Becoming a correctional officer can be a rewarding career choice for individuals who are passionate about maintaining law and order in correctional facilities. However, like any other profession, there are both pros and cons to consider before pursuing a career as a correctional officer. In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of the job, including the pros and cons, essential skills and qualifications, career outlook, and factors to consider before deciding on a career as a correctional officer.
Correctional officers must maintain physical fitness to handle emergencies, restrain inmates, or perform prolonged patrols.
The risk of exposure to violence, infectious diseases, or verbal abuse is part of the job, making it vital for officers to follow strict safety protocols.
Shift work—including nights, weekends, and holidays—can disrupt personal life and strain work-life balance.
To excel as a correctional officer, you’ll need:
Employment for correctional officers is expected to grow at a steady pace, driven by retirements and the need for new hires. While automation and changing policies may influence staffing, the essential role of human oversight ensures ongoing opportunities in this field.
Before committing, weigh these factors:
Choosing a career as a correctional officer is a significant decision. It offers stability, competitive pay, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on society. However, it also comes with challenges like stress, physical demands, and safety risks. By considering the pros and cons and evaluating your skills and preferences, you can determine whether this path aligns with your goals.
If you're ready to take the next step, Dreambound can help you find vocational training programs tailored to your needs. As the largest platform for vocational training, Dreambound is committed to empowering students to achieve their career dreams.
Dreambound has written dozens of in-depth guides on how to get started in this field, with information specific to different states. If you're eager to delve into this career, check out some other guides we've written:
Weighing the possibilities of a career shift ? Dreambound has written many extensive guides to guide you in making informed decisions. Check out some of these resources below:
Joanna Paragas is part of the Growth team at Dreambound. Her primary role involves creating various automation to streamline workflows and make tasks more efficient for the entire team. Beyond her professional endeavors, Joanna enjoys spending her free time playing with her dogs and enhancing her knowledge by enrolling in online courses.