Correctional Officers and Jailers

Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.

Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.

Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.

Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.

Process or book convicted individuals into prison.

Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.

Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidences of inmate disturbance, and keep daily logs of prisoner activities.

Search for and recapture escapees.

Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.

Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.

Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.

Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.

Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites.

Settle disputes between inmates.

Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.

Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners.

Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences.

Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.

Participate in required job training.

Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.

Arrange daily schedules for prisoners including library visits, work assignments, family visits, and counseling appointments.

Supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers.

Counsel inmates and respond to legitimate questions, concerns, and requests.

Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates.

Assign duties to inmates, providing instructions as needed.

Sponsor inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups.