You must be in good physical condition. Job duties and training requirements that you be able to  run a mile, break-up fighting and restrain people engaged in violent encounters, carry people, and be able to take on demanding physical tasks while wearing a gas mask in a smoky room.

The nature of the work of a Correctional Officer involves experiencing a stressful environment. You need to be willing and able to act with civility and within legal guidelines toward inmates who may be harassing or attempting to manipulate you.

Factors that would disqualify you from employment as a Correctional Officer include: dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces, being on probation currently or within the last four years, two misdemeanor convictions, any felony conviction, drug or domestic violence convictions, two or more DUIs or a DUI First Offender Option within the last two years.

You will be tested in a multiple-choice, written examination that covers the topics: visual memory, associative memory, writing ability, and reading comprehension. A study guide and sample test can be found here.

The Basic Officer Training classes for the Department of Correction employees are in two separate major courses: Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) and Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC). CEIT is a 9-week training where you receive academic classes on topics such as inmate supervision, self-defense, and report writing. You will be tested on firearms skills and physical agility. BOTC is 12-weeks of training where you will learn how to process cases, write reports, learn laws on search and seizure, etc.

For more information, visit the Department of Correction job website, or call the general information employment line at: (302) 857-5298.