This may lead you to wonder and second, guess yourself on the steps you had taken up to that point. You may think, surely I was qualified enough, and that you felt good about your exam score or that you dazzled during your interview, but maybe there was something you missed, something that you may have overlooked.

That one thing was it something minor that could have been easily rectified had you known it would have been an issue or was it something so serious that the mere mention of it would be grounds for automatic dismissal and disqualification from the corrections hiring process. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons for why you didn’t get hired as a correctional officer.

• Minimum Requirements Not Met: As you have probably already noticed if you have spent any amount of time on this website researching what it takes to be a Correctional Officer, you will see that in order to even be considered for a position you need to meet a minimum set of requirements, mostly Age, Education, Experience, Citizenship, Driver’s License, etc. If you didn’t meet any of these requirements then most likely your application didn’t even make it past the initial review of applicants. When applying for a Corrections job, make sure that whatever items that are listed as a minimum requirement are met to the best of your ability, and if you cannot meet them, inquire with your hiring department to determine if there are alternatives to the originally stated requirement.
• Background Check/ Criminal Record: A common part of the hiring process that is also included in the minimum requirements is that the applicant agrees to submit to a Background Check and Criminal Records screening. This is the section that most people have questions about. What is permitted and what isn’t. What are the disqualifying factors in becoming a correctional officer? Can you have a felon and still get hired? What about DUIs? The answers will obviously vary from state to state but the bottom line still remains that the better your history is the better your chances are during the hiring process. If you know ahead of applying for the job that you might have potential background issues then it is best that you conduct your own background check and take the necessary steps to make improvements if possible.
• Financial History / Bad Credit: A poor financial history and bad credit are often signs that employers look for as indicators of poor self-discipline and the potential to be subject to bribes and corruption. Having financial problems isn’t the end of the world, as we all experience money troubles from time to time. The simple fact that you are looking for work and you are working a credit recovery plan is enough for most departments to show that you are working the issue.
• Medical & Health Issues: As part of the hiring process, applicants are required to undergo a complete physical and in some cases psychological exam as well to determine if you can handle the day to day stresses of Correctional Officer duty.
• Physically Out of Shape: Now it is possible that you can be medically cleared to be a Correctional Officer, but if you cannot pass the required physical fitness tests then you cannot move forward in the hiring process to become a Correctional Officer. If this happened to you then maybe you have an idea now what areas you need to improve upon and how physically fit you need you to be for the job. Take some time to make a plan for improvement, get in shape, lose weight, and be ready for the next test.

• Didn’t Pass Required Exam: So maybe you listened to your friend on this one when they said they heard that you could pass the Correctional Officer Exam without studying, and you went in on test day carefree and overconfident, then your score came. You Failed! Not to worry, this is an easy fix. If you are afforded the opportunity to retest in a reasonable amount of time you should make the most of this time to review some of the areas you may be weak on so that you can improve the next time you have to take the exam. Don’t just set your goal for a passing score; try to achieve the highest score possible. Some departments base their recall lists based on these test scores, so the better you do, the sooner you get called when there is an opening. The lower the score, well, now you know why you haven’t heard back in a while after test day.
• Didn’t Meet Education or Training Requirements: At a minimum, you should have a High School Diploma or GED to become a Correctional Officer. If the position that you are applying for requires more education than you currently have there are ways to earn college credit quickly. Make sure that you review the educational requirements prior to you applying for the job to ensure that you are properly qualified or that you can enroll in the proper college program that can meet your correctional officer training requirements.
• Submitted a Subpar Resume: If you didn’t take the time to make sure your resume was the best it could be and was truly impressive then you may have been overlooked early on in the selection process. Check out these correctional officer resume tips to ensure that you make the best first impression on your cover letter and resume.
• Poor Interview Skills: Do your communication skills need work, did you have an off day, did you not dress appropriately for the occasion, or is it that you just don’t interview well? Your job interview for a Corrections job is your first face-to-face opportunity to basically sell yourself to the ones with the power and authority to make hiring decisions. Now if you did the previous item correctly, then you could be in a position to just confirm your resume in your own words in a confident, clear and concise manner.
• Negative Social Media Presence: Increasingly more and more HR departments are delving into the social profiles of prospective applicants in an effort to determine if the person that is applying for the job is as clean-cut and honest as they say, or if they are presenting a certain image for the job but in their private life their social profiles tell a different story, full of drinking in excess, drug use/drug paraphernalia, racist/extremist views or opinions, associations with known criminals or criminal activities, etc. If you feel the need to take a stand and be an individual and not change as a person, then you should maybe consider either deleting your objectionable content to present a more positive online image for yourself or adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can access your social profiles.

