Correctional Officers are rarely thought of due to the lack of visibility from the public eye. However, they perform many roles under one job title. This job presents many challenges and is constantly changing. It is not just a job where you can show up and stay stagnant. The reality is that Correctional staff face many dangers and must constantly stay vigilant at work, which also affects their life outside of work as well. Correctional Officers are constantly training and learning from every experience.
Officers begin with an 8-week academy away from family and friends. After graduation they complete a field training that lasts at least a 2-month long period. All staff are subject to yearly training that include policy review, firearm qualification, TASER certification, de-escalation, defensive tactics, and so much more. Facilities across the state of Maryland are audited every 3 years that require training records to meet the Maryland Correctional Standards Commission compliance.
Being a Correctional Officer means being someone who is committed to making changes to their communities. Someone that is dedicated to not just being willing to listen and learn from others but changing and adapting to their environment.