Have you ever considered a fulfilling career in law enforcement, specifically as a correctional officer in Colorado? A correctional officer plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and order within prison facilities while supervising and supporting inmates. In this comprehensive guide on how to become a correctional officer in Colorado, we will explore the qualifications, application process, training programs, essential skills, and career advancement opportunities for correctional officers in Colorado. Let’s embark on this journey to uncover the path towards a rewarding career in corrections.
What you’re about to learn in this guide:
Colorado correctional officers must meet specific educational, experience and background check requirements.
Successful applicants for Correctional Officer positions in Colorado require submission of an application, pre-employment testing, and interviews.
State and federal systems offer career advancement opportunities through competitive salary & benefits packages as well as diversity initiatives to promote equity within the corrections system.
Colorado Correctional Officer Requirements
Understanding the necessary qualifications is a prerequisite before pursuing a career as a correctional officer. In Colorado, both state and federal correctional officer positions have specific requirements, including education, experience, and background checks. Securing a job in this field and preparing for its challenges and responsibilities hinges on meeting these prerequisites.
Education and Experience
To become a correctional officer in Colorado, the following requirements must be met:
A high school diploma or GED certificate is required.
For a federal correctional officer position in Littleton, Colorado, a Bachelor’s degree or at least three years of general work experience, with one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level, is necessary.
Applicants must have no history of domestic violence.
Meeting these educational and experiential qualifications paves the way to a successful career in corrections.
Valid Driver’s License
Another crucial requirement for Colorado correctional officer applicants is the possession of a valid driver’s license. Failure to have a valid driver’s license may result in disqualification from the hiring process. To obtain a valid driver’s license, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and follow the instructions provided.
A valid, unrestricted driver’s license is necessary as it facilitates commuting and travel to other necessary locations.
Background Investigation
Candidates for Colorado correctional officer positions must also undergo a comprehensive background investigation. The Background Investigations Unit is responsible for carrying out this process. A successful background investigation is crucial in attaining a correctional officer position in Colorado.
A clear background free of any disqualifying factors could bolster your chances of securing a job in this field.
Application Process for Correctional Officer Positions in Colorado
Once you have met the necessary qualifications, you can start the application process for state and federal correctional officer jobs in Colorado. This process involves submitting an application, undergoing pre-employment testing, and attending interviews.
Efficient and effective navigation of the application process could significantly boost your chances of securing a correctional officer position.
State Correctional Officer Application
To apply for a state correctional officer position in Colorado, follow these steps:
Submit an application online via the Colorado Department of Corrections website.
Upon completing the application, you may be required to take and pass a Phase I examination.
Only those who pass the Phase I examination will be invited to move onto Phase II, which includes an oral assessment.
After passing both phases of testing, candidates must undergo a comprehensive background investigation with the Background Investigations Unit. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, candidates are ranked and considered for employment with the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Federal Correctional Officer Application
For those interested in pursuing a federal correctional officer position in Colorado, visit the website of the Federal Bureau of Prisons at bop.gov/jobs. They have immediate job openings and career opportunities available in various states, including Colorado, at institutions such as FCI Englewood and FCI Florence.
Fulfilling the minimum requirements for federal correctional officer positions in Colorado could enhance your job prospects in this sector.
Pre-Employment Testing
As part of the selection process, a mandatory pre-employment drug screening is required for correctional officer applicants in Colorado. This drug test ensures that candidates meet the necessary requirements and are capable of performing the essential job functions of a correctional officer.
The hiring process critically hinges on passing the pre-employment drug screening to perform essential job functions.
Training Programs for Colorado Correctional Officers
Once hired, new correctional officers in Colorado must complete various training programs, including basic training and ongoing development. These programs ensure that officers are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and maintain the safety and security of prison facilities.
State Corrections Basic Training
New state correctional officers in Colorado must complete a month of basic training at the CDOC Training Academy in Canon City. The Basic Training Program for Colorado State Correctional Officers, offered by the Colorado Department of Corrections, provides new employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective correctional officers.
In May 2013, the American Correctional Association awarded the CDOC Training Academy accreditation in recognition of its excellence.
Federal Correctional Officer Training
Federal correctional officers in Colorado need to fulfill the necessary requirements. This includes completing Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phases I and II. Phase II is a three-week program held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy in Glynco, Georgia.
