First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
First-line supervisors of correctional officers directly supervise and coordinate the activities of correctional officers and jailers.
The duties of correctional officers and first-line supervisors involve responsibilities of counting prison inmates or personnel, using weapons or physical force to maintain security, maintaining professional knowledge or certifications, and responding to emergencies to assist and direct operations of correctional facilities.
A first-line supervisor of correctional officers' job is to oversee the daily work activities of production workers and operators in a manufacturing facility. The types of workers they supervise include inspectors, precision workers, machine setters, assemblers, and fabricators.
If one is looking to become a line supervisor, then they should work as a first-line police supervisor for four to five years to have the related experience. Many individuals who work in law enforcement have at least a high-school diploma. Correctional officers typically attend a training academy. Although qualifications vary by state and agency, all agencies require a high school diploma. College education or previous work experience is required by federal agencies.
A correctional officer's career path can be tough but rewarding as it is a continuous learning journey. To succeed in the duties of a correctional officer, one should have the specific qualities of judgement, negotiation and interpersonal skills, strength to physically subdue inmates, practical approach to solving a problem, being self-disciplined, being adaptable and possess conflict-resolution ability.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Bachelor's Any Subject
Tasks
- Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
- Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws.
- Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
- Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
- Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.
- Restrain, secure, or control offenders, using chemical agents, firearms, or other weapons of force as necessary.
- Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items.
- Monitor behavior of subordinates to ensure alert, courteous, and professional behavior toward inmates, parolees, fellow employees, visitors, and the public.
- Complete administrative paperwork or supervise the preparation or maintenance of records, forms, or reports.
- Instruct employees or provide on-the-job training.
Progression Routes
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