Correctional Officer Trainee

Overview

Positions allocated to this class series maintain and supervise offenders in State correctional facilities in a controlled humane environment.

• Conduct regular and unscheduled head counts of offenders during active hours in housing units, dormitories, work details, or training activities and telephone control center in order to give accurate physical counts according to established procedures; fill out and turn in appropriate forms to control centers and/or to supervisor.
• Control, direct, and monitor activity and movement of offenders within a specified area (line movements, showers, recreation or game room, dining area, housing units, segregation and/or special management units) to ensure security and safety of offenders, staff, and the public by instructing the offenders, ordering, and disciplining them.
• Coordinate, direct and instruct offender work crews and evaluate offender work to ensure proper completion of work and take appropriate action or report to supervisor.
• Monitor and control offenders during transport to work assignments, classes, medical appointments, and court hearings using proper restraints and transport tactics.
• Intervene in and control acts of negative behavior and violence in order to maintain security and safety of offenders and staff and the public by instructing offenders and by using physical force such as restraints, firearms, or other devices as required following prescribed procedures and guidelines.
• Conduct visual surveillance of security perimeter and monitor vehicle and foot traffic entering and leaving facility in order to detect abnormal or suspicious activity, to detect inappropriate behavior and to maintain safety and security of offenders, staff and the public and the institution/facility.
• Inspect persons and articles before admission to the institution/facility by operating metal detector, x-ray machine, and/or hand scanner in order to ensure proper authorization for entry into the facility/institution in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform random and specific search and inspection of offenders (clothed and unclothed searches) to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility; perform random and specific search and inspection of visitors via clothed searches to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility.
• Search offender housing, buildings, institution/facility, physical plant, supplies and offenders’ personal property for weapons and contraband by following institutional procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain proper use, control, and accountability of keys, caustic and flammable material, tools, dangerous kitchen utensils, and equipment by following established procedures in order to maintain the safety and security of offenders, staff and the public.
• Inspect keys and locks for damage and check windows, bars, doors, gates, fences, walls, fire suppression equipment, and ceilings for damage or possible breach of security to maintain safety and security of the institution/facility, offenders, staff, and the public according to established procedures and guidelines.
• Operate appropriate State vehicles that include transportation vans and standard vehicles which require a valid driver’s license to transport offenders and patrol fences.
• Write reports pertaining to occurrences that require action by supervisors and incident or disciplinary reports detailing incorrect offender behavior, violation of institutional/facility rules and regulations.
• Process institution/facility and offender mail and packages; collect, inspect, and distribute mail in accordance with institutional/facility procedures and guidelines.
• Brief supervisors and relief staff regarding institutional occurrences and areas of concern in order to be aware of a situation or to take appropriate action.
• Monitor assigned area such as culinary, hallways, bathrooms, and offender rooms and take action when necessary to maintain established sanitary, health and safety standards.
• Operate communication devices such as two-way radio and telephone to convey information among personnel and to refer callers to appropriate divisions.
• Complete offender movement sheets to…