CORRECTIONS OFFICER 72017

1/1/91 D

This is the first and entry level class in the Corrections Officer series performing duties in adult corrections field units or institutions. Positions in this class provide security enforcement over inmates and physical plant; and perform custodial, disciplinary and escape prevention duties. When positions are first allocated to this class, incumbents are required to successfully complete the Basic Corrections Officer training program and perform field training activities. Upon successful completion of the training activities, positions in this class perform a variety of Correction Officer duties relating to field unit and/or institutional security. This class is distinguished from the Corrections Officer class by its responsibility for acquiring the knowledge and skills, and performing the demonstrated abilities associated with the Corrections Officer responsibilities.

Complexity of Work: During the training phase, positions perform work of routine difficulty which includes attending and satisfactorily completing the Basic Corrections Officer training program. Satisfactory completion of basic training includes academic and performance proficiency in the areas of supervision of inmates including recognition and understanding of inmate behavior; key and tool control; count procedures; first aid and CPR; methods of self-defense; care and use of firearms, weapons, and restraints; search and seizure procedures; drug and contraband identification; methods of riot and crowd control; crisis intervention and emergency responses; effective communication; report writing; laws governing corrections procedures; public relations; radio communications procedures and proper use of radio equipment. Upon successful completion of the Basic Corrections Officer training program, positions perform duties at assigned posts in all facility areas by observing, accompanying, or monitoring all inmate and non-inmate movement and activity either within field unit or institutional premises or by external inmate work gangs. Security posts include, but are not limited to areas such as perimeter towers, gates, entrances and exits, dormitories, libraries, classrooms, warehouses, commissaries, medical clinics, courts, conference and visiting rooms, vehicles and external inmate work gang locations. Inmate custody and control duties typically include transporting inmates to other corrections facilities, courts, hospitals and medical clinics, family funerals or to/from other states; assigning, supervising, and evaluating inmate work activities; monitoring living, recreational, medical, educational, vocations, and mess hall areas by conducting periodic inmate counts and making continual visual observations. Positions typically identify and search resident or incoming inmates and others entering secure confines, search and/or inventory and disseminate incoming mail, packages, and inmate personal property and clothing. Positions may also assist in reporting and investigating inmate-caused incidents; writing reports; recording entries into and maintaining facility logbooks and attending various meetings. During emergencies, positions may also perform housekeeping and sanitation duties, as well as prepare and serve meals and participate in searches for escapees.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Work direction may be received from the Corrections Officer class. Immediate supervision is received from a Corrections Sergeant or higher level security classification position.

Scope: Upon successful completion of training, positions in this class perform work which affects the efficient and effective safety and security of inmates within adult corrections field units and institutions, as well as the safety of staff and those who are within or near the secure confines of a field unit/institution or external work gang.

Impact of Actions: Actions impact a unit of a facility such as medical areas; shops; recreational, educational and housing units and work gangs. Decisions and actions could have serious impact on the agency in that ineffective or inappropriate decisions and actions could result in long-term costs to the public, the Commonwealth and the agency in terms of time; money; services; public, staff, client, or inmate safety and welfare; and the goodwill of the public.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with inmates, inmate families and visitors, staff, field unit/institutional visitors, vendors, contractors and general public conducting business at the field unit/institution. Infrequent internal/ external contact with other law enforcement agencies, court officials, criminal justice and public service officials, community representatives, other state agencies, private and state medical personnel either conducting business with or providing services to the field unit/institution.

Knowledge: No knowledge requirements are identified for entrants to trainee class. Upon completion of the training program, knowledge of policies, guidelines and laws governing correctional facilities; methods of physical control, self-defense, first aid procedures, radio communications and evidence seizure and control are required.

Skills: No skills identified for entrants to trainee class. Upon completion of the training program, working skills in the use of firearms, radio equipment, physical control devices and electric and electronic controls are required.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing and read and interpret written material. Upon completion of the training program, demonstrated ability to apply and interpret laws, rules and regulations, conduct thorough searches and investigations; recognize problems for report to higher supervisory level; provide leadership and work direction to inmates; and to use good judgment in the use of lethal force.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Virginia driver's license.

Education and Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent; successful completion of the Basic Corrections Officer training program as required by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Level and Type of Experience: None required for entrance into this class.

Additional Requirements: Must be able to satisfactorily pass a background investigation. There is no substitute for the successful completion of all phases of the Corrections Officer training program.

 

This class was redefined as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective January 1991.