Are you considering a career in law enforcement and want to make a difference in your community? Learning how to become a correctional officer in Wyoming could be the perfect opportunity for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process, from the initial steps to the rewarding career that awaits you. So, let’s embark on this journey together and explore the exciting world of correctional officers in the Equality State.
What you’re about to learn in this guide:
Becoming a correctional officer in Wyoming requires meeting certain minimum requirements and passing pre-employment tests.
The Wyoming Department of Corrections provides comprehensive training to equip personnel with the necessary skills for successful careers.
Correctional officers have access to professional development, retirement plans, recreational activities, and other resources for aspiring candidates.
Pathway to Becoming a Correctional Officer in Wyoming
Becoming a correctional officer in Wyoming involves a series of steps that ensure you are well-prepared to take on the responsibilities associated with this profession. The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) provides the necessary training and resources to help you become the best public safety professional you can be.
As a correctional officer, you’ll be responsible for maintaining order within the facility, managing inmate behavior, and ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Correctional officer jobs require dedication, vigilance, and professionalism.
Minimum Requirements
Before you plunge into the dynamic field of corrections, you need to be aware of the basic qualifications necessary to pursue a career as a correctional officer in Wyoming. To start, you must:
Be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen
Possess a valid driver’s license
Have a high school diploma or GED
Complete the Detention Officer Basic training program
You should also be prepared to undergo a thorough background check and a psychological evaluation. Physical fitness is an important aspect of the job, and applicants must:
Complete two physical fitness assessments at the Wyoming Department of Corrections Training Academy
Attain passing scores on a physical fitness test at three separate assessments throughout the academy
Pass a physical fitness exam during the hiring process
Fulfilling these basic prerequisites, including having a valid driver’s license, is a significant first step towards a successful career as a correctional officer.
Screening Process
The screening process for correctional officer candidates in Wyoming typically includes the following steps:
Testing
Documents verification
Background check
Drug screening
Written exam
Physical fitness evaluation
Oral board interview
Candidates who successfully complete these steps will then undergo extensive training before being entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining order in the state’s correctional facilities.
If you are interested in working as a correctional officer at the Honor Farm in Fremont County, you will need to possess college-level transcripts and fulfill certain initial qualifications. The screening process for correctional officers in Wyoming generally takes around 10 weeks, during which time applicants may be on supervised or unsupervised probation.
Keeping an open line of communication with the Human Resources department is highly beneficial throughout the process. Alanna Akers is the Human Resources contact for correctional officer positions in Wyoming, and her human resource contact information can be reached at alanna.akers@wyo.gov or 307-328-7426. Keeping in touch with the Human Resources department will help ensure a smooth application and screening process.
Comprehensive Training for Success
After meeting the initial requirements and passing the screening process, you can concentrate on the thorough training that will furnish you with the necessary skills and knowledge for a flourishing career as a correctional officer in Wyoming. The training provided by the Wyoming Department of Corrections covers various areas, including working at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the diverse challenges you may face on the job.
Basic Detention Officer Training
The Basic Detention Officer Training program for new correctional officers in Wyoming is a 10-week POST certified academy, comprising nine weeks of comprehensive training followed by one week of job shadowing at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. This training program covers Wyoming case law, WDOC policies and procedures, report writing, ethics, managing inmate supervision, Wyoming criminal law, and constitutional law.
To ensure you are physically prepared for the job, the training program requires you to complete the WLEA Physical Fitness Assessment to the prescribed Cooper Standards. This assessment is a critical component of the Basic Detention Officer Training program and will help you develop the physical skills necessary to excel in your career as a correctional officer in Wyoming.
Advanced Training for Prison Officers
In addition to the Basic Detention Officer Training program, there are advanced training options available for prison officers in Wyoming. These programs include the intensive 10-week Peace Officer Standard and Training (POST)-certified Wyoming Department of Corrections (DOC) Training. Furthermore, there are opportunities for corrections and criminal justice degrees and training programs from accredited schools and colleges in the state.
The advanced training for prison officers in Wyoming emphasizes skills such as peace officer standards and training, correctional officer work experience, and advanced Wyoming POST certification. By participating in these advanced training programs, you can enhance your career prospects and increase your knowledge and expertise in the field of corrections.
Job Opportunities and Locations
Wyoming offers a variety of job opportunities and locations for correctional officers. The state operates five principal state facilities, providing diverse working environments for those in the profession. You can find job listings on the state’s employment website. It’s important to continuously monitor for new postings and promptly submit your application when a fitting position emerges.
One unique job opportunity is at the Wyoming Honor Farm in Fremont County, where correctional officers oversee 283 low-security male inmates. These inmates participate in a program that involves training and managing wild horses, as well as providing community services such as filling sandbags to counter recent flooding in the area. This innovative work setting allows correctional officers to make a positive impact not only on the inmates they supervise but also on the community they serve.
