Supervisor of Correctional Officers

Your Fit

Income

$76K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-2.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Supervisor of Correctional Officers?

A Supervisor of Correctional Officers is responsible for overseeing the operations and staff within a correctional facility. They ensure the safety and security of the facility, manage correctional officers, and enforce policies and procedures.

Sample job titles:

Correctional Officer Captain, Correctional Supervisor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Supervisor of Correctional Officers.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Supervisor of Correctional Officers earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$50K per year	$57K per year	$76K per year	$102K per year	$125K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $27K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Supervisor of Correctional Officers do?

Work environment

This role typically operates within correctional institutions, such as prisons and jails. The environment is structured and can be high-stress, requiring constant vigilance and adherence to strict security protocols. Supervisors often work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Oversees the daily operations of a correctional facility.
Supervises, trains, and evaluates correctional officers.
Ensures compliance with all facility policies, procedures, and security protocols.
Manages inmate discipline and oversees conflict resolution.
Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies and legal entities.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Maximum Security Supervision: Specializing in high-risk inmate populations and facilities.
Juvenile Detention Supervision: Overseeing facilities specifically for juvenile offenders.
Rehabilitation Program Supervision: Focusing on rehabilitation programs and reintegration of inmates.
Correctional Training Supervision: Specializing in training and development of correctional staff.
Administrative Supervision: Managing the administrative aspects of correctional facilities, including budgeting and logistics.

Description

A Supervisor of Correctional Officers holds a critical leadership position within the law enforcement community. They play a key role in maintaining order and safety within correctional facilities, balancing the need for security with the rights and rehabilitation of inmates. This role requires a deep understanding of correctional facility operations, criminal justice principles, and human behavior. Effective communication, leadership, and decision-making skills are essential, as supervisors must manage staff and respond to emergencies or conflicts swiftly and appropriately.

The path to becoming a supervisor in this field typically involves starting as a correctional officer and gaining experience. Leadership ability, a record of responsible and ethical conduct, and continuous professional development are vital for advancement. The role also demands a strong commitment to upholding legal and ethical standards and the ability to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations calmly and effectively.

This occupation offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on public safety and the criminal justice system. It involves developing strategies for inmate management and rehabilitation, working closely with law enforcement and legal professionals, and contributing to the overall mission of the correctional facility.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a crucial role in maintaining public safety and security.
Leading and mentoring a team of correctional officers.
Contributing to the rehabilitation and positive transformation of inmates.

You might make a good Supervisor of Correctional Officers if you are...

Strong in leadership and decision-making skills.
Able to handle high-stress and potentially dangerous situations.
Ethical, with a strong commitment to law and order.
Skilled in communication and conflict resolution.
Interested in criminal justice and public safety.

Pros:

Opportunity to lead and impact the operations of a correctional facility.
Job stability and potential for career advancement within law enforcement.
Challenging and varied work experiences.

Cons:

High-stress environment with potential risk for confrontations.
Emotional and mental strain due to the nature of the work.
Requirement to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

How to become a Supervisor of Correctional Officers

Typical education

Most positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, though many have higher education in criminal justice or a related field. Progression to a supervisory role typically also involves several years of experience in corrections.

High school preparation

Courses:

Criminal justice or law enforcement classes, if available.
Psychology to understand behavior and conflict resolution.
Leadership or public speaking courses to develop communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in Junior ROTC or similar programs.
Involvement in team sports or leadership roles in clubs.
Volunteering in community service or local law enforcement-related activities.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a degree or coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.
Gain experience by working in a correctional facility as a correctional officer.
Seek opportunities for leadership training and professional development in corrections.

More resources

American Correctional Association (ACA) - Offers resources and training for correctional professionals.
National Institute of Corrections (NIC) - Provides training programs, research, and policy guidance for the corrections sector.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) - Information on careers and operations in federal prisons.
CorrectionsOne Academy - Online training and resources for correctional officers and supervisors.
Bureau of Justice Statistics - Corrections - Offers data and statistics on corrections in the United States.

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