If you address all of the above-mentioned issues before you apply for a Corrections Officer Job then you will most likely improve your chances of landing the job you want the first time. If you are seeing this after you have already applied and were rejected, then at least you know some of the top reasons why you possibly didn’t get hired for the job and steps you can take to get it right and get yourself hired.

The post 10 Real Reasons Why You Didn’t Get That Corrections Officer Job first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

The Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department operates five correctional facilities in the city of Miami holding on average 7,000 inmates serving out their sentences or awaiting trial dates.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must Have a High School Diploma or Educational Equivalent; General Education Diploma (GED)
• Must Have a Valid Drivers License, and a Florida DL prior to employment
• Must be a Florida Certified Correctional Officer; have a Certificate of Compliance issued by an accredited school of criminal justice in Florida from a Correctional Officer Basic Recruit program; or you must currently be enrolled in a Florida Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Program and pass the State Correctional Officer Certification Examination prior to being hired.

To increase your chances of been selected as a Correctional Officer with the MDCR, know that applicants that possess a Associates Degree are preferred.

Application Process

Miami-Dade County
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Headquarters
2525 NW 62nd Street
Miami, Florida 33147

Phone:  786-263-7000

Email: mdcrinfo@miamidade.gov

The post How to Become a Correctional Officer in Miami first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

The importance of good report writing for correctional officers should not be discounted as your written communication skills will speak volumes about you as an officer without you even saying a word.  Which is probably why many have begun using incident reporting software so make sure your computer skills are on point as well.

For better or for worse, the reports that you write will directly reflect your competency level as well as your proficiency & professionalism as a Correctional Officer.

Basic Requirements for Report Writing

Understand that the reports that you write are utilized to preserve the knowledge of a particular situation or a series of events and as well as accurately record the details of these events. Constructing your reports in chronological order from a sequential viewpoint is key. Format and content are also important aspects of your report that you should be aware of.

Most if not all correctional officer training academies and schools will provide intensive training on all aspects of proper report writing to new officers, the Do’s & Don’ts of generating reports, and the importance of grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Think before; during and after you write your reports and stick to the basics.

Remember that the incident reports you write are a formal presentation of the facts as you have recalled them that provide a permanent record of your actions as well as your observation of events and offenses as they have occurred. Based on the seriousness of the events related to the reports you generate, they may have higher visibility at various levels of the criminal justice system to include your supervisors, attorneys, judges, counselors, family members, media, defendants, and members of local government.

7 Key Elements of Report Writing

In order to accurately articulate your thoughts or ideas of a particular event or incident, it is best to ask yourself a set of basic questions that must be answered and are recognized as the essentials of report writing. Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How – these questions all should be asked and answered as you complete your reports.

1. Who (ID)
2. What (Violation or Offense)
3. When (Time & Date)
4. Where (Location)
5. Why (Motive)
6. How (Method of Operation)
7. Action Taken

In addition to the W-W-W-W-W & H, you should also include an ACTION. What was the end result? What was the outcome? What was the response? What actions were taken in regards to the information you presented earlier in your report, whether it is a final action or it is a pending action.

The Five “C’s”

As you are in the process of gathering information for your report while at the same time making sure that you are answering and addressing the seven key elements of report writing listed above, but also remember to follow the “Five C’s” of proper report writing.

