How to write a correctional officer resume

You should demonstrate your psychological and physical strength to perform one of the most demanding occupations available to become a correctional officer. Your resume for a correctional officer must provide specific, straightforward instances of your prior work experience in jails, prisons, or other settings where you had to be concerned about the safety and protection of others. In this guide, we will talk about the tips, things to consider, the do's and don't of writing a correctional officer resume, and correctional officer resumes examples.

Tips for writing a correctional officer resume

Here are some tips to consider when preparing a correctional officer resume;

Tweak your resume to the job position as it will show the employer that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. It will also help to focus the employer's attention on the most important and relevant aspects of your experience and skills.
Provide any relevant certifications or training you have completed, such as those required for correctional officers. It will demonstrate your commitment to the field and willingness to invest in your professional development. It will also show that you have the necessary qualifications for the job.
Emphasize your ability to maintain order and enforce rules and any experience working in a similar role, such as in security or law enforcement. It indicates your familiarity with the field and your understanding of the specific responsibilities and challenges of the position.
Include any experience with security protocols and monitoring: Including any experience with security protocols and monitoring will show that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to keep inmates and staff safe.
Highlight any experience working with a diverse population: Highlighting any experience working with a diverse population will demonstrate your ability to work with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures, which is an important skill for a correctional officer.
Add any experience with crisis management, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques that will describe your capability to handle difficult situations and keep the peace within a correctional facility.
Make sure to include any experience working with computers and technology, defining your ability to use modern tools and systems, which are essential for the job.
Showcase your ability to work as a member of a team. It implies that you are a collaborative and supportive colleague, which is necessary for a correctional officer.
Include any additional language skills: Including any additional language skills will demonstrate your ability to communicate with a diverse population and will be an added advantage for the position.
Check your resume for errors it will make a good impression on the employer.
Keep your resume concise, and display the most vital information, this will help the employer quickly identify your qualifications and experience.
Consider including a cover letter to provide additional information about yourself: A cover letter will allow you to provide additional information about yourself, such as your motivation for becoming a correctional officer, which will help you stand out from the competition.

Things to include in a correctional officer resume

Here is the list of things to include in a correctional officer resume;

Contact details involve name, mobile number, and email address.
Summary or objective statement: A brief overview of your qualifications and career goals as a correctional officer.
Education: List your relevant educational background, including degrees or certifications earned in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields.
Work experience: List your previous work experience as a correctional officer or in a related field, including job titles, employers, dates of employment, and core responsibilities.
Skills: List any relevant skills you have, such as experience in security, crowd control, or working in high-stress environments. Also, add any relevant certifications or training you accomplished.
Professional certifications and licenses: List any certifications or licenses you hold, such as those required for correctional officers.
Awards and honors: Mention any awards or honors you have received, such as for outstanding performance or service.
Volunteer or extracurricular activities: List any volunteer or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to serving others or working in a team.
Language proficiency: If you are fluent in more than one language, mention that here.
Additional information: Include any additional information that you think is relevant, such as knowledge of computer programs, weapons, or other equipment handling experience.

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Do's and don't of writing a correctional officer resume

Customize your resume to the job requirements by showcasing relevant experience and skills.
Include any relevant certifications or training you have completed, such as those required for correctional officers.
Emphasize your ability to maintain order and enforce rules, such as in security or law enforcement.
Mention any experience you have working with diverse populations or in high-stress environments.
Use an appropriate format with clear headings and bullet points.
Review your resume for typos and mistakes.
Use action verbs to describe your experience, such as "supervised," "monitored," or "enforced."
Include any related education and add any awards or honors you have received.

DON'T

Lie or exaggerate your qualifications or experience.
Use overly complex language or jargon.
Use a template without tailoring it to the specific job or organization
Use poor grammar or spelling errors.
Include sensitive information, such as your political affiliations or religious beliefs.
Leave out important information, such as your contact information.
Use an unprofessional email address.
Include any negative or controversial experiences you may have had.
Use any unprofessional or informal language.

