paperwork, including daily logs and incident reports. This way, the next incoming shift of officers will know what happened before they arrive and be better prepared for the hours ahead. 

Unique Challenges Corrections Officers Face

Although working as a corrections officer can be rewarding, it also can accompany some inherent challenges. 

Working in a High-Stress Environment

For one, corrections work can be highly stressful. These professionals must remain constantly vigilant to keep themselves and others safe — and working with potentially dangerous and unpredictable inmates can further contribute to stress. As a result, corrections officers may be prone to burnout over time. 

Balancing Authority and Empathy

Another challenge corrections officers commonly face is balancing their own power and authority with a sense of empathy for inmates. Although these professionals need physical strength and to maintain an authoritative command presence in order to protect themselves and others, exhibiting emotional intelligence, empathy and self-discipline are also central aspects of the job. Corrections officers may struggle with striking a healthy balance between wanting to treat inmates with respect and dignity while shielding themselves from inherent risks. 

Long Hours and Shift Work

Because jails and prisons are 24/7 facilities, the shifts corrections officers work can be long and unpredictable. It is not uncommon for these professionals to work 12-hour shifts, sometimes overnight or at other odd hours. This may lead to challenges with work/life balance and contribute to stress or burnout. 

Skills and Qualities of a Successful Corrections Officer

What does it take to be a corrections officer? Aside from the right education and training, the following skills and qualities are useful to have in this field. 

Communication and Conflict Resolution 

Disputes between inmates occur on a regular basis, and it is often up to corrections officers to keep the peace and de-escalate whenever possible. Thus, possessing a solid skill set of conflict resolution, negotiation and interpersonal communication can be invaluable. This includes both verbal and written communication, as officers may need to write reports to document disputes. 

Attention to Detail and Observation Skills

A keen eye for detail can also go a long way when you work as a corrections officer. Frequently, dangerous situations can be anticipated and avoided when corrections officers pay close attention to their surroundings and really get to know their inmates. 

Leadership and Teamwork

At the end of the day, corrections officers need to be seen as respected authority figures by inmates. With this in mind, a team mentality alongside leadership skills (including the ability to lead confidently by example) are ideal competencies to have. By knowing how to collaborate and work well with other corrections officers and prison/jail staff, it is possible to maintain a safe and effective rehabilitation environment. 

Career Outlook and Opportunities in Corrections

Due to the variety of different roles and opportunities available in this realm, describing a day in the life of a correctional officer is not always applicable across all roles. No matter where your interests may lie, numerous career paths may be worth exploring in this broad field. 

Career Pathways in Correctional Facilities

For those aiming to work directly with inmates in a jail or prison while playing a vital role in the rehabilitation process, professionals might consider starting out as an entry-level corrections officer. Over time, you might even work your way up into more advanced leadership roles (such as supervisor or warden). 

Expanding Into Criminal Justice Careers

It is not uncommon for those who start off as corrections officers to eventually pivot into roles in criminal justice. If this sounds like it could be up your alley, you might look into career options like that of probation officer or parole officer. In these kinds of roles, you can play a pivotal part in reacclimating offenders to society. 

Education and Training Requirements

The education required to become a correctional officer can vary depending on where you want to work. For most entry-level roles, a high school diploma or equivalent is all that is required — though sometimes a college degree may be preferred. For roles in federal prisons, however, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field may be required. 

In addition to a formal education, correctional officers may be required to complete training in a state academy. Here, they can learn important self-defense skills, safety/security procedures and other essential policies. 

Could a Career in Corrections Be Right for You?

While a career as a corrections officer may not be right for everyone, it can prove a fulfilling line of work for those with thick skin and who want to have a positive impact on society. With a better understanding of what a day in the life of a correction officer might look like as well as what it takes to become a corrections officer, the next step is to find the ideal degree program for your needs and goals. 

At Keiser University, we are proud to offer not just undergraduate degrees but also advanced, graduate-level degrees in related fields such as criminal justice, homeland security and interdisciplinary studies. Get in touch to learn more or apply today.