Have you ever considered a career that combines public service, safety, and rehabilitation? Becoming a correctional officer in North Dakota might be the perfect opportunity for you. With a focus on reform and rehabilitation, correctional officers in the state play a vital role in maintaining a secure environment for inmates, while also contributing to their growth and development. Let’s explore the process of how to become a correctional officer in North Dakota and the benefits that come with this rewarding career.
What you’re about to learn in this guide:
Applicants for correctional officer positions in North Dakota must possess a high school diploma or GED, and may benefit from additional educational qualifications such as college coursework.
The application process includes a psychological exam, background check, valid driver’s license and Basic Correctional Officer Training provided by Lake Region State College.
North Dakota correctional officers are offered competitive salaries and benefits packages that support their professional development within the reformative environment of the state’s facilities.
Educational and Experience Requirements
There are several paths to becoming a correctional officer in North Dakota. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED, but other qualifications such as college coursework, military service, or law enforcement experience can also contribute to your eligibility for the position. Each of these qualifications brings unique skills and experiences that strengthen your ability to excel as a correctional officer.
High School Diploma
A high school diploma or a GED is a baseline requirement for a career as a correctional officer in North Dakota. While there are no specific high school courses required for this career, taking classes in criminal justice or other related fields can provide a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and prepare you for the challenges of the job.
College Coursework
While not mandatory, college coursework can be advantageous for aspiring correctional officers in North Dakota. Some beneficial courses include:
Psychology
Sociology
Communication
These subjects can help you gain valuable knowledge and skills, such as a familiarity with the criminal justice system and an understanding of human behavior, which can be crucial in dealing with inmates and maintaining a safe environment.
Military Service
Military service may not be a specific requirement for becoming a correctional officer in North Dakota, but the skills and experiences gained from serving in the armed forces can be highly beneficial for this role. Some of the valuable skills that can be gained from military service include:
Decisiveness
Interpersonal skills
Self-discipline
Restraint techniques
Time management
Public safety awareness
These skills can greatly contribute to the success of a correctional officer.
North Dakota also provides benefits and waivers in the training process for military veterans applying as correctional officers.
Law Enforcement Experience
Law enforcement experience can be a significant advantage for those seeking a career as a correctional officer in North Dakota. Applicants with at least three years of experience in a correctional, law enforcement, or educational setting involving direct contact with people are highly desirable. This experience equips candidates with invaluable skills and understanding relevant to the role of a correctional officer, such as knowledge of law enforcement procedures and experience in dealing with potentially hazardous situations.
Correctional Officer Training in North Dakota
Once you meet the educational and experience requirements, the journey to becoming a correctional officer in North Dakota continues with training. The training process includes basic training, initial training, and annual training, ensuring that officers are well-prepared for their duties.
Here are the details of each training component.
Basic Correctional Officer Training
All new hires must undergo the Basic Correctional Officer Training in North Dakota. It covers topics such as:
Contraband control
Inmate mental illness and suicide prevention
Correctional officer mental health
Basic job requirements
Ethics of corrections
Laws governing the job
Understanding the impact on the criminal justice system
This training is provided by Lake Region State College and the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It employs methods of instruction that encompass:
Techniques
Legal issues
Medical screening
Fundamental terminology employed in the field
Initial Training
During the initial training, new correctional officers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for their role. This training covers topics such as basic job requirements, ethics of corrections, laws governing the job, contraband control, inmate mental illness and suicide prevention, and correctional officer mental health. It also includes orientation and on-the-job training programs, with a focus on rules and procedures for daily operations, search techniques, knowledge of the intake process, interpersonal skills, and basic computer skills.
A physical agility test may also be required during this training to ensure officers are physically fit for their duties.
Annual Training
Once they have completed their initial training, correctional officers in North Dakota are required to undergo annual training to keep their skills sharp and stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and procedures. This training covers topics such as contraband control, inmate mental illness and suicide prevention, and correctional officer mental health. It is designed to ensure that officers remain well-equipped to handle the challenges they face in their daily work.
Application Process and Special Requirements
Beyond the educational and experience requirements, aspiring correctional officers in North Dakota also need to fulfill certain special requirements. These include:
Submitting an application
Undergoing a psychological exam
Passing a background check
Holding a valid ND driver’s license
Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch services to our clients, who are located all around the world.
Application Process
The application process for a correctional officer position in North Dakota includes the following steps:
Complete an online application on the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website.
Possess a high school diploma or GED, college coursework, proof of U.S. work authorization, and a valid North Dakota driver’s license.
Submit to a standard criminal record and background check as part of the application process.
Psychological Exam
The psychological examination is a significant part of the application process for aspiring correctional officers in North Dakota. It evaluates the applicant’s mental and emotional stability, which is vital for the demanding role of a correctional officer. The exam involves the administration, scoring, interpretation, and analysis of psychological tests, with the results compiled into reports for evaluation.
This assessment ensures that only candidates with the appropriate mental and emotional attributes are selected for the role.
Background Check
The background check is an integral part of the application process for correctional officer applicants in North Dakota. It includes:
Obtaining a criminal background report
Completing a check of the North Dakota Child Abuse and Neglect registry
Undergoing a criminal history background investigation by the employing agency.
