Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.92
Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.91
Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.90
Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.89
Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.88
Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.87
Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.86
Search for and recapture escapees.86
Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.85
Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.84
Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.81
Process or book convicted individuals into prison.81

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Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.79
Supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers.79
Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.78
Participate in required job training.78
Take fingerprints of arrestees, prisoners, or the general public.78
Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners.77
Settle disputes between inmates.77
Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences.77
Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites.76
Counsel inmates and respond to legitimate questions, concerns, and requests.75
Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.74
Assign duties to inmates, providing instructions as needed.72
Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates.66
Sponsor inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups.65
Arrange daily schedules for prisoners, including library visits, work assignments, family visits, and counseling appointments.63
Conduct security checks of the premises.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension66
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Coordination63
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Persuasion60
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving56
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Negotiation56
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

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Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Operations Monitoring44
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Systems Analysis44
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation41
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting28
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance16
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Repairing16
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Selection13
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Management of Financial Resources13
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Analysis10
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Science10
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Public Safety and Security79
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language75
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Law and Government70
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management63
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service63
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics61
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Psychology60
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Administrative59
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Education and Training59
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Telecommunications54
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Sociology and Anthropology48
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Mathematics47
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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Personnel and Human Resources46
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Therapy and Counseling42
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Communications and Media40
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Foreign Language37
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Transportation36
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Medicine and Dentistry34
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology33
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Production and Processing27
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Economics and Accounting25
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Food Production24
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Mechanical24
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology22
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction18
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Geography16
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology16
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Chemistry14
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Biology13
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Physics13
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Design12
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Sales and Marketing11
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Fine Arts4
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning69
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Selective Attention60
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Written Comprehension60
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Far Vision56
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure56
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

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Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Stamina53
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention50
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Dynamic Strength50
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength50
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination50
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Reaction Time50
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Control Precision47
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Hearing Sensitivity47
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Response Orientation47
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Gross Body Coordination44
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Speed of Limb Movement44
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Depth Perception41
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Equilibrium38
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Memorization38
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality31
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Peripheral Vision28
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control28
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Spatial Orientation28
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems84
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates80
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others80
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Documenting/Recording Information78
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information76
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Training and Teaching Others74
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events72
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work72
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge72
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards71
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates71
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings71
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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Working with Computers70
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Assisting and Caring for Others69
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Coaching and Developing Others69
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships68
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials66
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Processing Information66
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively66
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing Objectives and Strategies65
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Developing and Building Teams64
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others62
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Staffing Organizational Units62
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing Administrative Activities61
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization60
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing General Physical Activities60
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People58
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Scheduling Work and Activities58
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources57
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Analyzing Data or Information55
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others55
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment55
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others54
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public52
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information46
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment46
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes45
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects44
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment41
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others37
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment34
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Stress Tolerance100
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Dependability91
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Self-Control86
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cautiousness83
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Attention to Detail72
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Perseverance67
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence50
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Leadership Orientation39
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Adaptability34
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Achievement Orientation26
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Empathy21
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

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Sincerity19
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Cooperation18
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Optimism15
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Social Orientation14
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Initiative12
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic72
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional64
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social48
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising36
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Investigative12
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic1
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day93%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day85%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day84%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others87%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important74%
- Important16%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important67%
- Very important16%
- Important15%
E-Mail
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day80%
Time Pressure
- Every day62%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Conflict Situations
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility57%
- High responsibility28%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day63%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%

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Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day78%
- Never14%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom50%
- Some freedom26%
- Limited freedom21%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results61%
- Important results16%
- Moderate results16%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important53%
- Very important26%
- Important15%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important57%
- Very important17%
- Important20%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)36%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)51%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day63%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never11%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day63%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day68%
- Never15%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day51%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom41%
- Some freedom33%
- Limited freedom18%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important38%
- Very important36%
- Important12%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious41%
- Very serious32%
- Not serious at all13%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility32%
- High responsibility33%
- Moderate responsibility21%
- Limited responsibility13%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours43%
- 40 hours52%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually43%
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time15%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time20%
- About half the time38%
- Less than half the time21%
Public Speaking
- Every day44%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never28%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time35%
- About half the time38%
- Less than half the time20%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive18%
- Highly competitive16%
- Moderately competitive41%
- Slightly competitive20%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never27%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually19%
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time20%
- Less than half the time41%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day36%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never31%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never32%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time29%
- Less than half the time42%
- Never12%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never34%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never39%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never43%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never32%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never30%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated39%
- Not at all automated37%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time57%
- Never18%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Continually or almost continually14%
- Less than half the time46%
- Never37%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never62%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never40%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never54%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never70%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never72%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time55%
- Never36%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all76%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never82%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)12%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)88%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never90%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time13%
- Never87%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
3M Electronic Monitoring, Guardian RFID, Jail management software, Microsoft Access
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base management system software
Corrections housing software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Count prison inmates or personnel.
Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
Locate suspicious objects or vehicles.
Search individuals for illegal or dangerous items.
Guard facilities.
Record information about suspects or criminals.
Inspect cargo to identify potential hazards.
Apprehend criminal suspects.
Use weapons or physical force to maintain security.
Operate computer systems.
Operate computers or computerized equipment.

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Inspect facilities for cleanliness.
Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.
Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.
Direct operations of correctional facilities.
Attend training to learn new skills or update knowledge.
Escort prisoners to courtrooms, prisons, or other facilities.
Collect information about clients.
Discuss performance, complaints, or violations with supervisors.
Give medications or immunizations.
Resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Serve food or beverages.
Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
Counsel clients regarding interpersonal issues.
Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
Investigate crimes committed within organizations.
Supervise inmate activities.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Prepare activity or work schedules.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Correction Officer

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology