Correctional Officers and Jailers

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

• Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
• Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
• Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
• Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
• Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
• Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.
• Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.
• Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.
• Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.
• Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.
• Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.
• Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.