Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Correctional Officer
What correctional officers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Attend shift briefing on incidents and special watches. From there, the day usually includes supervise people in housing units, conduct counts and security checks, and search people, cells and areas for contraband. Facilities operate 24/7, so officers work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a correctional officer working full time.
- Attend shift briefing on incidents and special watches.
- Conduct the morning count in the housing unit.
- Supervise breakfast and medication lines.
- Search a cell and find contraband.
- Escort a person to a court video hearing.
- De-escalate an argument before it turns physical.
- Complete reports and give a shift handoff.
Where correctional officers work
Officers work inside secure facilities that can be noisy, crowded and tense, with the risk of assault. Some work in transport or perimeter posts.
Hours and schedule
Facilities operate 24/7, so officers work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Supervise people in housing units
- Conduct counts and security checks
- Search people, cells and areas for contraband
- Escort people within and outside the facility
- Respond to fights, disturbances and emergencies
- Enforce rules and de-escalate conflicts
- Write incident reports and logs
Tools you’ll use every day
- Radios
- Restraints
- Metal detectors and scanners
- Facility security systems
- Logbooks and reporting software
- Body cameras in some agencies
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Good benefits and pensions in many systems
- Steady hiring
- No degree required
- Paths to promotion and other law enforcement roles
What’s hard
- Stressful, sometimes dangerous work
- Mandatory overtime and shift work
- Emotional toll
- Employment is declining in some areas
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I can stay calm in tense situations
- I can be firm and fair
- I want public service work with good benefits
- I can handle shift work
- I’m observant
- I want a law enforcement career without a degree
Not sure? Take the free Correctional Officer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Stay alert and never turn your back carelessly
- Follow use-of-force policies
- Wear gloves for searches
- Use peer support and wellness programs