Course Type

Qualification Level

Study method

ABOUT US

LEGAL

Disclaimer: Career FAQs Pty Ltd ABN 39 299 617 067 t/a StudySelect markets the education and training services of a range of Australian tertiary course providers, and receives a commission for each prospective student. StudySelect is not an education provider. All material and information regarding our education providers and their courses – on our site, via email, or over the phone – is delivered through our capacity as their agent. The material shared with you on the website is provided as general information only. It is not intended as professional advice, and should not be taken as such. All information is provided in good faith, and is believed to be accurate and current as at the date of publication. However, StudySelect provides no guarantee that any information or material on the website, or linked websites, will be accurate or complete. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Australia: careers in Criminology

Sorry, we don't have any courses for you at the moment. Please try searching again.

Definition of a Correctional Officer

A career as a Correctional Officer offers individuals a unique opportunity to contribute positively to society by ensuring the safety and security of correctional facilities. These professionals play a vital role in supervising and managing inmates, maintaining order, and facilitating rehabilitation programs. Their work is essential in creating a safe environment for both staff and inmates, making it a rewarding career for those who are dedicated to public service and community safety.

Correctional Officers are responsible for a variety of tasks that include monitoring inmate behaviour, conducting searches for contraband, and ensuring compliance with facility rules. They supervise inmates during work assignments, recreational activities, and meal times, fostering a structured environment that promotes rehabilitation. Additionally, they are involved in the implementation of educational and vocational programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society upon release. This multifaceted role requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a commitment to upholding the law.

In their daily routines, Correctional Officers engage in patrolling assigned areas, inspecting security measures, and responding to incidents that may arise within the facility. They are trained to handle various situations, from conflict resolution to emergency response, ensuring that they can effectively manage any challenges that may occur. This proactive approach not only helps maintain order but also contributes to the overall safety and well-being of the correctional environment.

Overall, a career as a Correctional Officer is not only about enforcing rules but also about making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals within the correctional system. By fostering rehabilitation and promoting safety, these officers play a crucial role in the justice system, making it a fulfilling career choice for those who are passionate about helping others and contributing to community safety.

On this Page

What Will I Do

What Skills Do I Need

Career Snapshot

Resources

What does a Correctional Officer do?

Correctional officers play a vital role in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities. They are responsible for supervising inmates, ensuring compliance with facility rules, and facilitating rehabilitation programs. This demanding profession requires a strong sense of responsibility, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and integrity. Each day presents unique challenges, making the role both rewarding and essential to the justice system.

Observing inmate behaviour – Monitoring the conduct of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes.
Maintaining security – Inspecting and ensuring the security of locks, window bars, grilles, doors, and gates.
Supervising activities – Overseeing prisoners during work assignments, recreational periods, sporting activities, and meals.
Implementing programs – Assisting with the implementation of education, rehabilitation, and other programs for prisoners.
Conducting searches – Searching prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs, and other contraband items.
Patrolling areas – Patrolling assigned areas and reporting breaches of rules and prisoner adjustment problems.
Requisitioning items – Managing requests for prisoners’ clothing, toiletries, reading material, and other allowable items.
Transporting inmates – Supervising prisoners in transit between courts, prisons, and other facilities.

What skills do I need to be a Correctional Officer?

A career as a Correctional Officer requires a unique blend of skills that are essential for maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities. Key competencies include strong observational skills to monitor inmate behaviour, effective communication abilities to interact with diverse populations, and conflict resolution skills to manage potentially volatile situations. Additionally, physical fitness is crucial, as officers may need to respond quickly to emergencies or disturbances. A solid understanding of legal regulations and correctional procedures is also vital, ensuring that officers can enforce rules while upholding the rights of inmates.

Moreover, emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure are indispensable traits for Correctional Officers. They often face challenging situations that require quick thinking and sound judgement. Training programs typically cover areas such as crisis intervention, mental health awareness, and interpersonal communication, equipping officers with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of their role. Ultimately, a successful Correctional Officer combines these skills with a commitment to rehabilitation and safety, contributing positively to the correctional environment.

Skills/attributes

Strong communication skills
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Conflict resolution skills
Attention to detail
Physical fitness and stamina
Problem-solving abilities
Empathy and understanding
Teamwork and collaboration
Knowledge of legal and correctional procedures
Ability to enforce rules and regulations
Critical thinking skills
Adaptability to changing situations
Strong observational skills
Commitment to safety and security
Ability to handle sensitive information

Does this sound like you?

Career Snapshot for a Correctional Officer

The role of a Correctional Officer, also known as a Prison Officer, is crucial in maintaining order and safety within correctional facilities. This profession involves supervising inmates, ensuring security, and facilitating rehabilitation programs. The average age of a Correctional Officer is 43 years, with a gender distribution of approximately 32% female and 68% male.

Average Age: 43 years
Gender Distribution: 32% female, 68% male
Average Hours Worked: 43 hours per week
Median Weekly Earnings: $1,810
Unemployment Rate: Low, with a stable demand for positions
Current Employment: Approximately 24,000 individuals are employed as Correctional Officers
Projected Growth: An annual increase of about 600 positions is expected in the coming years

Correctional Officers play a vital role in the justice system, and their responsibilities include monitoring inmate behaviour, conducting searches for contraband, and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. As the demand for correctional services continues to grow, this career path offers stability and opportunities for advancement.

Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2023; Jobs and Skills Australia.

Criminology Career resources

NATIONAL

QLD

VIC

WA

SA

NT

ACT

TAS

StudySelect makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!