1. Completeness
2. Conciseness
3. Clearness
4. Correctness
5. Courteousness

Using the Five C’s can be summarized by sticking to the facts, using complete sentences, avoid slang or prison jargon, stay on point and be direct, avoid wordiness, strive for accuracy, no grammar or spelling errors, and be fair & objective in your report writing.

Finalizing Your Reports

Read the reports that you write, proofread them, make corrections if necessary, and then reread them again. Make sure that your report is error-free, that you’ve addressed and answered all questions that may arise later. Ensure that your report paints a clear picture of the series of events that took place.

Take pride in your reports in the same way you take pride in the job, sign & date and send forward.

The post Guide to Correctional Officer Incident Report Writing first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

Choosing the right degree program is an important decision for most people since it’s not only set the course of study for the next 2-4 years but also, if planned properly, can potentially save you time and money in the long run.

Will every correction officer position require you to have a college degree? Not always, but in the lack of the appropriate level of correction officer experience, taking the right correctional officer classes can make all the difference.

College Degree Programs for Correctional Officers

Earning your degree as a correctional officer can help you meet the hiring requirements at the local and state level that require some college classes. If you’re interested in becoming a correctional officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the minimum degree level required for an “entry-level” position is a 4-year Bachelors degree.

If you already a corrections officer, completing your degree can help you get promoted to senior correctional officer supervisory positions.

So what are the common degree programs that would benefit and complement a career as a correctional officer? Here is a list of the best degree majors for someone interested in becoming a correctional officer.

• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Justice Administration
• Behavioral Science
• Corrections Specialization

By far the most common degree that correctional officers obtain would be a criminal justice degree.

Degrees in Criminal Justice are commonly offered in most colleges and universities and offer you the capabilities in a career in corrections while at the same time granting you the flexibility to advance in the numerous law enforcement job opportunities that a degree in criminal justice provides.

Online Correctional Officer Degree

While you easy to locate some of the more common degree programs like Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, what if you what a degree that highly focused exclusively on the corrections field? Then your best bet is to seek out a correctional officer school that offers a Corrections Specialization degree.

Now the names of these Corrections specific programs may vary from school to school, they should be easily identifiable by the corrections officer classes that make up their program. If you can’t find this type of program offered to you locally, then you may want to check out the option of enrolling to complete your correctional officer degree online.

Taking an online corrections degree program can allow you to complete your program much faster than if you took just on-campus courses. So reach out to some of the colleges, universities, or correctional officer schools that offer the degree programs for Correctional Officers for more information.

The post Which Type of Degree Is Best for Corrections Officers? first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

While most aspects of your correctional officer uniform are dictated within your department’s regulations on such matters, grooming and appearance may not be so clear. If you didn’t have this bit of information drilled into your head constantly throughout your time at your correctional officer training academy, you will.

Until then, here are some areas that you should address and be aware of prior to attending your correctional officer training.

Tattoos

How a person’s tattoos will be perceived while on a new job is a general concern for most people in which it applies. Obliviously if you have a tattoo that is only visible to your significant other then you won’t have much to worry about. For all others, your tattoos shouldn’t be offensive, objectionable, or is not gang-related or affiliated in any way. Additionally, if you the type with head, face, or neck tattoos, then you may also be against your department’s guidelines.

Hair/Facial Hair

For most people, if you normally keep your hair neat and clean with the occasional trim or edge up then you’ll be fine. If you find it difficult not to come in rocking the same mullet, rat-tail, ponytail, or Mohawk, then you might have some issues that will need to be addressed, aside from your current choice in hairstyles. While there is no Correctional Officer Haircut that you must have, your neat and orderly appearance will speak volumes on your competency level to supervisors and the rest of your coworkers. Basically no extreme hairstyles, outrageous colors, or hair below the collar.

Mustaches are allowed if kept neat and trimmed. Handlebar mustaches are normally not permitted. Beards are often not allowed unless you have a skin condition documented by a doctor, what we called a “shaving profile” in the Army. Even then, your beard growth must still remain within the prescribed guidelines set by your department. Sideburns must also be neat and trimmed, with a length not exceeding the bottom of the ear.