Correctional Officer Resume Sample

The responsibility of the correctional officer is to keep an eye on the individual or group of individuals who have been detained while they undergo a trial or who have received a prison or jail sentence. The respective job responsibilities are listed on the resume for a correctional officer;

Enforcing rules and keeping stability in the detention or prison
Limiting disruptions and safeguarding
Employing progressive punishments
Monitoring the everyday tasks of the prison inmates
Ensuring that the inmates adhere to the guidelines and their details
Conducting routine facility inspections

Individuals wanting to pursue this career path must demonstrate the following abilities; the capacity to accomplish fingerprint assessments, reference checks, and military service experience inspections, clear criminal history, and the physical capacity to deal with challenging and violent convicts. To be eligible to take the relevant exam, a job candidate must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the nation, and have a university degree.

Correctional Officer Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Correctional Officer Resume Professional Summary

Dedicated and experienced Correctional Officer with 5+ years of experience maintaining security and enforcing rules in a correctional facility. Proven ability to maintain order and control in high-stress environments. Seeking a challenging role as a Correctional Officer where my skills and experience can be utilized to ensure the safety and security of inmates and staff.

Correctional Officer Resume Skills

First Aid, CPR, and AED certified
Verbal and written communication skills
Experience in security, crowd control, and high-stress environments
Maintain order and enforce rules
Problem-solving
Decision-making skills
Safety and security procedures and protocols

Correctional Officer Resume Job Description

Supervised and monitored the activities of inmates to maintain order and control within the facility
Conducted regular security rounds and performed cell inspections to ensure compliance with rules and regulations
Responded to emergencies and incidents, utilizing de-escalation techniques to defuse tense situations
Provided guidance and support to inmates to help them successfully reintegrate into society
Worked with other officers, nursing staff, and mental health professionals to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates
Patrolled and monitored the facility to ensure the safety and security of employees, visitors, and property
Conducted regular security rounds and inspections to identify and address potential security risks
Assisted in the investigation of security breaches and incidents and prepared reports as needed
Maintained accurate records and documentation of security-related activities and incidents

Certified Correctional Officer Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Certified Correctional Officer Resume Professional Summary

Experienced and dedicated Certified Correctional officer with over nine years of experience maintaining safety and security within a correctional facility. Strong ability to enforce rules and regulations, maintain order, and aid inmates. A proven leader in high-stress environments and known for making sound decisions under pressure.

Certified Correctional Officer Resume Skills

Interpersonal skills
Critical Thinking
Teamwork skills
Leadership skills
Microsoft Office
Reconciliation
Screening

Certified Correctional Officer Resume Job Description

Monitored inmates in housing quarters and when they are separated for regulatory or punitive purposes.
Control the distribution of clothing and other individual items to prisoners.
Start frequent and unplanned inmate checks and undertake regular patrols of the living and working areas.
Employ physical confinement and restricting tools to retain order and control.
To preserve the safety and credibility of the organization, keep a regular check both inside and out.
Keep order and teach the prisoners in places like the hall and the location where meals are served to the prisoners.
Keep an eye out for any indications of unrest or tension, and inform higher authorities of your findings.
Discuss administrative, domestic, or psychological adjustment issues with prisoners.

State Correctional Officer Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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State Correctional Officer Resume Professional Summary

Results-driven and experienced correctional officer with more than eleven years of experience keeping safety and protection within a correctional institution. Strong ability to enforce rules and regulations while assisting inmates to help them reintegrate into society.