This thorough background check helps ensure that only individuals with a clean criminal record and a history of responsible behavior are considered for the position.
Valid ND Driver’s License
Correctional officer applicants in North Dakota must hold a valid ND driver’s license. This requirement ensures that candidates have the ability to operate a motor vehicle and may be essential for transportation purposes within the correctional facility or when transporting inmates.
To acquire a valid North Dakota driver’s license, applicants must visit a North Dakota Drivers License Site, schedule an appointment, and complete the necessary application and testing procedures.
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Facilities
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates a variety of facilities that cater to different populations and security levels. These include adult prisons and a Division of Juvenile Services, offering diverse career opportunities for correctional officers. Each facility has its own unique characteristics and programs designed to address the needs of the inmates housed there.
Adult Prisons
The most renowned adult prisons in North Dakota include the North Dakota State Penitentiary, James River Correctional Center, and Missouri River Correctional Center. These facilities cater to inmates with varying security levels and offer a range of programs and services, including community programs, transitional facilities, technology training, life skills and coping strategies, education and vocational training, and substance abuse programs.
The programs are designed to enhance inmates’ behaviors, skills, mental health, and social functioning, thus reducing recidivism and preparing them for successful reintegration into society.
Division of Juvenile Services
The Division of Juvenile Services in North Dakota is responsible for providing juvenile correctional services and operating the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center. This facility focuses on the unique needs of juvenile offenders, offering specialized programs and services designed to address the root causes of delinquency and promote positive development.
Correctional officers in the Division of Juvenile Services have a significant role in shaping the lives of young offenders, guiding them towards becoming responsible and productive members of society.
Career Opportunities and Growth
There are various career opportunities for correctional officers in North Dakota, including roles at the North Dakota State Penitentiary, James River Correctional Center, and Missouri River Correctional Center. These facilities offer unique challenges and experiences, allowing officers to grow and develop their skills throughout their careers.
North Dakota State Penitentiary
The North Dakota State Penitentiary, a leading state correctional facility, offers a variety of positions for correctional officers such as Correctional Officer, Senior Correction Officer, Case Manager, and CO II. The facility provides various programs and services, including victim services, substance abuse testing and treatment, employment and vocational training opportunities, GED programming, and treatment units, allowing officers to gain valuable experience in different areas of corrections.
James River Correctional Center
The James River Correctional Center, a medium security facility for adult male inmates, has a capacity of 365 inmates and employs 103 correctional officers. These officers have a key role in maintaining security and providing rehabilitation services for offenders.
The facility offers various programs and services, allowing officers to develop their skills in different aspects of corrections through collaboration with agencies.
Missouri River Correctional Center
The Missouri River Correctional Center is another notable facility in North Dakota, with a capacity of 151 male inmates. Career opportunities at this facility include nursing, dental recruiting, and other positions within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
With a variety of programs and services available, correctional officers at the Missouri River Correctional Center can grow professionally and contribute to the positive development of inmates.
Salary and Benefits for North Dakota Correctional Officers
The salary and benefits for North Dakota correctional officers vary depending on experience and location. However, competitive compensation packages are offered, ensuring that officers are well-compensated for their work. Some of the benefits available to correctional officers in North Dakota include:
Life insurance
Family health insurance
Retirement benefits
401(k) plan
The state also offers the NDPERS Law Enforcement plan for licensed peace officers or certified correctional officers, further enhancing the benefits package for those in the field of emergency management and the nd department.
Reform and Rehabilitation Focus
North Dakota places a strong emphasis on reform and rehabilitation in its correctional facilities. Initiatives such as vocational training, reducing solitary confinement, and providing recreational activities for inmates contribute to a more humane and effective approach to corrections. These initiatives have been instrumental in the overall success of North Dakota’s reform efforts, with a reduced recidivism rate and improved outcomes for inmates following their release.
As a North Dakota correctional officer, your role in promoting rehabilitation and improving the treatment of incarcerated individuals is substantial.
Summary
In summary, becoming a correctional officer in North Dakota offers a rewarding and challenging career in a field that focuses on rehabilitation and reform. With various educational and experience requirements, comprehensive training, and a range of career opportunities in adult prisons and juvenile facilities, there are numerous pathways for those interested in pursuing a career in corrections. The competitive salary and benefits packages available for correctional officers in North Dakota further emphasize the value of this profession. If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to a safer, more just society, consider a career as a correctional officer in North Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest age to be a correctional officer?
The oldest age to be a Correctional Officer in New Jersey is 37 years old.
What should I say in a correctional officer interview?
I’m a hard worker and always on time, with the ability to diffuse tense situations and a desire to learn. I’m confident I’d be a great addition to your team.
How do I become a probation officer in North Dakota?
To become a probation officer in North Dakota, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a field of human behavior and become licensed as peace officers in the state.
Do correctional officers carry guns in Canada?
In Canada, correctional officers carry firearms in federal medium- and maximum-security institutions and on escorts. They also carry pepper spray and batons as well as other weapons which are kept under lock and key in specific locations.
What state pays the most for correctional officers?
Massachusetts pays the most for correctional officers, with an average annual wage of $77,890 in 2023. New Jersey follows closely behind at $77,270, then Rhode Island with $74,220, and Oregon with $72,900.