Wondering about being a Correctional Officer?

Question

Right now I'm in high school and for a good portion of my life I've wanted to have a job in law enforcement. I've recently found out about several law enforcement opportunities. Once I start going to college I plan on having a full-time job with it (quite a few people in my family have it so, I guess you could say it's "family tradition"), particulary a correctional officer. My initial plan is to try it out for a while while going through college and once I graduate I'll decide from there whether I want to stick with corrections or move onto something else in law enforcement. Call me crazy but, if possible, I want to at least give it a try to see if I can do it. So, what I'm really wondering about is if the DOC would even consider hiring me on as a correctional officer while attending college full-time as well. I just want to point out that I've never been convicted of a felony, done drugs, drank, or anything like that before. Also, I'd be willing to work an shift they'd give to me.

Answer 1

So you want to be a CO huh?

Speaking from personal experience, it is the best job we have had. My husbad and I Have a combination of 13 years in and we wouldn't change it for the world. Depsite the fact while working in a prison, you are risking your life daily by protecting the community you serve, it can be the most rewarding. You can always promote up the chain to Sgt,CO III AKA Counselor-Thug-A-Thug, Lt,CO IV (CO III Superviser),Capt, ADW and so forth. Most State facilities will pay either a portion if not all of your college as long as you are committed to school as well to the Dept.
There are many incentives to working at a prison. It's good you have already choose not to break the law by doing stupidity things and this will help you in applying for the job.

When you are accepted, be prepared for a 7-10 week academy with lots of physical and mental training to shape you into the ideal CO which usually fades away anyway because regardless, you will form into who you want to be...

Remember to always be: Firm, Fair and Consistent!!!!!

Answer 2

In many states, there is an age requirement of 21 to be an officer, so you might not be old enough to have the job while in college.

Answer 3

Most Institutions are very willing to work with people trying to get their degree. In Georgia, they have special arrangements for classes and funding to help, and a bonus check for your two and four year degrees, if you get them while employed by the GDC.

Since it's "in the family", you probably have a pretty good idea of what's involved. We are always looking for motivated people with high personal standards. "Come on in, the water's fine!"

Best of luck!

Answer 4

yes you would be high on the list of most correctional facilities.