Correctional Officer onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: State corrections officer certification, CPR and first aid (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: radios; restraints; metal detectors and scanners; facility security systems
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Correctional Officer training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Stay alert and never turn your back carelessly
Follow use-of-force policies
Wear gloves for searches
Use peer support and wellness programs
Shadow an experienced correctional officer through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: conduct a formal count
Supervised practice: search a cell for contraband
Supervised practice: de-escalate a conflict
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Supervise people in housing units: independently
Conduct counts and security checks: independently
Search people, cells and areas for contraband: independently
Escort people within and outside the facility: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, State corrections officer certification)
Discuss the career path: Correctional Officer → Corporal or Sergeant → Lieutenant or Captain
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Conduct a Formal Count
Search a Cell for Contraband
De-escalate a Conflict
Facility security procedures
Search and contraband detection
Use-of-force policies
Report writing

How to measure onboarding success

Report quality and completeness
Post-order compliance in audits
Client complaints or incidents
90-day retention

How Correctional Officer training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Correctional Officer Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Correctional Officer Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Correctional Officer Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Correctional Officer Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)