According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts. | 95% |
| Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws. | 94% |
| Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations. | 94% |
| Respond to emergencies, such as escapes. | 92% |
| Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates. | 91% |
| Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items. | 91% |
| Monitor behavior of subordinates to ensure alert, courteous, and professional behavior toward inmates, parolees, fellow employees, visitors, and the public. | 89% |
| Restrain, secure, or control offenders, using chemical agents, firearms, or other weapons of force as necessary. | 89% |
| Carry injured offenders or employees to safety and provide emergency first aid when necessary. | 89% |
| Complete administrative paperwork or supervise the preparation or maintenance of records, forms, or reports. | 86% |
| Supervise activities, such as searches, shakedowns, riot control, or institutional tours. | 85% |
| Conduct roll calls of correctional officers. | 85% |
| Instruct employees or provide on-the-job training. | 85% |
| Resolve problems between inmates. | 85% |
| Set up employee work schedules. | 83% |
| Examine incoming or outgoing mail to ensure conformance with regulations. | 83% |
| Transfer or transport offenders on foot or by driving vehicles, such as trailers, vans, or buses. | 82% |
| Review offender information to identify issues that require special attention. | 81% |
| Develop work or security procedures. | 81% |
| Convey correctional officers' or inmates' complaints to superiors. | 80% |
| Supervise or provide security for offenders performing tasks, such as construction, maintenance, laundry, food service, or other industrial or agricultural operations. | 79% |
| Conduct evaluations of employees' performance. | 76% |
| Rate behavior of inmates, promoting acceptable attitudes and behaviors to those with low ratings. | 75% |
