Maintaining a balance of the 3 “Cs”
– care, custody, and control—
with the incarcerated,
is up to correctional officers and bailiffs.
They keep prisoners safe and contained.
Correctional officers oversee people
who have been imprisoned,
enforce the facility’s rules and regulations,
and monitor the whereabouts
of inmates at all times.
They search inmates and cells
for weapons and drugs,
and may need to restrain inmates
for safety or to escort them.
Correctional officers settle disputes
and enforce discipline,
but also may schedule work assignments
and other activities.
Daily logs and reports
detailing every shift are required.
Bailiffs are law enforcement officers
who maintain safety
and order in courtrooms.
They guard juries, deliver court documents,
and enforce courtroom rules.
Most correctional officers
work for government correctional institutions—
some modern and well-maintained,
and some old, hot, and overcrowded.
Bailiffs work in courtrooms.
Working in a correctional institution
can be stressful and dangerous…
injuries and illness rates
are some of the highest of all careers.
Officers work in shifts 24/7,
including weekends and holidays.
In addition to a high school education,
officers train in a special academy,
and may also receive on-the-job training
at a facility.
Federal prisons require a bachelor’s degree
or related work experience.
Candidates must not have a felony conviction.