Female correctional officer hair should also be neat & clean, preferably pinned close to the side if needed, and not extending to far down ones back. Items normally used to restrain hair would be allowed if they remain basic and simple.

Your eyebrows and eyelashes must remain in their normal shape and color. Overly excessive arches, pointing, painting or otherwise unnatural eyebrows are not usually permitted. The same can be said for unnatural eyelashes as well.

Fingernails

Correctional officers on duty will need to ensure that their fingernails are maintained to be clean and trimmed at all times as to not interfere with the carrying out of one’s duties.  Usually, fingernail length is established in the department’s guidelines but often should not exceed one-fourth inch (1/4”) over top of the finger. If nail polish is used, it should be a natural color, or clear. No writing or designs on fingernails are allowed.

Jewelry

If you choose to wear your personal jewelry on duty as a correctional officer, keep in mind that generally if it is lost, stolen, or damaged that your department will not responsible. The common types of jewelry such as watches, wedding bands, and medical bracelets are allowed. Necklaces in most cases can be worn if they remain under the collar and non-visible. Earrings, nose rings, tongue and lip piercing, and any other type of facial jewelry will most likely not be permitted.

Makeup/Colognes & Perfumes

If a female correctional officer chooses to wear makeup, then it should blend in with their natural skin color and be consistent with the wear of the uniform, be conservatively applied, and have a natural appearance. Cologne or perfume, if worn on duty, should be used in moderation and not overpowering.

Finally, the guidelines presented here are just an example of what you should expect to find currently in place as a matter of policy on grooming and appearance standards for correctional officers. Make sure that you read up on your own department’s specific guidelines on this matter and follow them accordingly.

The post Guidelines for Proper Grooming & Appearance in Corrections first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

Typically there are multiple vacancies within various duty locations at Federal prison facilities nationwide.

If you have the ability to supervise others, effectively communicate verbally, and properly react in a crisis situation, then you possess the basic skills required to become a correctional officer for the federal government.

In addition to the skills listed above you will also need to meet minimum requirements in order to qualify for selection to a correctional officer position. These minimum requirements are listed below.

Minimum Requirements

• Must Be a U.S. Citizen
• Must Be Registered with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
• Do not exceed the Max-Age of 37 years old. If you are older but have previous law enforcement coverage, you can submit your SF-50 for verification.
• Submit to a Drug Screening (Urinalysis), and Physical Examination
• Pass a Background Investigation & All Screening Requirements related to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
• Have a favorable Financial History Verified by Credit Check

Required Education & Experience

Correctional Officer positions with the BOP are offered at two levels, GS-05 & GS-06. Both of these levels require a different level of education or experience to be met by the application in order to qualify for the position.  Below is a basic breakdown of the level of education and experience needed to qualify for the job.

GS-05: Completed a Full 4-Year Course of Study to a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university.  OR;

Have at least 3 years of full-time experience performing the duties related to:

• Supervising, Managing, Providing Assistance, Providing Guidance, Counseling
• Directing Individuals, Teaching or Instructing, Selling Products or Services
• Responding to Emergency Situations

GS-06:  Must have at least nine (9) semester hours or fourteen (14) quarter hours of Graduate Level Study in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Social Science, or any other field of study related to the position.  OR;

Have the equivalent of at least 1 full year of Full-Time specialized experience performing duties related to:

• Apprehending & Arresting individuals violating the law
• Responding to Domestic Disturbances
• Verifying individuals confined in correctional, detention, or mental health facilities obey to established rules and regulations

Federal Correctional Officer Salary

A federal correctional officer hired by the BOP can expect to earn an annual salary in the ranges between $38,619 to $51,193. The Federal Government GS Pay Scale at the GS-05 and GS-06 level establishes the rate of pay.

