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Step 1
Wait until you turn 18 to apply for a job as a correctional officer. Some institutions require you to be 21.
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Step 2
Graduate from high school or get a GED if you haven't already done so. You'll need this at a minimum. Some places, like the Federal Bureau of Prisons, require a bachelor's degree, unless you have three years of job experience providing assistance to people. This includes counseling, nursing, firefighting, working with juvenile delinquents and even being a day care worker.
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Step 3
Become a citizen of the United States, or an alien authorized to work in the United States, if you're not one already.
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Step 4
Maintain a clean record. A felony will automatically disqualify you from consideration. So will any drug violations, domestic violence charges or misdemeanors within the last five years of your application date.
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Step 5
Meet health requirements. You must meet minimum eyesight and physical fitness requirements.
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Step 6
Determine if you want to work for a state or federal correctional institution.
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Step 7
Search for a job in your state by typing the words "correctional officer" and your state's name in a search engine. You can also visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons website for job openings.
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Step 8
Verify that you meet the institutions requirements.
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Step 9
Follow the application instructions. In some cases this may mean first passing a written test, then enrolling in an academy for further training.
Comments
B222 said
on 10/05/2009 Peaceofficerjobs.com is a great resource for information and advice about becoming a law enforcement officer!
cjasie89 said
on 28/04/2009 This was very helpful and something I would love to look more into...
DoctorV said
on 17/03/2008 Article was very helpful...Thank You