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Correctional Officer

State/Territory Specific Information

Correctional officers are responsible for the custody, care, supervision and rehabilitation of prisoners in prisons and correctional centres. They are increasingly involved in the care of prisoners and their welfare needs.

Correctional officers may perform the following tasks:

  • search prisoners and cells for illegal articles, drugs, valuables and weapons
  • lock prisoners in cells
  • observe the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to maintain control, discipline and security within the correctional centre
  • advise if prisoners need special care, such as a visit to a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker
  • inspect doors, gates, grilles, locks and window bars to make sure they are secure
  • supervise prisoners during meals, recreation periods, sport and work assignments
  • patrol assigned areas and report to supervisors or other workers any breach of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment problems of prisoners
  • serve meals to prisoners confined to cells
  • organise clothing, reading material, toiletries or other items needed by prisoners
  • participate in the reception, induction and discharge of prisoners in accordance with procedures
  • give directions to visitors
  • perform escort duties of prisoners, both within the centre and externally when required
  • prepare a variety of reports including admission and incident reports
  • assist in the risk/needs assessment of prisoners and have input into their case and sentence management
  • provide leadership and act as a role model to assist the rehabilitation process
  • help offenders seek rehabilitation and return to the community by providing basic counselling and supervision
  • provide first aid.

Specialisations:

Correctional officers also specialise in areas such as dog squads, transport and escort of offenders and field supervision on work camps.

Correctional officers can be required to work shifts including weekends and public holidays and may be transferred anywhere within their state or territory. In some states, case management is an important aspect of their work. This gives individual officers the chance to work with small groups of 10 to 15 prisoners within a re-education and rehabilitation program.

Personal Requirements:

  • enjoy working with people
  • normal vision
  • good interpersonal skills, including fairness, sensitivity and patience
  • assertiveness
  • self-discipline
  • a mature, responsible attitude towards managing people
  • able to resolve conflict
  • physically fit
  • able to stay calm in stressful situations
  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

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