To qualify to become a Correctional Officer with the Utah Department of Corrections, you must be able to meet the following minimum criteria: at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You should be in good physical, emotional, and mental shape, not having any condition which might negatively affect your performance on the job. You need to be an upstanding citizen with good moral character, and able to pass a background investigation.
The inability to pass a background check due to criminal history will disqualify you from employment. Felony convictions are automatically disqualifying (felonies as a minor may be considered). Misdemeanor convictions may or may not bar employment. Convictions or criminal involvement with misdemeanor crimes will be considered on an individual case by case basis.
Violence, dishonesty, unlawful sexual conduct, and manufacture, possession, or selling of controlled substances misdemeanor convictions may be considered indicators that you may not meet the required moral standard.
Misdemeanors involving controlled substances and drugs at minimum a required to have reached disposition two-five years prior. Dishonesty, violence, and unlawful sexual conduct misdemeanors require four years from the date of involvement. DUI convictions require a two-year waiting period. Other misdemeanors require one year from the time of disposition.
To apply, visit the Utah Department of Corrections employment webpage. Search for Correctional Officer Jobs, click on the job listing and apply online.
Before you can be admitted to the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy (POST), you will take an entrance exam and a physical entrance requirement test. The entrance examination will ensure that you have sufficient ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
For contact information to schedule the test, visit http://publicsafety.utah.gov/post/prospective/entrance_exam.html. The physical fitness test consists of vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
Training takes place at POST, where you will complete the 5-Week Special Function Officer block and the 10-Week Basic Correctional Officer block of training. Instruction will include topics such as law enforcement curriculum, defensive tactics, canine training, firearms training, and physical fitness.
For more information, visit the Utah Department of Corrections website at http://corrections.utah.gov.
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