NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Correctional Officers and Jailers

SOC 33-3012.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the custody, monitoring, search, documentation, and communication duties performed by correctional officers and jailers in adult correctional facilities, from entry-level post assignments through facility-wide leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Head counts — conduct at scheduled intervals under direct officer supervision in a housing unit.
  2. Facility locks, bars, and gates — inspect visually using a provided checklist during supervised security rounds.
  3. Prisoner conduct — observe and report behavioral concerns to a senior officer during monitored recreational periods.
  4. Cell shakedown procedures — assist a senior officer in searching assigned cells for contraband following established protocols.
  5. Facility entrance — screen visitors by verifying identification and logging arrivals under direct supervision.
  6. Incident log entries — record basic prisoner identification and disturbance details into a daily paper or electronic log with guidance.
  7. Inmate mail — inspect envelopes and packages for prohibited items alongside a training officer using facility guidelines.
  8. Prisoner identification records — enter charge and personal data into a database management system under supervisor review.
  9. Radio and intercom communications — transmit clear status reports using standard codes on the facility telecommunications system.
  10. Facility policies and regulations — read and reference written post orders to guide routine duties during a shift.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Head counts — complete independently at all required intervals and reconcile discrepancies before notifying a shift supervisor.
  2. Security hardware conditions — inspect locks, window bars, doors, and gates on an assigned post and document findings in the facility log without prompting.
  3. Prisoner behavior monitoring — apply social perceptiveness skills to identify early signs of tension in a housing unit and take preventive action per policy.
  4. Vehicle and prisoner searches — conduct thorough pat-downs and vehicle inspections using practiced search techniques during routine intake or transport operations.
  5. Visitor screening and access control — evaluate visitor eligibility, enforce contraband prohibitions, and manage entry flow at the facility gate independently.
  6. Daily activity logs — maintain accurate, detailed records of prisoner movements, incidents, and counts using office suite or document management software each shift.
  7. Mail contraband detection — inspect incoming and outgoing inmate mail systematically, flag suspicious items, and complete required documentation without supervisory prompting.
  8. Prisoner charge and identification records — update and maintain inmate files in the facility database, ensuring accuracy across booking, housing, and release stages.
  9. Verbal de-escalation — use active listening and calm speaking techniques to diffuse low-level inmate conflicts in a housing unit setting.
  10. Time management on post — organize shift tasks including counts, inspections, and reporting to meet all deadlines across an eight-hour correctional facility shift.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Emergency head counts — initiate and coordinate unscheduled counts during a lockdown or escape alert and report verified results to command staff.
  2. Comprehensive security inspections — assess the full range of physical security features across multiple posts, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend corrective actions to supervisors.
  3. Complex inmate behavior — apply critical thinking and inductive reasoning to detect patterns of organized misconduct or gang activity within a general population unit.
  4. High-risk cell shakedowns — plan and lead thorough cell and common-area searches for weapons, drugs, and contraband following elevated security alerts.
  5. Incident documentation and reporting — author detailed, legally defensible incident reports using word processing software, capturing all relevant facts for administrative or judicial review.
  6. Contraband intelligence — analyze mail inspection findings and cell search results to build an informational picture of contraband introduction methods within the facility.
  7. Inmate rights and legal compliance — apply knowledge of law, government regulations, and facility policy to ensure all search, monitoring, and custody procedures meet constitutional standards.
  8. Crisis negotiation support — use persuasion and negotiation skills to assist in resolving hostage or standoff situations in coordination with specialized response teams.
  9. Cross-unit coordination — coordinate handoffs, inmate movements, and information sharing across multiple housing units to maintain facility-wide security continuity.
  10. Technology utilization — leverage database query tools, electronic mail, and spreadsheet software to compile shift statistics, track repeat offenders, and support administrative reporting.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Facility security policy — develop, revise, and implement post orders and security protocols that govern all officer conduct across the correctional facility.
  2. Officer training and development — design and deliver on-the-job training programs covering counts, searches, documentation, and de-escalation for new and incumbent correctional staff.
  3. Institutional security strategy — assess systemic vulnerabilities in physical infrastructure and inmate management practices and present improvement plans to facility leadership.
  4. Organizational incident response — lead the facility response to major disturbances, escapes, or emergencies by directing personnel, coordinating with law enforcement, and managing communications.
  5. Performance standards and accountability — establish measurable competency benchmarks for officer monitoring, record-keeping, and inspection duties and evaluate staff against them.
  6. Cross-agency public safety coordination — represent the facility in interagency meetings with courts, law enforcement, and community corrections partners to align custody and release practices.
  7. Complex problem solving at scale — identify recurring patterns in inmate misconduct, contraband trends, and security breaches and implement facility-wide corrective programs.
  8. Administrative records governance — oversee the integrity, retention, and security of all prisoner identification, charge, and incident records in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  9. Staff well-being and stress management — implement programs that build stress tolerance, integrity, and self-control among correctional officers working in high-pressure custodial environments.
  10. Technology adoption and oversight — evaluate and champion new database management, document management, or surveillance technologies that improve facility safety and operational efficiency.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

A 4-level framework describing how a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline. Subscribe for $19.99/mo to read the full framework — or sign in if you have a subscription.

  1. Emerging
  2. Developing
  3. Proficient
  4. Advanced
Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library

Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency levels for this occupation. Subscribe to unlock the full Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework across all 1,016 occupations.

Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library
Show O*NET source anchors61 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Booking Officer · Certified Detention Deputy · Civilian Jail Officer · Community Corrections Officer (CCO) · Community Services Officer (CSO) · Confinement Officer · Convict Guard · Correction Officer · Correctional Guard · Correctional Monitor · Correctional Officer · Correctional Officer Specialist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
MonitoringSocial PerceptivenessActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionCoordinationPersuasionComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningNegotiationInstructingService OrientationTime ManagementWritingLearning Strategies
Knowledge domains
Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementComputers and ElectronicsPsychologyAdministrativeEducation and TrainingTelecommunications
Abilities
Problem SensitivityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech ClarityInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningNear VisionSpeech RecognitionSelective AttentionWritten Comprehension
Work styles
Stress ToleranceIntegrityDependabilitySelf-ControlCautiousnessAttention to Detail
Technology
Data base user interface and query softwareDocument management softwareData base management system softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
  2. Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
  3. 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.
  4. Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
  5. Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
  6. Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.
  7. Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.
  8. Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.
CIP education codes
43.010043.010243.011043.0199

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.