State Correctional Officer Resume Skills

Listening
Maintaining Order
Giving Clear Commands
Information System
Mentoring
Motivating
Emotional intelligence

State Correctional Officer Resume Job Description

Make sure that prisoners have access to the library, specific duties, family visits, and therapy sessions in their everyday routine.
Counsel prisoners and address their justifiable inquiries, worries, and desires.
To avoid escape or aggression, keep an eye on inmates' behavior while they are in their housing unit, at jobs, or participating in leisure activities.
Inform supervisors verbally and in writing the level of effort put forth by prisoners, any conflicts they cause or rules they break, and any odd events.
Maintain a daily journal of prisoners' actions and note details like proof of identity, charges, and instances of inmate disruption.
Searches for valuables and illegal items, like narcotics or weapons, are conducted on detainees, their vehicles, and their cells.
Take convicts into custody and accompany them to internal and external facilities, like the courtroom and visiting room.

Juvenile Correctional Officer Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Juvenile Correctional Officer Resume Professional Summary

Proven ability to maintain order and control in high-stress environments as a correctional officer with five years of experience in a busy urban jail. Skilled in de-escalation techniques, crowd control, and emergency response procedures.

Juvenile Correctional Officer Resume Skills

Communication
Leadership
Empathy
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Law Enforcement
Cashier
Criminal Justice

Juvenile Correctional Officer Resume Job Description

Start a routine and infrequent inmate checks and perform periodic patrols of the living and working areas.
Restrict the entrance of commodities into the facility while maintaining command and discipline, such as the use of physical confinement and restraining equipment.
To protect the safety and authenticity of the facility, periodically patrol both inside and outside the building to examine inmates' mail for potential contraband. observe, control, and verify prisoner visitor traffic.
Organize and keep an eye on prisoners' everyday activities to support prison operations and protect the public.
Regulate the prisoners' safe transportation to other correctional facilities and inside the community.
Settled disputes professionally and tactfully through proper communication.
Accepted full responsibility for recording and identifying the occurrences after responding to medical crises and conflicts.

Correctional Officer/Rehab Resume Example

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Correctional Officer/Rehab Resume Professional Summary

Professional correctional officer with over eight years of experience retaining security within a correctional facility. Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and to develop positive relationships with inmates and staff.

Correctional Officer.Rehab Resume Skills

Correctional Facility
Communication Skills
Customer Service
First Aid Certified
CPR
Scheduling

Correctional Officer/Rehab Resume Job Description

Maintain a weekly journal of prisoners' actions and note details like identity, charges, and instances of prisoner instability.
Store finished the paperwork on a computer's hard drive, or keep a digital filing system current and accurate to keep, access, modify, and eliminate documents.
To guarantee safety and aid in preventing breaches, examine the state of the locks, window bars, doors, and gateways at correctional facilities.
Together with management, execute company or division rules, practices, and service standards.
Use my expertise and people skills to defuse tense situations and avoid inmate fights.
Employed radio or phones to communicate with other cops about disruptions and count data while keeping an eye on the control room's surveillance cameras.
Successfully finish medication calls, involving providing offenders with the proper dosage of drugs.

Corrections Officer Resume Example

EXAMPLE

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Corrections Officer Resume Professional Summary

Seasoned law enforcement and criminal justice professional with seven years of expertise working with disruptive criminals and stressful circumstances, safety-focused and professional. Effective at changing management approaches to fit various character traits. Possessing the problem-solving skills essential to succeed in any circumstance, an influential leader capable of gaining the respect and cooperation of the most stubborn people.

Corrections Officer Resume Skills

Rehabilitation methods
Critical Thinking skills
Team Safety skills
Restraint techniques
Records management
Strong Work Ethic
Attention to detail

Corrections Officer Resume Job Description

Protected facility's security, and personnel, inmates, visitors, and other community members were all kept healthy and safe.
Actively patrolled and carefully examined prisoner quarters, yards, structures, personal belongings, etc.
Managed challenging inmates and challenging situations with fairness and professionalism.
Maintaining the safety and integrity of the facility requires regular patrols both within and outside the facility and monitoring, supervising, and screening inmates' movement.
Keep track of the inmate's actions and their tools, supplies, and other possessions.
Showed competence in emergency procedures, restraint techniques and devices, and the operation and inspection of weapons.
Retaining sufficient security for prisoners being transferred and ensuring that all authorizations were duly filled out and approved.