Corrections officers oversee individuals who have been arrested. The officer maintains security and inmate accountability. An associates degree is not a requirement however, a person must be over 18, possess a valid high school diploma or G.E.D. and have the ability to pass several competitive written and physical examinations.
Fiscal resource limitations are causing it to become more difficult to provide adequate professional development for staff in many government and private agencies. Advances in information delivery technology helps to increase opportunities for everyone involved; trainer, trainee, and the agency as well. This reality makes on-line training more easily obtainable for the potential new detention officer.
At the National Institute of Corrections, the online program hosts an electronic bulletin board that allows students to access an expert on their subject matter at any time. This national center, however, is limited to use by corrections professionals who are categorized as executives, managers, supervisors, or those involved in offender programs or staff development.
Online colleges offering associate degrees in Criminal Justice, a significant part of the background required to work as a corrections or detention officer, can be found easily. Lincoln College Online is one example, Kaplan University is another. Phoenix University hosts another on-line criminal justice program that offers this undergraduate degree.
A detention officer who receives on-line training must be prepared to be personally responsible for people who have been convicted of a crime or are awaiting trial. This officer will be held responsible for preventing disturbances, assaults or escapes. The officer is expected to inspect locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates for signs of tampering. Logs must be maintained and security breaches reported as well as any violations of rules or any unusual occurrences.