Correctional Corporal (#MBDB02)

Correctional Sergeant (#MBDB03)

Correctional Lieutenant (#MBDB04)

Correctional Staff Lieutenant (#MBDB05)

Correctional Captain (#MBDB06)

This class series uses seven levels of work in the Public Safety occupational group, Protection and Security Services occupational series, and is responsible for the discipline and security of correctional institutions.  Incumbents are responsible for inmates while assigned to one or more of the following posts:  living quarters, corridors, dining hall, infirmary, transportation, visiting room, work detail, control room, CERT, recreation, mailroom, tower, booking/receiving, special projects and/or perimeter patrol. Class incumbents work effectively with inmates in order to obtain their confidence and cooperation, while enforcing all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.

Work includes responding to emergencies, including searching for escaped offenders, hearing calls for and calling for help, giving first aid at the emergency site, carrying an injured or unconscious offender or employee various distances to safety, and subduing and restraining inmates during fights, riots and escape attempts.  Incumbents are required to carry a firearm based on assigned post. 

Note: The career ladder incorporates Correctional Officer, Correctional Corporal and Correctional Sergeant; therefore, all positions allocated into the Correctional Officer career ladder are classified at the Correctional Sergeant level (highest level in the career ladder).  The Correctional Officer level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels.  To implement the career ladder, current employees are assigned to the level for which they meet job requirements and promotional standards.  Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with promotional standards for those levels assigned to an agency.  The promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, set forth the criteria that identify, measure and verify successful performance at each level.  The Correctional Staff Sergeant, Correctional Lieutenant, Correctional Staff Lieutenant and Correctional Captain, although not part of the career ladder, provides competitive opportunity for movement of employees. 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. 

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments. 
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.  
• May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities.  May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Correctional Officer

This is the entry level responsible for the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility.  Work includes acquiring a working knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, techniques and equipment by completing orientation and on-the-job training.  Positions report to a technical supervisor. 

• Receives close supervision. 
• Completes orientation and on-the-job training. 
• Receives instruction and guidance from higher ranking Officers.
• Operates central security control room regulating telephone, public address, electronic communication, key control, and inmate, employee, and visitor movement throughout the institution.
• Patrols outside perimeter of a secured facility by auto, on foot or in the tower to ensure all areas are secure.  Regularly checks all buildings and equipment outside the compound for security, fire, maintenance or other hazards.  Reports post location to the control center by use of hand radio and apprehends and/or detains persons not authorized on or off grounds.

Correctional Corporal

This is the full performance level responsible for the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility.  Positions at this level perform the full range of Essential Functions.  

• Receives less supervisory direction and assistance.
• Performs the full range of Correctional Officer duties. 
• Monitors daily operations/movement of inmates, employees and visitors throughout the facility.
• Implements policies and procedures ensuring the redeployment of staff, and the enforcement of rules, regulations and policies of the institution and the Department. 
• Provides training to newly hired Officers.
• May create warrants/arrest documents.
• Prepares complex records, reports and logs using an automated information system, which requires a higher level of security clearance; regarding unit activities, problems and/or incidents which occurred during the assigned shift or at assigned locations. 

Correctional Sergeant

This is the advanced and/or lead level responsible for performing advanced level duties and/or leading other Officers in the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility. 

• Receives general supervision.  Supervisor does periodic review of progress.
• Advanced level work includes conducting administrative investigations of Officers suspected of criminal or improper activities on the job and participating in special assignments and task forces.
• Lead level work includes planning, assigning and evaluating the work of staff such as leading housing units or special units (mental health unit) and leading booking and receiving.
• Handles evidence.
• May oversee lower level staff in the control of security gates, processing of new inmates (booking and receiving), reviewing commitment, release and transfer documents; or may participate in inmate classification.
• Approves reports and logs using an automated information system regarding unit activities, problems and/or incidents which occurred during the assigned shift or at assigned locations. 
• May also serve as the lead worker for a K-9 specialty unit.

Correctional Staff Sergeant

This is the first line supervisor responsible for supervising and participating in the discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility. 

• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per the Merit Rules. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire and discipline.
• Supervises and participates in periodic shakedowns of buildings, grounds and cell blocks to detect contraband or defects in the security system.
• Oversees the taking of periodic counts of inmates/detainees. Receives, reviews and records same.  Investigates any discrepancies to ensure accurate counts are maintained.
• Makes regular inspections of buildings, grounds, cell blocks and other areas of the facility.
• Staffs or assists in staffing the control room during emergencies. 
• Conducts inspections of staff assigned to the shift/location to ensure timely arrivals, proper uniforms and conduct.
• Provides on-the-job training and technical guidance to lower level Officers.
• Prepares or supervises the preparation of shift changes, records and reports.  

Correctional Lieutenant

This is the advanced supervisory level responsible for supervising and participating in the discipline and security of a secure facility through subordinate Staff Sergeants.  

• Works with institutional administration, counseling and classification staff in the determination of inmate security classifications, parole eligibility and disciplinary proceedings.
• Interprets policies, procedures, rules and regulations for inmates and officers.
• Works with more difficult inmates concerning personal and behavior problems.
• May be responsible for scheduling of security staff.
• Oversees inmate timekeeping and payroll activities.  

