correctional officer

[yukonjon]

Hey, I just wanted to know how hard it is to become a correctional officer. Specifically I want to know the details of the selection process and how they compare with other areas of LE. I was thinking about taking a year off from school to become a C/O and later do both if I get hired.

[SgtScott31]

Depends on the agency, whether the C/O position is a sworn position or not, and a few other factors.

State corrections in TN where you are a prison guard, all you need to have is a beating heart pretty much. With county sheriff's departments, the hiring standards will be a little more stringent. If you are not immediately sworn as a LEO, you can eventually move into road patrol or court officer and asked to attend the academy. Of course a pretty clean background check is required.

[Arkansas Red]

Hey, I just wanted to know how hard it is to become a correctional officer. Specifically I want to know the details of the selection process and how they compare with other areas of LE. I was thinking about taking a year off from school to become a C/O and later do both if I get hired.

Why not finish your degree first? Should something happen and you get stuck in the field of Corrections it may be hard to finish. Plus it looks better if you want to promote and such.
And as always should you get hurt and can not do Corrections you can fall back on to your degree.

Just my two cents worth.

[yukonjon]

I probably will end up doing my degree first, I guess I just wanted to know if it was possible to do both at the same time.

[Arkansas Red]

You can, I mean if you put effort into anything you can do it. But you got to look at where your working, will your supervisor mind, and can you meet the deadlines of your instuctors and work long hours (some shifts work 12 hours).

I am not discouraging you from going into Corrections, your over 18 you can make your own decisions, etc. But realize your working in an enviroment where vigilance (spelling?) is greatly needed for you and your partners sake.

Again, talk with who you plan on hiring with and talk to them let them know you want to persure this career, but want to continue your degree. I am sure they will work with you, but just realize mission comes first as we all want to go home at night. :)

Good luck to you on whatever path you choose.

[yukonjon]

Thanks, I'll give the sheriff's dept. a call to get some details.