Corrections Officers

Abstract

Correctional officers, often referred to as prison guards or jailers, work in correctional institutions such as jails and prisons. They are similar to law enforcement officers as they are responsible for enforcing rules and policies of correctional facilities. Correctional officers' main duties are to control, manage, and watch over the inmates incarcerated in correctional facilities. In recent years duties and responsibilities of correctional officers have greatly increased. Their responsibilities continue to include discipline and management of inmates; however, now it is necessary for correctional officers to actively aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners. Correctional officers find themselves in numerous roles throughout their careers, such as therapist, diplomat, caretaker, and disciplinarian.