After the initial year of employment, officers must complete between 16 and 40 hours of training each year.
Ongoing Training and Development
Colorado correctional officers are required to undergo ongoing training and development to stay up-to-date on the latest safety and security protocols, communication skills, and diversity initiatives. After completing their Basic Training (BT), a 14-day program, correctional officers have access to online, on-demand, self-paced training options, regularly scheduled in-classroom trainings and conferences, and training by request for the agency.
The National Institute of Corrections also provides various training options to suit different learning styles and preferences.
Salary and Benefits for Correctional Officers in Colorado
Compensation plays a significant role in any career choice. In Colorado, correctional officers receive competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. Understanding the salary ranges and benefits offered in this field can help you make a more informed decision about pursuing a career as a correctional officer in Colorado.
State Correctional Officer Salary
The salary range for state correctional officers in Colorado typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually. The starting salary for a state correctional officer position is approximately $4,560 per month, with the possibility of additional shift differential and/or overtime pay.
Awareness of these salary ranges can provide insight into the financial rewards of a career as a state correctional officer in Colorado.
Federal Correctional Officer Salary
Federal correctional officers in Colorado earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, with an estimated average salary of approximately $54,468 per annum. This salary is 43% higher than the national average for correctional officers.
The competitive salary enhances the appeal of a career as a federal correctional officer in Colorado.
Benefits and Retirement Plans
In addition to competitive salaries, correctional officers in Colorado receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
Health insurance
Life insurance
Retirement plans
Other benefits
State correctional officers are eligible to participate in the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirement plans, including the pera defined benefit plan, which provide flexible retirement benefits upon retirement, disability, or upon the death of the officer.
Gaining insight into the benefits and retirement plans offered to correctional officers in Colorado can guide your decision-making about this career path.
Job Descriptions and Opportunities in Colorado Correctional Facilities
Various correctional officer job opportunities are available in Colorado, with positions in specific locations and facility types. Understanding the types of facilities and the roles of correctional officers within them can help you determine which opportunities best suit your career goals and preferences.
Colorado Springs Correctional Officer Jobs
In Colorado Springs, correctional officers are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of prison facilities, supervising and supporting inmates, and performing other essential duties. Employment opportunities for correctional officers in Colorado Springs can be sourced through the Colorado Department of Corrections and other job search websites.
Denver Correctional Officer Jobs
Denver offers various job opportunities for correctional officers, with roles focused on maintaining security and order within prison facilities, supervising and instructing inmates, and enforcing rules and regulations.
Job openings for correctional officers in Denver can be found on websites such as governmentjobs.com, cdoc.colorado.gov, indeed.com, and ziprecruiter.com.
Florence Correctional Officer Jobs
Florence, Colorado, is home to the federal supermax prison, USP Florence ADMAX, which houses some of the nation’s most dangerous offenders. Job opportunities for correctional officers in Florence include overseeing and tracking inmates in multiple areas, organizing inmate movement, and enforcing inmate regulations.
Organizations that are currently hiring correctional officers in Florence include the GEO Group, CoreCivic, and Florence County Government.
Fremont County Correctional Officer Jobs
Fremont County offers a variety of job opportunities for correctional officers, with positions available in correctional facilities and community corrections. The Colorado Department of Corrections website, as well as other job search websites such as Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com, provide listings of correctional officer job openings in Fremont County.
Littleton Correctional Officer Jobs
Correctional officer job opportunities in Littleton, Colorado, involve maintaining security and order within correctional facilities, supervising and supporting inmates, and performing other essential duties. Job listings for correctional officers in Littleton can be found on websites such as Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com, as well as the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Prisons websites.
Essential Skills and Responsibilities of a Colorado Correctional Officer
To excel as a correctional officer in Colorado, certain skills and responsibilities are crucial. These include strong communication skills, adherence to safety and security protocols, and effective inmate supervision and support.
Mastering these essential skills equips you to handle the challenges and demands of a career as a correctional officer in Colorado.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for Colorado correctional officers, as it allows them to interact efficiently with inmates, staff, and the public. Strong interpersonal skills, clear verbal communication, and precise written expression are all necessary components of a successful career in corrections.
