Is being a correctional officer bad?

According to a 2018 report published in Corrections Today, being a jail guard is considered one of the riskiest professions. Those who choose this career path are exposed to work- and institutional-related dangers as well as mental and physical health risks.

Why are correctional officers stressed?

One of the primary causes of stress for correctional officers comes from working in overcrowded and understaffed prisons. Such conditions often require officers to work mandatory overtime and inconsistent rotating shifts. Moreover, perceived and actual threats of physical violence are a daily occurrence for officers.

What are the most common problems correctional officers face at work?

More than half of correctional officers report that violent incidents are a regular occurrence at the prison where they work. Almost 30 percent reported being seriously injured at work, and 85 percent reported seeing someone seriously injured or killed. Work-related stress has significant health consequences.

Why are correctional officers in California at high risk for depression?

Correctional officers at high risk for depression, PTSD, suicide, survey finds. California’s correctional officers are regularly exposed to traumatic events that make them more likely to grapple with depression, PTSD and suicidal thoughts, according to a new report relased this week by researchers at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy.

How many correctional officers are there in the US?

Approximately 470,000 corrections officers are currently working in state and federal prisons. Those who wish to pursue this career path are required to have mental and physical strength. On any given day, they put their lives on the line as part of the job.

What are the job duties of a correctional officer?

As a prison guard, you’ll be required to stop fights between inmates, inspect their cells, review their mail and protect your colleagues from prisoner assaults. The United States has the largest prison population in the world. Therefore, correctional officers are in high demand.