Correctional Officer

Description

Correctional Officer

Nature of Work

This is very responsible correctional facility work involving the intake, processing and incarceration of individuals suspected and / or convicted of criminal activity. Activities associated with the job include data entry of information into a computer database, fingerprinting, logging personal items, and photographing suspects, performing searches and placing the individual in the most appropriate level of confinement. Upon confinement, incumbents conduct frequent safety checks, maintain a log of events and activities, monitor inmates' health and emotional state and deliver meals. Additional responsibilities include the occasional transport of inmates, checking for warrants on individuals taken into custody and prisoners and related administrative duties. Job related duties require considerable knowledge of correctional facility policies and procedures, good organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills, sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job and the ability to react to emergency and / or unexpected situations in a prompt and proper manner. Job performance is evaluated by Corrections Sergeants and / or the Corrections Lieutenant through review of the efficiency of the correctional facility operations, knowledge of correctional facility operations, effectiveness in dealing with inmates, physical capacity to perform job related duties and compliance with existing rules and regulations pertaining to correctional facility operations.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Performs appropriate intake activities for individuals taken into custody such as fingerprinting, photographing and recording personal items into a log.
• Enters personal identification information into a computer database and conducts searches in local and state law enforcement databases for outstanding warrants, personal identifiers and / or criminal histories.
• Conducts searches of inmates and individuals taken into custody.
• Performs routine security checks as prescribed in operational policies and the status of the inmate(s); maintains a log of monitoring activities indicating the behavior and demeanor of inmates including any significant changes and actions taken in response.
• Accompanies inmates to church services, GED classes, visitation, etc. and ensures that they remain in control at all times.
• Operates the control board and opens and closes doors to ensure the security of the correctional facility.
• Constantly monitors cameras to view inmate activity and the grounds surrounding the facility.
• Participates in shake downs to determine the presence of contraband and other illegal substances in the facility.
• Conducts a headcount of assigned detainees twice daily and confirms that it is correct.
• Verifies visitors' identification and observes inmates and visitors during visitation periods.
• Distributes meals and dispenses medications to inmates at prescribed times.
• Occasionally transports prisoners to medical doctors, emergency facilities, court appearances or other correctional facilities when necessary.
• Completes daily inspections of housing units and reports any maintenance and / or cleaning needs.
• Maintains documentation of inmate information in an organized and accessible manner.
• Intervenes and establishes control in dangerous and / or volatile situations to ensure the safety of individuals taken into custody and other inmates.
• Maintains a log of individuals released on bond and updates computer records as needed.
• Assists with supervising the activity of trustees as they perform their assigned duties.
• Assists with determining the appropriate course of action for inmates experiencing trauma and / or in need of medical attention.
• Verifies information in the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS) when necessary.
• Performs related duties as required.

Necessary Requirements of Work

Graduation from an accredited high school supplemented with additional course work in crime prevention, criminal law and / or law enforcement; experience working in a juvenile and / or adult correctional facility; ability to interact effectively with inmates, family members and the public; sufficient physical strength to perform work related activities and react to emergency situations; strong decision making skills or any equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities and skills :

Requirements

Necessary Special Requirements