Initial Correctional Officer Training

To become a Federal Correctional Officer you will be required to successfully complete the Introduction to Correctional Techniques course, which is three weeks of correctional officer training held at Glynco, Georgia.

If you haven’t already done so, you may want to ensure your competency level in the following areas:

• Writing & Oral Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Stress Tolerance
• Organizational Awareness
• Managing Human Resources

Application Process

In order to apply for any recently announced Correctional Officer position with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, you must go to usajobs.gov and create an account. After creating your account, you will need to locate the BOP Correctional Officer job announcements listed on the website.

Next you will need to locate the “Apply Online” button on the job announcement, then you will be instructed to upload your resume and any other requested documentation, when done, click the “Apply for this position now!” button which will then transfer over to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website called “BOP-Careers”.

At this point you’ll need to create an account for the BOP-Careers website, update your personal information, click “Apply for this Vacancy” for the job announcement you are interested in, complete the remaining information then click the “Finish” button to conclude the application process and submit your application.

Additional Information

bop.gov

The post Requirements to Become a Federal Correctional Officer first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

These are the traits that you need to exceed in order to separate yourself from other applicants. A full list of tasks and duties that you can expect to perform as a Detention Officer in the City of Los Angeles can be found here.

In order to become a Detention Officer in Los Angeles, you must meet the following requirements at a minimum.

Minimum Requirements

• Must Have a High School Diploma or GED
• Possess a Valid California Driver’s License
• Be able to type of a Computer Keyboard
• Complete a Background Check, Including Fingerprinting
• Complete a Medical Examination & Psychological Evaluation

A combination of education and experience is also required and must be met under any of the following conditions:

• (Option A): Have six (6) months of full-time paid experience as a Security Guard or Security Officer, Law Enforcement Officer, Correctional Officer, Traffic Officer, Park Ranger, any other career that provided experience safeguarding objects, materials, or people; or;
• (Option B): Have six (6) months of City of Los Angeles experience as a Police Explorer, Police Aide, Police Student Worker, Community Police Aid; or;
• (Option C): Have six (6) months full-time service in the US Armed Forces, or 1 year Reserve or National Guard, with satisfactory performance and completion of basic training and advanced individual training/military school; or;
• (Option D): Have earned 12 semester credits or 18 quarter units from an accredited college or university; or;
• (Option E): Provide proof of completion of the Los Angeles Police Academy Magnet School Program

Background Check

A preliminary background check will be conducted as a condition of employment for this job. To successfully pass this background screening you should have no criminal history or improper conduct, no felony convictions, no poor work history, a positive financial history, a clean driving record, an acceptable military history if applicable, and be of good moral character with a pattern of honesty and respect with the people and organizations you have associated with in the past and currently.

Additionally, you will be required to submit to fingerprinting screening that results in no disqualifying law violating records being found that may disqualify you from this position. You will also be subject to a drug and alcohol-screening test.

Pay Rate & Salary

The pay rate that you can expect to earn is $49,548 to $61,554 per year for full time Detention Officer 3211 jobs with the City of Los Angeles. New officers are generally appointed at the lower end of the pay grade range although if you are working night shifts or are placed in an authorized bilingual position you can expect to earn a much higher salary.

Los Angeles Detention Officer Exam

If you meet all of the qualifying requirements for the Detention Officer position, you will be contacted to take the Detention Officer Test. This test will consist of multiple-choice questions with a passing score generally set at 70%.

Following the qualifying written test, applicants must then complete the essay based Training and Experience Questionnaire. This essay questionnaire will focus on and evaluate the areas of safety focus, composure, teamwork, and written communication skills. Unless you successfully pass the written exam you will not be allowed to take the Training & Experience Questionnaire.

If you receive a passing score on the Training & Experience Questionnaire essay you will then be allowed to proceed to the Physical Abilities Test (PAT), which is used to measure your current physical capabilities, muscular strength, and endurance, anaerobic capacity, cardio level, range of motion and dexterity. In order to become certified, you must pass the PAT.

Application Process

To apply for the position of Detention Officer in Los Angeles, CA, you’ll need to click here to complete the application process online.

