Role of Correction Officers Corrections Officers, Also

Role of Correction Officers

Corrections officers, also known as detention officers have their work environment within the detention facilities as well as local, state or federal jails, penitentiaries and reformatories. Corrections officers have the duty of controlling individuals who are waiting to be tried or those who have already been convicted. The paper will look at the duties and responsibilities of corrections officers. Focus will be on the role of the correction officers within the social role of inmates and within the jail administration.

Security

Security is one of the key responsibilities of correction officers and they have the duty of maintaining security within the institution and observe safety and health for both the staff and prisoners. They carry out physical patrols as well as visually inspect yards, units, buildings, prisoners, their property to ensure the safety, welfare and security of prisoners is maintained. They perform inspections of cells and physical premises so as to check for contraband and regulations are complied with. They investigate and report any circumstances that they find unusual. They carry out pat or strip searches of both visitors and prisoners. They directly observe prisoners through audio, visual and audio monitoring systems where they check for any abnormal activities in order to ensure that the public, prisoners and staff are physically safe. They also look out for and respond to any changes in the behavior or conversations f prisoners which can be an indicator of trouble. They monitor radio transmissions between the staff so that they can respond immediately to any emergencies or directions and any calls for security support if and when required. They also give visitors escort and all the security they need while they are in the premises (The State of Alaska, 2007).

Prisoner management

Correctional officers enforce the rules and standards of operations within the institution. They report any infractions written or oral and confront prisoners that violate rules. They are responsible for the initiation of segregation or disciplinary procedures and carry out enforcement activities according to the policies in the department. They give explanations of the procedures and rules of the facility to the prisoners in order for them to understand what is expected from them and the consequences of their behaviors. They are the people who receive prisoners into custody, search them, make the initial assessment of the prisoners for safety health and security .they supervise those prisoners who are in custody for the maintenance of order in the daily activities, programming and work assignment.