Career Facts - Corrections Officer
View additional career facts for: Police Officer
What They Do
Corrections officers work as security officers in a prison or camp setting as guards for people who have been arrested and awaiting trial, or for those who have been convicted and are serving their sentences. Their job duties may include observing inmates to prevent disturbances or escapes, searching cells for weapons and drugs, inspecting cells for signs of tampering, guard transporting criminals, supervise prison visitations, or they may be assigned to supervise the activities of a large group of inmates doing various activities. When needed, they may be required to use their weapons to maintain order in their facility. This degree program prepares an individual for a career as a probation or parole officer, corrections officer, halfway house administrator, jail corrections officer, juvenile corrections professional, or local corrections position.
Who Would Enjoy It
Someone interested in the corrections officer field should have high moral character, good writing and oral communication skills, good listening skills, basic computer skills, be in good physical health, enjoy working with people, and be able to follow the chain of command.
What They Earn
The average starting salary for corrections officers who work
in Michigan depends on whether the officers work in a state or
private corrections facility. The average starting salary after
one year is about $25,000 and after five years is about $30,000
to $35,000.
One's starting salary at a private facility would be
approximately $20,000 and rise up to about $25,000 to $30,000
after five years of work.
How Many Jobs Available
The position of corrections officer has been one of the fastest growing careers of the 1990's, and the number of jobs is expected to grow until the year 2006. In Michigan alone, it is expected that over 2000 corrections officers will be hired within the next two years.
How Much Schooling, Training, or Skill Development
A person desiring to become a corrections officer in Michigan must be 18 years of age, have no felony, drug or domestic abuse convictions of any kind. In Michigan, an officer can become employed if he/she has a 15-credit corrections vocational certificate or has at least 15 semester credit hours in the fields of criminal justice, psychology, sociology or human services.
Related Occupations
Probation and Parole, Juvenile Care Worker, Law Enforcement and Security
