Training is often specific to the prison.
Working as a correctional officer in a women's prison provides the opportunity for work that is both challenging and rewarding. It is also a career that is potentially dangerous and extremely stressful. Women's prisons employ both male and female corrections officers and the requirements for the position are the same regardless of gender.
Educational
For most state prisons the applicant needs only a high school diploma or a GED to apply for a position as a corrections officer. However, federal prisons require a minimum of a bachelor's degree for an entry level position, though the degree can be in any field of study. In some cases the Federal Bureau of Prisons will accept work experience in lieu of the degree if the work experience is in an appropriate field like counseling, emergency response, or personnel management. If the candidate wants to apply for a higher level corrections officer position at a federal prison a minimum of 14 credit hours of graduate study is required.
Physical
Although most prisons don't require a physical fitness exam for employment, note that correction officer duties often include controlling disgruntled inmates, and, although female inmates may pose less of a physical threat than male inmates, physical fitness is still an essential part of the job.
Psychological
In addition to physical strength, psychological strength is also necessary. Corrections officers have to interact with inmates who are locked away from family and friends, who have been convicted of serious crimes, and who are in some cases very damaged emotionally. All of these circumstances create stress for the inmates and stress for those responsible for caring for and rehabilitating them.
On-site Training
Besides the basic requirements for employment, corrections officers also undergo on-site training designed and directed by the specific prison doing the hiring. Each institution has different policies in place, policies that dictate procedure during meal times, recreational times, work times and during shower times. Furthermore, emergency procedures have to be designed around the physical properties of the institution and therefore must be taught on-site. In federal prisons corrections officers participate in a full 200 hours of training during their first year of employment.
Tags: corrections officers, corrections officer, federal prisons, physical fitness, prisons require, some cases