City of Los Angeles

700 East Temple Street, Room 100

Los Angeles, California 90012

Information & Application Line –  (213) 473-9311

24-Hour Job Line – (213) 473-9310

Additional Information

Reference: Official City of LA Website ~ lacity.org/jobseekers

The post How To Become a Correctional Officer in Los Angeles first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

As an Internment/Resettlement (I/R) Specialist in the U.S. Army, your daily duties will primarily consist of the operations within military prisons, correctional & detention facilities or as mission dictates.

In order to become a corrections officer within the military, you must enlist on Active Duty or the Army Reserve for the United States Army. This requires that you meet certain basic enlistment requirements, which are listed below.

Minimum Qualifications

• Have a High School Diploma or Educational Equivalent
• Be Between the Ages of 17 and 35 years old
• Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
• Must be Physically in Good Shape
• Submit to Background Screening
• Receive an ASVAB Score under “Skilled Technical” of at least 95

The ASVAB or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a required exam that you must take after meeting with your military recruiter. It is a series of tests that the military utilizes to ascertain your particular areas of strength to determine which Army careers best match your skill level. Simply put, the higher your score of the ASVAB, the more military careers will be available for you to select from.

Initial Training

After meeting the requirements and qualifications above and submitting any additional information requested by your military recruiter, if you are accepted and sign your enlistment documents, a visit to your local Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), and your training dates will be set to begin and you’re off to reception.

Your initial training will consist of 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT), followed by 8 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT), which is the training focused on your actually job training as an Internment/Resettlement Specialist (Military Correctional Officer). Generally, BCT and AIT are conducted in separate locations across the country, but as the Army changes their training programs, One Station Training (OSUT) may be currently available, where you complete your Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at a single location, such as Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Training in communication, restraining inmates & detainees, contraband searches, unarmed self-defense, and riot control tactics should be expected. You will also learn about military laws and jurisdiction, firearms, and custody & control procedures.

Salary & Pay

When you enlist into the Army you’ll receive more than just a paycheck as a salary. You will receive paid housing, medical, and food allowance, not to mention paid vacation time and any special pay you may be eligible for. Keep this in mind when you see your first paychecks.

For 2014, entering the Army at the E-1 pay grade which the rank of Private, you can expect to earn a base salary of $1,531.50 per month. If you assist in locating others that are interested in joining the military during the time you enlist or you have college credits, you can receive promotions to higher pay grades before you even get started to as high as E-4, with a starting monthly pay rate of  $1,999.50. Talk to your recruiter for current opportunities to accelerate your promotion.

Duty Locations

Since the military has a presence in most of the 50 states in America and bases around the world, you can potentially be an I/R Specialist anywhere you want, based on the needs of the military of course. Most 31E’s are generally assigned where military prisons are located, such as Guantanamo Bay, Cuba or Fort Leavenworth, Kansas just to name a few. Talk with your military recruiter for the latest available duty locations.

How to Get Started

Your first step in becoming a correctional officer in the military is to get in contact with an Armed Forces Recruiting Station in your area for more information. A recruiter there can give you all the information they need and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

The next step is to prepare for the ASVAB test. Pick up an ASVAB study guide to practice the exam before you take the real thing to get the best score possible the first time and place you on the right track for success.

The post Steps To Becoming a Corrections Officer in the Military first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

The closing date for this position is April 1, 2014, but if the position remains unfilled or the hiring pool level is not reached then it is possible this job recruitment can be extended.

Minimum Requirements

• Have a High School Diploma or GED
• Must be at least 20 years old
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have a Valid Driver’s License the time you apply, and a Georgia Issued Drivers License at the time of being appointed to a position.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain the POST Basic Jail Officer Certification within 1-years time from appointment.

Application Process

In order to apply for correctional officer jobs offered by the City of Atlanta, you would need to submit your packet of information by email to DOCTraining@AtlantaGA.gov. Once your information is received and accepted, you should receive a response in about 30 days from the time your information was submitted. Since you are required to submit various copies of documentation, you should consider combining these files into a single PDF file. Below is a list of the documents that you’ll need to submit.

