If you become a corrections officer there are a number of places where you could find work. You may work in a prison, detention center, youth offender institute, open prison, or as an escort between police prison cells and courtrooms. You might escort prisoners between prisons or even to airports for repatriation to their country of origin. Your remit would be to ensure the safety and good conduct of inmates, and those accused. You might need to deal with a number of different situations during the day from searching for contraband or illegal substances and weapons, through to supervising recreation breaks, prisoner workshops, or visiting sessions. On occasion you may need to quell fights or arguments.

Most states require you to be 21 to become a corrections officer, however some will accept you if you are 18. Any previous criminal history will likely preclude you from a career as a corrections officer. You will need to possess good interpersonal skills and be good at diffusing disagreements. Enjoying excellent health and fitness is an advantage. While a degree is not a requirement, if you want to progress your career a degree in subject such as criminal justice or police science could be extremely useful. You will likely need to pass various intelligence, aptitude, fitness, and reasoning tests. You can also expect your background to be investigated.

The following schools offer criminal justice degrees which can help you gain the skills to become a Corrections Officer: