Correctional Officers and Jailers guard people in jail and prison due to being arrested, awaiting trial or being sentenced to incarceration. Following established regulations and practices, they also oversee inmates in government and private correctional institutions, monitoring them and providing necessities while maintaining the facility’s security. They may also take prisoners into custody and guard them during transport. To recognize the requirements and limitations of correctional officers and jailers, a good understanding both of government codes and public safety regulations is important. They should have some knowledge of human psychology and be perceptive of people’s emotions and states of mind. Correctional officers and jailers also need to have keen listening comprehension as well as strong verbal communication skills. The duties of a Correctional Officers and Jailer includes to dealing both with guarding and managing inmates as well as preserving the security of the penal institution. They also keep track of the prisoners by doing head counts, keeping daily logs of their activities and making reports of incidents and disturbances, and monitoring their conduct throughout the facility. They may be responsible for serving meals, distributing mail, prescribed medicine, clothing and tools, and settling inter-inmate disputes. Other duties include scheduling work assignments and sponsoring social and rehabilitative activities such as self-help groups. When inmates need to be conveyed to courtrooms or between facilities, they may guard them during transport or drive the vehicles. They also have a number of tasks to maintain security and safety. These can include performing regular fire and sanitation inspections, examining the conditions of locks, windows, gates and other building elements to prevent escapes, inspecting incoming mail for contraband, and logging and screening all visitors. They may also investigate crimes that occur within the institution, and supervise other correctional officers. In the event of a prisoner escape, they may take part in the search and recapture efforts.

Work Environment

• Correctional Officers may work indoors or outdoors. Some correctional institutions are modern and temperature controlled, but others are old, overcrowded, hot, and noisy, correctional officers may be required to stand for long period. Working in a correctional institution can be stressful and dangerous. Every year, correctional officers are injured in confrontations with inmates and some are exposed to contagious diseases. They work in rotating shifts. Because jail and prison security must be provided around the clock, officers work all hours of the day and night, weekends and holidays.