How to Become a Correctional Officer in South Dakota (Essential Requirements and Training)

Have you ever considered a fulfilling career that plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and security within correctional facilities? Becoming a correctional officer in South Dakota might be the perfect fit for you. In this comprehensive guide on how to become a correctional officer in South Dakota, we will provide you with all the necessary steps to embark on this rewarding career path, including eligibility criteria, the training process, and potential career benefits that await you in the field of corrections.

What you’re about to learn in this guide:

  • South Dakota Correctional Officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of correctional facilities, requiring demanding training and certification processes.

  • Eligibility criteria include being at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, passing background checks & drug screenings to verify integrity/moral character, plus alternative qualifications in terms of education/experience may be accepted.

  • Applicants must complete comprehensive 3 week paid training academy + 4 weeks mentorship program before 6 month probationary period. Rewards include competitive salary & extensive benefits package.

South Dakota Correctional Officer Job Overview

Correctional officers in South Dakota are crucial to the safety and security of several correctional facilities, including control rooms, cell halls, and guard towers. These dedicated professionals work alongside law enforcement agencies to maintain order and uphold the highest standards of professionalism within the correctional system.

The training and certification process for correctional officers in South Dakota is demanding, intended to equip them adequately for their job roles. Some of the top employers for correctional officers in the state include the South Dakota Department of Corrections and the U.S. Army. With the right training and dedication, you can make an impact on the lives of inmates and contribute to the safety of your community.

Eligibility Criteria for South Dakota Correctional Officers

There are specific eligibility criteria applicants must meet to become a correctional officer in South Dakota. Some of these criteria include:

  • Being at least 18 years old

  • Possessing a high school diploma or equivalent

  • Undergoing background checks and drug screenings to verify integrity and moral character

Even though a criminal record may not necessarily bar employment, applicants with felony convictions may experience difficulties during the hiring process. Maintaining a clean background and passing all required screenings is a prerequisite to be considered for a position as a correctional officer in South Dakota.

Age Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for a correctional officer position in South Dakota. There are no exceptions to this age requirement, ensuring that all candidates have the maturity and life experience necessary to handle the challenges and responsibilities of the job.

Education and Experience

While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement to pursue a career as a correctional officer in South Dakota, having a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience can significantly benefit applicants. Degree majors in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, counseling, or other related fields of study are preferred but not mandatory for aspiring correctional officers.

For federal correctional officer positions, such as those at the Federal Prison Camp-Yankton, there are alternative qualifications in terms of education and experience. Applicants for a GS-05 level position can bypass the education requirement if they possess at least three years of relevant experience in assisting, guiding, and counseling individuals, working in emergency situations, or in a supervisor or teaching position.

Background Checks and Drug Screening

Prospective correctional officers must pass thorough background checks and drug screenings to be considered for employment in South Dakota. The background check process involves:

  • Submitting fingerprints electronically

  • Verifying the applicant’s identity

  • Checking employment history

  • Verifying educational background

  • Conducting a criminal record check

Ensuring that candidates undergo complete employment eligibility verification, including a clean background check, is crucial for maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the correctional officer workforce.

South Dakota Correctional Officer Training Process

Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, new correctional officers in South Dakota will undertake a detailed training process. The training schedule involves:

  • Three weeks paid training at the South Dakota Department of Corrections Training Academy

  • On-site training

  • Classroom instruction covering topics such as policies and procedures, restraint devices, cell entry and inspection, and report writing

  • Specific training on the use of firearms, mechanical restraints, and chemical agents

This training provides essential knowledge for law enforcement officers.

The training process doesn’t end with classroom instruction. It continues with a four-week mentorship program, where new officers gain hands-on experience working under the guidance of an experienced officer. This mentorship program is designed to provide support and guidance to new officers as they adjust to their roles and responsibilities. Following the mentorship program, new officers will undergo a six-month probationary period.

Classroom Instruction

New correctional officers receive four weeks of classroom instruction, covering various topics related to their job duties. This instruction familiarizes them with the institution’s policies and procedures, as well as helps them gain proficiency in the use of equipment like restraint devices, cell entry and inspection techniques, and report writing.

During classroom instruction, new officers will be introduced to firearms operation, mechanical restraints and chemical agents. They will learn the necessary safety protocols and become well-versed in the use of these tools. Such training is essential in equipping officers adequately to handle different challenges and situations they may encounter during duty.

Mentorship Program

The four-week mentorship program that follows classroom instruction is an essential component of the training process for new correctional officers in South Dakota. During this period, new officers receive on-the-job practical experience working under the guidance of an experienced officer.

This program aims to offer support and guidance to new officers as they adapt to their roles within the correctional facility, enabling them to cultivate the skills and confidence needed to excel in their duties.

Probationary Period

After the mentorship program, new officers go through a six-month probationary period to confirm their readiness for their role as a correctional officer in South Dakota. During this probationary period, officers may be dismissed without cause if they fail to meet the expectations and requirements of their position.

It is crucial for new or existing employees, particularly new officers, to demonstrate their commitment, professionalism, and adaptability during this time to successfully complete their probation and secure their position within the correctional system.

Alternative Certification Pathways

Experienced officers from other states who wish to become correctional officers in South Dakota can apply for reciprocity, which may exempt them from certain training requirements if they meet specific criteria. To apply for reciprocity, a written application must be submitted, including evidence of prior certification as a correctional officer.

Those who qualify for reciprocity may be exempt from parts of the training program, except for:

  • Firearms

  • EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course)

  • Use of force

  • The written reciprocity examination.

Pursuing a Degree in Criminal Justice

Pursuing a degree in criminal justice or a related field can be highly beneficial for those seeking a career as a correctional officer in South Dakota. A degree in criminal justice, corrections, sociology, psychology, or counseling can provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of the correctional system and enhance job prospects, promotion opportunities, and earning potential.

