First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

Median Annual Wage: $57,970

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (78%); Some college, no degree (11%); Associate's degree (7%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Captain; Shift Supervisor; Correctional Sergeant; Sergeant; Correctional Officer Sergeant; Lieutenant; Corrections Sergeant; Correctional Officer Lieutenant; Correctional Officer Captain; Correctional Lieutenant

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers.

More Protective Service Careers

  • Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
  • Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
  • Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
  • Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.
  • Restrain, secure, or control offenders, using chemical agents, firearms, or other weapons of force as necessary.
  • Resolve problems between inmates.
  • Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items.
  • Monitor behavior of subordinates to ensure alert, courteous, and professional behavior toward inmates, parolees, fellow employees, visitors, and the public.
  • Instruct employees or provide on-the-job training.
  • Complete administrative paperwork or supervise the preparation or maintenance of records, forms, or reports.
  • Carry injured offenders or employees to safety and provide emergency first aid when necessary.
  • Supervise activities such as searches, shakedowns, riot control, or institutional tours.
  • Set up employee work schedules.
  • Develop work or security procedures.
  • Conduct roll calls of correctional officers.
  • Supervise or provide security for offenders performing tasks, such as construction, maintenance, laundry, food service, or other industrial or agricultural operations.
  • Rate behavior of inmates, promoting acceptable attitudes and behaviors to those with low ratings.
  • Transfer or transport offenders on foot or by driving vehicles, such as trailers, vans, or buses.
  • Convey correctional officers' or inmates' complaints to superiors.
  • Review offender information to identify issues that require special attention.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers.

  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
  • Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers.

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