Is Correctional Officer A Dangerous Job?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to a 2018 report published in Corrections Today, being a jail guard is considered one of the riskiest professions . Those who choose this career path are exposed to work- and institutional-related dangers as well as mental and physical health risks.

What is the hardest part of being a correctional officer?

Correctional officers are exposed to a high degree of stress every day. Working long shifts behind walls day in and day out can and does take a toll. Statistics show that correctional officers have higher rates of divorce, PTSD, severe depression and suicide .

Is being a correctional officer hard?

Being a correctional officer can be a trying and difficult job , but it’s a necessary one that also offers the rewards that come with maintaining order and offering protection.

Is being a correctional officer a good career?

A career as a corrections officer can be stable, well-paying and rewarding . ... In addition, California has the highest annual mean wage out of all the states at $71,630, according to BLS data from May 2017. California also has the 2nd highest employment level of correctional officers in the U.S. with 36,730 jobs.

Is it more dangerous to be a cop or correctional officer?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among occupational groups, only police experience more violent incidents at work than correction officers . For every 10,000 full-time COs, there were 254 workplace assaults and violent injuries reported in 2011 — 36 times the rate for all American workers.

How often do correctional officers get hurt?

If we focus only on assaults and violence, correctional officers are injured by assaults and violent acts at a rate of 254 per 10,000 full-time employees . ... ... If we focus only on assaults and violence, correctional officers are injured by assaults and violent acts at a rate of 254 per 10,000 full-time employees.

Why do correctional officers get paid so much?

As it relates to corrections officers, overtime is often abundant and consistent . Either due to staff shortages, training ventures requiring covering regular shifts, sick jailers, or a host of reasons, salaries can be boosted via working extra duty hours.

What are the disadvantages of being a correctional officer?

Furthermore, jail guards have a greater risk of chronic injury, high cholesterol, hypertension and heart disease compared to other law enforcement occupations. Work conflicts, fatigue, heavy workload and inadequate resources all contribute to stress among correctional officers.

What is the divorce rate for correctional officers?

Profession Divorce rate Massage therapists 47.8 Gaming Cage Workers 47.3 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 47 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers 46.9

Is correctional officer a stressful job?

Correctional officers are exposed to a high degree of stress every day . Working long shifts behind walls day in and day out can and does take a toll. ... Each aspect of the job, including inmate interactions, workplace environment and resulting home life, can contribute to the build-up of this stress.

Is a correctional officer a federal job?

The majority of Federal Prison jobs are correctional officers with a broad spectrum of support occupations that are needed to maintain the prisons and to service the inmates and staff. Federal prison jobs with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provide supervision, care, and correctional treatment of inmates.

What qualities make a good correctional officer?

  • Good judgment. ...
  • Interpersonal skills. ...
  • Negotiating skills. ...
  • Physical strength. ...
  • Resourcefulness. ...
  • Self discipline.

Are correctional officers cops?

Yes, corrections officers are law enforcement officers .

Do correctional officers wear uniforms?

All Correctional Services employees, Correctional Systems employees, and Correctional Counselors will normally wear the work uniform . ... All Correctional Services employees, Correctional Systems employees, and Correctional Counselors who wear the work uniform must have at least one complete dress uniform.

Emily Lee
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Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.