According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present. | 93% |
| Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes. | 92% |
| 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. | 91% |
| Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs. | 91% |
| Guard facility entrances to screen visitors. | 90% |
| Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities. | 89% |
| Inspect mail for the presence of contraband. | 88% |
| Search for and recapture escapees. | 88% |
| Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges. | 88% |
| Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners. | 86% |
| Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer. | 85% |
| Process or book convicted individuals into prison. | 84% |
| Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections. | 83% |
| Supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers. | 82% |
| Participate in required job training. | 82% |
| Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport. | 82% |
| Take fingerprints of arrestees, prisoners, or the general public. | 81% |
| Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners. | 81% |
| Settle disputes between inmates. | 81% |
| Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences. | 81% |
| Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites. | 80% |
| Counsel inmates and respond to legitimate questions, concerns, and requests. | 79% |
| Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates. | 79% |
| Assign duties to inmates, providing instructions as needed. | 77% |
| Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates. | 72% |
| Sponsor inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups. | 71% |
| Arrange daily schedules for prisoners, including library visits, work assignments, family visits, and counseling appointments. | 70% |
