Role of Correctional OfficersMichael S. WalkerCRJ 303 CorrectionsInstructor M. KarabekouMarch 23, 2014Role of Correctional OfficersCorrectional staff are the “heart and soul” of any facility that determines the success or the failure of a correctional organization (AJCJ; Spring 2006). The duties of correctional work have been described as the most stressful job of any occupation in the criminal justice system. However, most of society knows little about the daily routine of an officer or a correctional facility. That said, I will identify the roles of correctional officers, how they interact with inmates, and how they deal with the institution itself and prison administrators. Correctional Officer Jobs According to the Bureau of Labor, 2014, correctional officers are responsible for supervising individuals who have been arrested, awaiting trial, or who have been sentenced to serve a sentence in a jail or prison. Inside the jail or prison, correctional officers enforce rules and regulations. They maintain safety by preventing disturbances, assaults and escapes. They also supervise the daily activities of the inmates, ensuring that the inmates follow the rules. Periodically or at any time, officers conduct searches of inmates, cells, and facilities. They are looking for contraband, unsanitary conditions and signs of security breaches (such as prying doors and grills), resolve disputes between inmates and enforce discipline. COs (correctional officers) use constructive communication to enforce rules and use sanctions, which result in punishments, ranging from loss of privileges to solitary confinement (Bureau of Labor, 2014). In addition to conducting searches and maintaining order... middle of paper... he can act as a prison administrator. This position is crucial as there are determining factors to improve the facilities and treatment of prisoners. References Correlates of Correctional Officer Job Stress: The Impact of Organizational Structure Lambert, Eric G; Hogan, Nancy Lynne; Allen, Reva I American Journal of Criminal Justice: AJCJ; Spring 2006; 30.2; ProQuest Central pg. 227Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 edition, Correctional Officer, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htmStojkovic , S., & Lovell, R. (2013). Corrections: an introduction. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, IncWhat are the duties of a correctional administrator? by Shane Hall, Demand Media: http://work.chron.com/duties-correctional-administrator-17333.html