Honing your communication skills in the field of human services enhances your ability to manage and resolve conflicts, de-escalate situations, and verbally communicate pertinent information to inmates and colleagues.
Safety and Security Protocols
Colorado correctional officers must adhere to strict safety and security protocols set forth by the Colorado Department of Corrections. These protocols include:
Following the chain of command
Responding promptly to emergencies
Employing the correct protocols when responding to emergency situations
Ensuring the safety and security of prison facilities.
Adherence to the personnel director’s administrative procedures, including these safety and security protocols, is key in maintaining a safe and orderly environment within the correctional facility.
Inmate Supervision and Support
Inmate supervision and support are critical responsibilities of Colorado correctional officers. They must maintain the safety and security of inmates, respectfully communicate with offenders and their families, and complete annual in-service training.
Additionally, correctional officers in Colorado provide supervision, care, and correctional treatment to inmates, which involves offering academic education, vocational training, and Correctional Industries work programs. Providing effective supervision and support is crucial in preparing inmates for their eventual reintegration into society.
Career Advancement Opportunities for Correctional Officers in Colorado
Correctional officers in Colorado have various career advancement opportunities available, both within the state and federal systems. Pursuing these opportunities allows for further skill development, acquisition of new experiences, and career advancement in corrections.
State Career Advancement
The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) offers career advancement opportunities for state correctional officers within its corrections division prison operations, including cross-training opportunities to acquire new skills or gain experience in other areas of interest.
Promotional opportunities are also available for current employees, allowing them to advance their careers and take on higher-level positions within the state system, following the state personnel board rules.
Federal Career Advancement
Federal correctional officers in Colorado can expect competitive federal government salary and benefits, comprehensive healthcare, and law enforcement retirement benefits. In addition, there are distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system, allowing federal correctional officers to progress in their careers and assume higher-level roles.
The Colorado Department of Corrections provides the following work-life programs to facilitate career growth and advancement:
Flexible work schedules
Part-time employment
Job sharing
Telework options
Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity in Colorado Correctional Institutions
The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is committed to promoting equal employment opportunity and diversity in its correctional institutions. By creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environments, the CDOC ensures that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources.
Such commitment to equal employment opportunity and diversity fosters an inclusive workforce that mirrors the diverse population of Colorado.
Diversity Initiatives and Encouragement of Protected Classes
Colorado correctional institutions actively encourage protected classes and have implemented various diversity initiatives, including academic education, vocational training, and Correctional Industries work programs for incarcerated individuals. Faith and Citizen programs are also available to inmates, providing spiritual guidance and support during incarceration, as well as resources and support to aid in reintegration into society.
The State of Colorado emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion and strongly encourages protected classes to apply for positions within correctional institutions, taking into account reasonable accommodation requests related to their needs.
Summary
In conclusion, becoming a correctional officer in Colorado is a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those interested in law enforcement and public safety. By understanding the requirements, application process, training programs, and essential skills, you will be well-prepared to excel in this profession. The opportunities for career advancement and the commitment to equal employment opportunity and diversity make Colorado an ideal location to pursue a career as a correctional officer. Embark on this journey today and make a positive impact on the lives of inmates and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you get paid in the corrections in Colorado?
The average salary for a Correctional Officer in Colorado is $50,205 per year, ranging between $44,700 and $55,714. The equivalent hourly rate is $22.58 and the monthly rate is $3,914. Salaries may range from $27,500 to $82,000 depending on experience and other factors.
What’s the most a correctional officer can make?
A Correctional Officer or Jailer can earn up to $103,000 per year, with salaries ranging between $32,830 – $81,940 depending on seniority levels. Those working in Hawaii, New York, and Washington earn the highest salaries, typically ranging between $13 and $25 an hour.
How much do federal correctional officers make in Colorado?
Federal Correctional Officers in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $50,205, ranging from $44,700 to $55,714, and an hourly pay rate of $21.39.
How do I prepare for a correctional officer interview?
Prepare for a correctional officer interview by brushing up on team dynamics, the ability to remain calm under pressure, an understanding of rules and procedures, as well as integrity and honesty. Be prepared to discuss your background, interest in the role, stress management techniques, and strengths.
What are the requirements to be a Correctional Officer in Colorado?
To be a Correctional Officer in Colorado, you must possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age, pass both written and physical tests and have no prior felony convictions.