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.