South Dakota offers various criminal justice degree programs at the associate, bachelor, and master levels in institutions such as the University of South Dakota, University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota State University, and Northern State University. Earning a degree in criminal justice can open doors to various roles within the correctional system, including correctional officer, probation officer, parole officer, and more.

Compensation and Benefits for South Dakota Correctional Officers

South Dakota correctional officers earn an average salary of $42,160, with wages potentially higher based on the location and experience level. Besides a competitive salary, correctional officers in South Dakota also enjoy an extensive benefits package comprising health, dental, and retirement benefits.

Being a correctional officer in South Dakota offers several rewards, including:

  • Three weeks of paid vacation per year

  • A retirement plan

  • Comprehensive health insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Disability coverage

  • Annual salary increases

These benefits make a career as a correctional officer in South Dakota not only financially rewarding but also secure and stable, offering long-term growth and development opportunities.

Job Opportunities and Top Employers in South Dakota

Various channels, including the state department of corrections, federal bureau of prisons, and the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources, offer job opportunities for correctional officers in South Dakota. Some of the leading employers for correctional officers in South Dakota include the South Dakota Department of Corrections and the U.S. Army.

Even though the job outlook for correctional officers in South Dakota is projected to decrease by -7.7% between 2016 and 2026, employment opportunities remain available, with an average annual salary of $49,221. Cities like Sioux Falls and Pierre offer higher wages for correctional officers, making them attractive locations for those seeking a career in corrections.

Application and Hiring Process

The application and hiring process for correctional officers in South Dakota includes the following steps:

  1. Taking a civil service exam

  2. Undergoing interviews

  3. Completing a physical agility test

  4. Undergoing medical and psychological exams

  5. Passing a background check

  6. Passing a drug screen

This rigorous process aims to select only the most qualified and dedicated candidates for the role.

To apply for a correctional officer position in South Dakota, candidates must submit a South Dakota state employment application and a Correctional Officer Questionnaire to the Bureau of Personnel. Applicants can visit the South Dakota Department of Corrections website for further information. Alternatively, they can contact the department at 605-773-3148.

Civil Service Exam

Prospective officers must pass a civil service exam as part of the application process for correctional officers in South Dakota. This exam covers topics such as general knowledge, basic skills, and professional standards and facility operations related to the role. Adequate preparation for the exam, which may include practice tests and study guides, is essential for success in the application process.

Interviews and Physical Agility Test

During the hiring process, applicants will undergo interviews to assess their suitability for the role of a correctional officer in South Dakota. These interviews typically involve a panel of representatives from the Department of Corrections and are designed to evaluate the information submitted by the applicant, as well as any findings from the background investigation.

To prepare for the interview, applicants should:

  • Research the South Dakota Department of Corrections

  • Familiarize themselves with common interview questions

  • Practice their responses

  • Be prepared to articulate their understanding of the role and responsibilities of a correctional officer.

In addition to the interviews, applicants will be required to complete a physical agility test that evaluates their physical fitness and capability to execute the physical responsibilities associated with the role of a correctional officer. This test ensures that candidates are physically prepared for the demands of their job and can effectively perform their duties within a correctional facility.

Medical and Psychological Exams

Medical and psychological exams are also required to ensure candidates are fit for the demands of the job. The medical examination process generally comprises a drug screening test, a pre-employment physical, and an initial medical, dental, and mental health screening.

Psychological exams, as a form of relevant competency assessments, are essential for evaluating the mental and emotional stability of prospective correctional officers and detecting any potential mental disturbances or personality disorders that could impact their ability to carry out their duties effectively and securely.

South Dakota Department of Corrections Training Academy

The South Dakota Department of Corrections Training Academy offers detailed training for new correctional officers, equipping them adequately to handle the challenges and responsibilities of their role. This academy offers three weeks of paid, on-site training, during which new officers receive classroom instruction on:

  • policies and procedures

  • restraint devices

  • cell entry and inspection

  • report writing

Upon successful completion of the training academy, new officers are certified to handle and operate firearms and other equipment, as well as CPR and First Aid. This certification ensures that officers have the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain safety and security within South Dakota’s correctional facilities.

Summary

In conclusion, becoming a correctional officer in South Dakota is a rewarding career path that offers numerous benefits, including competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of inmates and the community. By meeting the eligibility criteria, undergoing the required training process, and successfully navigating the application and hiring process, you can join the ranks of dedicated professionals working to maintain safety and security within South Dakota’s correctional facilities.

If you’re ready to take on the challenges and rewards of a career as a correctional officer in South Dakota, start preparing today. With the right training, dedication, and perseverance, you can make a lasting impact in the field of corrections and contribute to the betterment of society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oldest age to be a correctional officer?

The oldest age to become a Correctional Officer is 37, as U.S. citizens need to be between 20 and 37 years of age to qualify for the role in New Jersey.

What’s the most a correctional officer can make?

Corrections Officers can earn up to $69,610 on average in the top ten percent and even up to $103,000 per year for the best jobs.

How many prisons are in South Dakota?

South Dakota has 6 state prisons housing 3,801 inmates, with a staff of 756 employees and a budget of $147,395,991 as of December 31, 2019.

How do I become a parole officer in South Dakota?

To become a parole officer in South Dakota, you must be at least 18 years of age, be a U.S. citizen, be willing to relocate to any division office in the state, have a valid driver’s license, be licensed to carry a firearm, and be fluent in English.

What is the minimum age requirement to become a correctional officer in South Dakota?

You must be at least 18 years old to become a correctional officer in South Dakota.

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