Correctional Officer
(Prison Officer, Custodial Correctional Officer)
Fact Sheet
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Discussing an inmate's request |
Correctional officers are responsible for the custody, care and supervision of inmates in prisons and correctional centres. They are increasingly involved in the care of inmates and their welfare needs.
Duties and Tasks
Correctional officers may perform the following tasks:
- search inmates and cells for illegal articles, drugs, valuables and weapons
- lock inmates in cells
- observe the conduct and behaviour of inmates to maintain control, discipline and security within the correctional centre
- advise if inmates need special care, such as a visit to a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker
- inspect doors, gates, grilles, locks and window bars to make sure they are secure
- supervise inmates during meals, recreation periods, sport and work assignments
- patrol assigned areas and report to superiors or other workers any breach of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment problems of inmates
- serve meals to inmates confined to cells
- organise clothing, reading material, toiletries or other items needed by inmates
- undertake admittance procedures for arriving inmates
- give directions to visitors
- guard inmates in transit between correctional centres and court rooms, police lockups or other institutions
- prepare a variety of reports including admission and incident reports
- be in charge of a wing or area of a correctional centre and supervise the work of subordinate officers
- assist in the risk/needs assessment of inmates and have input into their case and sentence management
- provide leadership and act as a role model to assist the rehabilitation process within a correctional institution
- help offenders to seek rehabilitation and return to the community by providing basic counselling and supervision
- provide first aid
Specialisations
Correctional officers also specialise in areas such as dog squads, transport and escort of offenders, and field supervision on work camps.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs. Jobs requiring physical effort have been excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.
Work Conditions
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 inmates within a re-education and rehabilitation program.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy working with people
- normal vision
- good interpersonal skills, including fairness, sensitivity and patience
- assertiveness
- self-discipline
- a mature, responsible attitude towards managing people
- able to resolve conflict
- physically fit
- able to stay calm in stressful situations
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency