Performs security work to ensure the safety and security of a correctional institution, facility, or unit, offenders, staff and the public; handles drug detection and search dogs; transports offenders to and from adult correctional facilities, work release, community corrections offices and/or performs security mail room duties to include receipt, control and proper unescorted delivery of mail to offenders in living units.

Depending on the assigned post, incumbents at this level may be involved in performing tasks that include, but are not limited to: working directly with special needs offenders; recommending offender custody, work, training, or release actions; writing reports and observations; maintaining daily activity logs; advising offenders regarding problems, institution programs, policies, and behavior standards; using independent judgment to take emergency action to include verbal de-escalation, physical and lethal uses of force; assisting in implementing treatment plans; conducting urinalysis (UA) and breathalyzer (BA) testing; testifying at hearings or in court; or, assisting in conducting investigations as the on-scene officer.

In a training capacity, performs security work to ensure the safety and security of an adult correctional institution, facility, or unit, offenders, staff and the public.

This is an in-training classification. Work performed at this level is carefully screened for appropriateness of assignments and closely reviewed. This class is designed to provide training opportunities and experience to become a successful and fully qualified Corrections and Custody Officer. After successfully completing the one-year training plan, as mandated by the Department of Corrections, incumbents automatically advance to Level 2.

Fully participate with in-training assignments as directed;

Assists in controlling, directing, and monitoring the activities and movement of offenders to work assignments, meals, recreation activities, medical calls, educational classes, return to cells, or within a specified area, to ensure the security and safety of offenders, staff and the public; work directly with special needs offenders, to include long term, mentally ill, geriatric, youthful offenders;

Takes emergency action, intervenes in and controls acts of negative behavior and violence, to include verbal de-escalation, physical and lethal uses of force such as restraints, firearms, or other devices as required following prescribed procedures and guidelines; conducts visual surveillance of security perimeter and monitor vehicles and foot traffic entering and leaving facility in order to detect abnormal or suspicious activity, and to detect inappropriate behavior;

Writes reports and observations pertaining to occurrences that require action by supervisor and incident or disciplinary reports detailing incorrect offender behavior, violation of rules and regulations; testify at disciplinary hearings, classification committees, release hearings, and court proceedings; maintain official logs; recommend offender custody, work, training, or release actions;

Provides security and custody for offenders on authorized leave from the institution, facility or unit, to include transport to and/or from county jails, city jails, courts, medical trips, operates appropriate state vehicles to transport offenders, patrol fences, ensures proper paperwork is available for transporting offenders; applies appropriate restraints as established by policy; serves as K-9 officer using a trained dog to control offenders, searches for drugs and contraband;

Performs random and specific searches and inspections of offenders and visitors; searches offender housing, buildings, physical plant, supplies and offenders personal property to seize dangerous items, evidence, contraband, controlled or unauthorized substances; maintains proper use, control, and accountability of keys, tools, equipment, performs inventory on, control and account for, offender personal and state property;

Briefs supervisors and relief staff regarding current issues/areas of concern (i.e., passes on pertinent information) in order to be aware of a situation or to take appropriate action; advises offenders regarding problems, institution programs, policies, and behavior standards;

Operates communication devices such as two-way radio, telephone, to convey information among personnel and to refer callers to take appropriate action; performs security mailroom duties to include receipt, control and proper delivery of mail to offenders;

Observes offenders for unusual or significant behavior; participates in directed treatment plan for offenders; inspects assigned area such as rooms, hallways, bathrooms, and takes action when necessary to maintain established sanitary, health and safety standards;

Assists in conducting investigations as the on-scene officer; answer questions of offenders and visitors concerning rules, regulations and procedures; investigates offender complaints; responds to all types of complaints;

May include supervision of off site offender work crews in the community; may be required to supervise offenders controlling forest fires and/or performing work in a fire camp in support of fire crews.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Graduation from high school or GED.


One year of paid or volunteer work experience, equivalent to full-time.

Successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college-level course work majoring in a social or behavioral science or criminal justice may substitute for experience.

Successful completion of a correctional officer-training course approved by the Department of Corrections may substitute for experience.

Note: A valid drivers license is required.