Correctional Staff Lieutenant

This is the administrative level responsible for various administrative functions necessary to ensure the discipline and security of a secure facility.  Positions report to an administrative supervisor.

• Monitors the implementation of policies and procedures and the enforcement of rules and regulations; reviews and recommends new or revised facility operating procedures to ensure safety, security and orderly functioning of the facility.
• Resolves operational, staffing, or inmate/detainee problems which arise and for informing superior of all incidents and events and the resolution of same.
• May be assigned responsibility for conducting disciplinary hearings for inmates charged with infractions of the correction code of penal discipline which involves the conduct of non-judicial administrative proceedings to determine if substantial evidence exists to find an inmate guilty of a rule violation.
• Directs and instructs all custody staff in the performance of assigned duties. Maintains discipline among officers. 
• Plans and schedules work assignments, regulating vacations, approving overtime and scheduling relief officers in order to maintain and adequate complement of custody staff for critical posts and areas.
• Reviews and approves all reports prepared by subordinate staff such as disciplinary, investigations, incidents, inmate grievances and employee performance to ensure accurate, timely reporting of information and facts.
• Serves as arsenal administrator, maintains necessary weaponry and ammunition and assures a state of readiness in the event of an emergency. Responsible for recall of custody staff in emergencies.
• May act in the absence of the Warden.  

Correctional Captain 

This level manages total security operations of a secure facility.  A significant aspect of the work involves coordinating operations with other program areas to ensure that an efficient/secure operation is maintained.

• Develops, recommends and upon approval oversees the implementation of new/revised operating procedures.  
• Directs the deployment and redeployment of staff to ensure post coverage meets minimum standards.
• Acts personally or directs, through subordinate supervisors, the control of inmate/detainee disturbances and disorders.
• Performs investigations of possible criminal activities and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.
• Oversees the operation of statewide programs such as Transportation/Court and CERT.
• May be assigned to participate on the inmate classification committee, inmate grievance board or correctional officer interview panel.
• May be responsible for the relief unit.
• Contacts are with superiors, department officials, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, other correctional facilities and the general public.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class. 

• Knowledge of correctional security procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of facility and departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Knowledge of the techniques of first aid, self-defense, riot control, and use of firearms and other protective equipment.
• Knowledge of the techniques of detecting weapons and other contraband.
• Knowledge of the attitudes, behaviors and group habits of persons in custody.
• Knowledge of the training, handling and care of sentry dogs, as required by work assignment.
• Skill in self-defense and use of restraint procedures.
• Skill in the use of assigned weapons and other protective equipment.
• Skill in the observation of inmate activities and detection of unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a security threat.
• Ability to enforce correctional institutional rules, regulations and disciplinary measures with firmness and impartiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to supervise the activities of inmates.
• Ability to act quickly and calmly in an emergency.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and give directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Ability to diffuse potentially explosive situations i.e., inmate fighting and/or threats against other inmates or co-workers.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Correctional Corporal requires:

• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing the rights of inmates.
• Skill in the techniques of detecting weapons, contraband and defects in the security system.
• Skill in training and guiding assigned correctional staff.
• Skill in the application of institutional/departmental rules, policies and procedures.
• Skill in maintaining records and preparing accurate reports.
• Ability to implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and inmates or detainees.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Correctional Sergeant requires:

• Ability to assign and review/monitor work of lower level Officers.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Correctional Staff Sergeant requires:

• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Skill in supervising inmate discipline, security and safety.
• Skill in supervising inmate counts and security searches and shakedowns.
• Ability to make recommendations on changes to policies, procedures and techniques that improve security.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Correctional Lieutenant requires:

• Knowledge of inmate classification.
• Skill in staff supervision.
• Skill in the motivating, directing, training and guiding assigned correctional staff.
• Skill in the interpretation and application of institutional/departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Correctional Staff Lieutenant requires:

• Knowledge of correctional facility administration principles and practices.
• Knowledge of administrative regulations.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in analyzing program problems.
• Skill in detecting weapons and other contraband.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the deployment/assignment of staff.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Correctional Captain requires:

• Knowledge of problems associated with the extended confinement of inmates.
• Knowledge of operational procedures, programs and controls necessary for maintaining a secure facility.
• Knowledge of managerial principles and practices.
• Knowledge of facility design principles as they relate to a secure facility.
• Skill in detecting potential security system defects.
• Skill in the analysis of facts, application of applicable procedures and drawing of conclusions.
• Skill in detecting unusual or prohibited inmate behavior which may threaten security.
• Ability to act quickly, effectively and use independent judgement in emergency situations.
• Ability to meet with the public and make presentations to schools and community groups regarding departmental programs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Sergeant
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Two years experience as a Correctional Corporal or equivalent experience in the CO/series.
2. Two years experience in implementing and applying institutional/departmental rules, policies and procedures.
3. One year experience in preparing, maintaining, and approving complex records, reports and logs using an automated information system.
4. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees. 
5. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).