What is the difference between a correctional officer and a detention officer

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Accessible Navigation. Sheriff Chuck Wright Howard St. Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Sheriff. Receives and processes inmates into custody of institution; searches prisoners; takes charge of personal property. Provides inmates opportunity to call attorney or relative; advises inmates on institutional rules and regulations. Patrols jail area periodically to insure security and maintain order. Transports inmates to medical, court and related facilities. Supervises inmates during meals, personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures.

Escorts and safeguards inmates to cell; checks on inmates' physical condition. The market growth for police officers is four percent, with more than 33, new jobs expected to be added by Police officers also have room for growth, with the potential to become sergeants, captains, detectives, and investigators. While police officers patrol the streets and investigate crimes, correctional officers patrol prisons, jails, and courtrooms. They enforce rules and keep order in courts and jails; they supervise activities for prisoners; they keep visitors safe and inspect facilities; correctional officers also have the rewarding job of helping to rehabilitate and counsel inmates.

As with police officers, there is expected to be growth for correctional officers with nearly 18, new jobs available by Careers in criminal justice are growing nationwide, but Florida has some of the highest employment levels for both police officers and correctional officers.

Florida has the fourth-highest employment level for police officers out of the 50 states, with nearly 40, Northeast and South Florida have some of the highest employment levels in the nation for police officers.

Florida is also fourth-highest in the country for correctional officer employment levels. Northeast Florida has particularly high employment levels for corrections. For both police and correctional officers in Florida, those employed by state and local governments earn the most. Careers in criminal justice are not for everyone.

It takes a certain type of personality and specific skills to be able to perform well in these demanding jobs. Officers are dedicated people willing to put their own safety on the line to protect others. They have to make quick decisions under pressure. If you have an interest in criminal justice, you are starting in the right place, but be sure you are prepared for what these careers demand. Police officers patrol neighborhoods and cities, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, make arrests, conduct traffic stops, write reports, testify in court, and collect and analyze evidence.

To thrive as a police officer you must have certain skills and be:. Working as a correctional officer is similar to police work, but there are some crucial differences. Like police officers, they enforce rules and protect people. They also must establish relationships with inmates, treat them with respect, yet be firm and maintain order, work with inmates to help rehabilitate them, counsel them, and lead them in activities.

Correctional officers also make reports and maintain records on inmate conduct and any infractions. To be a correctional officer, you must be:. The requirements for becoming a police officer vary widely by both state and department. In Florida, the Department of Law Enforcement sets minimum standards for both police and correctional officers.

Each individual department may then set additional standards. In Florida, officers must:. It is important to remember that these are the minimum requirements. Many departments throughout the state and in other states require more skills and training. The duration of the training varies by agency.

During the training period, the officer learns about legal restrictions and how to deal with accused felons. Physical training includes instruction in self-defense and firearms proficiency. Once an officer finishes initial training, he must continue to take advanced courses if he wants to advance his career.

A detention officer must be able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Because situations can quickly become volatile, the officer must be able to stay calm and control her emotions. She must be able to come up with practical solutions to everyday problems. Good negotiation skills can make his work with prisoners easier.

Communication skills, both oral and written, are desirable for this position. The officer must have physical strength and must be able to operate specialized law enforcement equipment. The U.