Being a corrections officer can be one of the best career choices you can make because it offers more job security than other careers. Not to mention the benefits and financial stability that this line of work provides. To apply for this position, you have to jump a few hoops, and one of them passes the selection phase. To get through this phase, you have to prove that you have what it takes. Here are the qualities and skills that instructors expect of you.
SummaryWhat does it take to be a good correctional officer?Good observation skillsInterpersonal communicationBalanced perspectiveWorking attitude Embarking on building a career as a correctional officerDoes the correctional officer specifyImprove your physical conditionGet additional training in this fieldJob search for any job offerBeing a correctional officer requires more than knowing how to avoid using excessive force and how to control riots. Your mental state and cognitive abilities are also questioned, and that is why you have to take relative aptitude tests. What qualities and skills are expected of you when writing the Correctional Officer Exam?
One of the most important skills assessed by the aptitude test is your overall observation ability. As a correctional officer, it is important to spot trends and remember them to prevent any malicious activity that may be taking place in the facility. At the same time, observation skills can help you spot a problem before it escalates and some inmates lose their lives.
Interpersonal communication skills are very important among the qualities of a correctional officer. You should be able to read emotions and try to calm down any angry inmates to prevent turf wars from escalating. Some of the correctional officer exam questions try to assess your interpersonal communication skills. Conflict resolution is one of the skills they assess.
Even though many people would like to be authoritarian prison guards and correctional officers, it might not be the best way. The primary purpose of a correctional facility is rehabilitation, not punishment. Therefore, you must have a balanced view and exercise good judgment in your dealings with inmates.
It goes without saying that hard work is one of the main qualities that the ministry expects from candidate correctional officers. You need to have a first in, last out mentality and a positive attitude to work. Learning to love work will reflect on the effort you put in at work.
The journey to be a correctional officer is not a simple and straightforward one as certain background checks, physical fitness exams and other selection criteria must be met beforehand. You may have to do a lot on your end to make yourself available for this position. What should you do to start building a career as a corrections officer?
The first step you need to take to become a correctional officer is to take the aptitude test to see if you are suitable for the position. This exam aims to assess your reasoning skills and your cognitive abilities. When taking this exam, give your all and read each question carefully before answering it as they may be trick questions.
Improving your physical condition is also very important because at the academy there are many exercises that will be conducted. Getting in shape beforehand can help reduce the chances of quitting at the academy due to how difficult things are. Physical fitness is a key part of being a correctional officer, and you should have a positive attitude about it too.
There are many different courses you can take on a personal level that can help prepare you for this industry. For example, you can do riot control drills with private institutions and get certified. On the other hand, there are options for firearm skill, which is handy for dispersing crowds using non-lethal rounds.
Job hunting is the hardest part of trying to become a correctional officer. Once you've taken some courses on your own and passed the correctional officer exam, start looking for work. Use any references you get and check local online job boards. Most importantly, check out your state's department of corrections careers page.