Career Growth and Benefits
Working as a correctional officer in Wyoming comes with numerous career growth opportunities and benefits. The Wyoming Department of Corrections provides professional development training and statewide opportunities, as well as access to recreational activities. Additionally, there are career growth opportunities within the WDOC itself.
To progress in your career within the correctional system, it’s necessary to complete the required training, be at least 18 years of age, and acquire Wyoming POST certification within six months of employment. Correctional officers in Wyoming are also eligible for retirement plans through the Wyoming Retirement System (WRS), which administers public retirement and supplemental savings programs. These benefits, coupled with the potential for career advancement, make the correctional officer profession an attractive option for those seeking a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Application Process: From Submission to Employment
The application process for correctional officer positions in Wyoming is straightforward and efficient. To begin, visit the Official State of Wyoming website for the WDOC careers page, complete the required application form, and submit it online. Following the submission, you’ll participate in the pre-employment testing conducted by the WDOC to determine your suitability for employment as a correctional officer.
Required Documentation
When applying for a correctional officer position in Wyoming, you’ll need to provide the necessary documentation. College transcripts are requested but not mandatory, and you must submit a background questionnaire and your IRS wage and income transcripts for the past five years.
Supplying the necessary documentation is a vital part of the application process, assisting the WDOC in verifying your qualifications and determining your fit for the role.
Pre-Employment Testing
The pre-employment testing process for correctional officers in Wyoming is designed to evaluate your fitness for the role. This process includes a physical agility test, a written examination, and psychological tests.
The pre-employment testing process for this job includes:
The Physical Agility Test, which involves a 1.5-mile run, sit-ups, and push-ups, with specific criteria depending on factors such as gender.
The written examination, which typically contains questions related to general knowledge, basic skills, and career-specific aptitude.
Psychological tests, which are included to ensure that you are mentally prepared for the challenges of the job.
Maintaining a Safe and Professional Work Environment
Ensuring a safe and professional work environment is paramount for correctional officers in Wyoming. To maintain safety and security within the facility, ongoing training is provided in the following areas:
Wyoming case law
WDOC policies and procedures
Report writing
Ethics
Managing inmates
Keeping a secure and professional work environment is key to ensuring the well-being of both staff and inmates and contributes significantly to the overall success of the correctional facility.
Strict adherence to safety protocols, including:
reasonable and humane management of inmates
compliance with the Comprehensive Safety and Health Program for Correctional Facilities
observance of WDOC policies and procedures
is fundamental to maintaining a safe work atmosphere. Moreover, upholding a code of professional conduct and ethics, demonstrating a positive attitude, and continually improving skills are vital to ensuring professionalism in the workplace.
Additional Resources for Aspiring Correctional Officers
For those aspiring to become correctional officers in Wyoming, there are numerous additional resources and support available. Books such as “The Correctional Officer’s Guide: Understanding Inmates” by Martin L. Forst and “The Correctional Officer, Third Edition” by Joel Samaha can provide valuable insights into the profession. Websites like the Wyoming Department of Corrections (https://corrections.wyo.gov/), Wyoming Department of Corrections Careers (https://corrections.wyo.gov/careers), and Wyoming Department of Corrections Jobs (https://wdoc.jobs/) offer informational resources and support for those interested in becoming correctional officers in Wyoming.
Local organizations like the Wyoming State Penitentiary, the Wyoming Conservation Corps, and the State of Wyoming Department of Corrections provide support to individuals interested in pursuing a career as a correctional officer. Additionally, the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution, along with the Wyoming Department of Corrections Training Academy, offers competency-based coursework to assist those aspiring to become correctional officers.
Summary
In conclusion, becoming a correctional officer in Wyoming is a rewarding career choice that offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. From meeting the minimum requirements and undergoing the screening process to completing comprehensive training and exploring job opportunities across the state, the journey to becoming a correctional officer is both challenging and fulfilling. By maintaining a safe and professional work environment, correctional officers in Wyoming play a crucial role in upholding public safety and making a positive impact on the lives of inmates and the community at large.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest age to be a correctional officer?
The oldest age to become a correctional officer in New Jersey is 37 years old. U.S. citizenship is also required, though some high need facilities may waive this requirement.
How many correctional facilities are in Wyoming?
Wyoming has a total of 5 correctional facilities, including four male and one female facility.
How long is correctional officer training in Colorado?
In Colorado, it takes a month of basic training at the CDOC Training Academy in Canon City for new employees to become correctional officers. After the first year, they must obtain between 16 and 40 hours of training annually.
What are the minimum requirements to become a correctional officer in Wyoming?
To become a correctional officer in Wyoming, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, possess a valid driver’s license, have a high school diploma or GED, and complete the Detention Officer Basic training program.
What job opportunities and locations are available for correctional officers in Wyoming?
Correctional officers in Wyoming can find job opportunities in five principal state facilities, providing diverse opportunities for professional growth and development.