• Compass Test Scores; SAT or ACT Test scores also accepted
• Copy of High School Diploma or Educational Equivalent
• Copy of a Valid Drivers License
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship; i.e. Birth Certificate, Citizenship Documents
• Copy of Social Security Card; Also include any Official Name Change Documentation
• Copy of your POST certification or other related Corrections Officer Training

Out of state individuals will also need to submit the following information to be considered for the selection process.

• Copies of your Criminal History & Driving Record from the state you reside
• References from a minimum of two (2) close, immediate neighbors to your current place of residence; Name, Address, Phone Number
• Copy of a recent Credit Report from one of the 3 Major Credit Reporting Agencies; (Equifax, Experian, Transunion)
• Contact information of your current Landlord, Property Manager, or Mortgage Company; Name, Address, Phone

Applicants that meet the hiring criteria for the position will be contacted for the preliminary screening.

For most of the jobs posted by the City of Atlanta, you can apply online at their office between 8:30am and 4:30pm at the address below.

City of Atlanta

Department of Human Resources – Room 2120

68 Mitchell Street S.W.

Atlanta, Georgia 30303-0306

If you have any questions about this job, you can email the City of Atlanta’s Dept. Of Human Resources at Talent@AtlantaGA.gov, and you should receive a response in 1 or 2 days.

Additional Corrections Job Opportunities Around Atlanta

If you can meet the minimum requirements that are listed above, have one year of experience in public safety, security, corrections, or customer service duties, can pass a drug and physical fitness test, then you should consider applying for the Detention Officer positions available with the Fulton County Jail. The salary for these position start at $33,058 annually.

You will still need to undergo a background check, interview, and testing to ensure that you can complete the duties of a detention officer. For more information on becoming a Detention Officer in and around Fulton County Georgia, and how to apply, click here.

The post How to Become a Correctional Officer in Atlanta first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.

The purpose of the correctional officer test is to evaluate the abilities and personality characteristics that are critical to carrying out the job duties as a correctional officer.

Although not everybody that seeks to become a correctional officer will take the same type of test or even the exact same content, whether you are taking a specific corrections officer test, a civil service exam, or any other type of assessment, there are generally based on about 5 essential areas of focus.

The 4 areas that you should expect to be apart of any test for a corrections officer job are:

• Reading Comprehension
• Writing Ability
• Mathematics
• Problem Solving Skills

These four areas are combined in the testing format to establish if you have the skills to perform as a correctional officer.

Reading Comprehension

As a correctional officer, you are required to read, understand, and interpret the laws, rules, and regulations of your particular department. With that said, your ability to understand written materials as presented along with the associated ideas or intent.

Writing Ability

A correctional officer is expected to write incident reports and various other types of documents throughout the course of their job, so the correctional officer test will access your writing skills to ensure that you have the ability to use correct grammar, proper spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Mathematics

Your mathematics or arithmetic skills will also be tested. The amount of math that you will encounter will vary but as long as you have a good grasp on math at about the high school level then you should do fine as long as you read the question in full and completely understand what it is asking. So if you’re lacking in this area, study your addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and fractions.

Problem Solving Skills

Being a correctional officer isn’t your average career, so the situations that you encounter on the job will be unique to anything that you may have previously experienced. With that, how you react to various scenarios and situations will be evaluated to ensure that you have to ability to make the right decisions based on the provided scenario. The more practice situations that you can read and evaluate prior to your test date should prove beneficial.

The best advice would be that you prepare for the test beforehand.  If you are provided with a practice exam then utilize that to the fullest. If you don’t have this, and even if you do, I would also suggest that you pick up at least one correctional officer test study guide to expose yourself to the type of material you can expect to find on the official test to increase your chances of success and passing the correctional officer exam.

The post Key Areas of Focus on the Correctional Officer Test first appeared on Correctional Officer Training HQ.