Are you interested in being a Correctional Officer? If so, here’s what you need to know.

In order to be a correctional officer you must pass a physical fitness test that includes a 500-yard course on a variety of different surfaces. You must run up and down one flight of stairs. You must complete a mini obstacle course, carry two 45-pound hand weights over a distance of 50 yards, and set them down. You must also carry one 45-pound hand-held weight over 75 yards and then set it down. You must carry one 30-pound weight over a final distance of 110 yards and then set it down. To successfully pass the PFT, applicants must complete the course within 5 minutes and 5 seconds.

These aren’t the only qualifications in order to be a correctional officer, otherwise known as C.O. You must be a U.S. citizen or apply for citizenship, have a U.S. high school diploma/GED, be at least 21 years of age (or 20 at application), and have no felony convictions. You must also do 13 weeks in the academy to be a correctional officer.

Being a correctional officer means you must be a good role model and set a good example to those who look up to you. Benefits also come with being a C.O. These benefits are paid academy training, health, dental, vision, and a retirement package.

When you pass everything and you are on your way to a facility for your new job I recommend just doing your job. What I mean by this is whatever happens in the facility, keep yourself calm and collected because any slip-up in front of inmates will surely come back to bite you. Basically treat everyone in there the way you wish to be treated, inmate or not. Follow commands and leave whatever happened at the prison there, do not take anger back to your house. Good luck future correctional officers, you can most definitely do it if you believe you can.

Information from: www.JOINCDCR.com