Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer Resume Keywords and Skills (Hard Skills)

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Correctional Officer job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume.

Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.

Choose a category
  • Law Enforcement
  • Corrections
  • Firearms Handling
  • Criminal Justice
  • Public Safety
  • Emergency Management
  • Physical Security
  •  Find out what your resume's missing
  • Security
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Police
  • Investigation
  • Surveillance
  • Private Investigations
  • Security Operations
  • Government
  • Crime Prevention
  • Homeland Security
  • Patrol
  • Weapons Handling
  • First Aid

  •   Show full list

Resume Skills: Software

  • Case Management System
  • Offender Tracking Information System
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Command Central Warehouse
  • Jail Management Software (JMS)
  • PrisonRoster
  • Inmate Classification Software
  •  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Law Enforcement

Resume Skills: Safety Protocols

Resume Skills: Administration

  • Scheduling
  • Staff Management
  • Log Maintenance
  • Policy Enforcement
  • Report Writing
  • Records Management
  • Correctional Facility Operations
  • Staff Supervision & Training
  • Legal Compliance
  • Inmate Transportation
  • Conducting Safety Inspections & Administration of Justice
  •  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Correctional Procedures

Resume Skills: Crisis Intervention

Resume Skills: Legal Knowledge

Resume Skills: Administrative

Resume Skills: Techniques

  • Institutional Corrections
  • Recidivism Reduction Strategies
  • Anti-Smuggling Procedures
  • Inmate Behavior Management
  • Disciplinary Actions
  • Crisis Management
  •  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Legal & Standards

  • Understanding of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
  • Familiarity with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines
  • Knowledge on American Correctional Association (ACA) Standards
  •  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Languages

Resume Skills: Other

Resume Skills: Technologies

  Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.

Compare Your Resume To These Correctional Officer Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

Sample Correctional Officer Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences, education or Skills section, like we've shown in the examples below. Use the examples below as inspiration.

Select a free resume example
Your Name
Correctional Officer
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
State Department of Corrections June 2018 - Present
Senior Correctional Officer
Enforced strict cell-block security procedures aligning with Public Safety regulations, reducing rule infractions by 35%
Led Correctional Officer team during emergency situations, ensuring optimal Emergency Management protocol compliance
Implemented impactful training programs, strengthening Correctional Officers' Firearms Handling and Criminal Investigation skills
Established efficient inmate surveillance systems, reducing instances of conflicts by 40%
Orchestrated comprehensive crime prevention programs, reducing the occurrence of jail-wide incidents by 55%
Federal Bureau of Prisons May 2015 - June 2018
Correctional Officer
Incorporated effective surveillance methods to the prison facility, enhancing overall security operations
Contributed to the creation of critical incident management plans, increasing emergency response effectiveness by 25%
Successfully managed a caseload of 120+ inmates, which led to a noteworthy decline in disciplinary actions
Managed and implemented rigorous patrol schedules, improving perimeter security by 20%
Resume Worded January 2012 - May 2015
Deputy Correctional Officer
Participated in key Correctional operations, elevating overall prison safety and security
Assisted in conducting thorough criminal investigations, leading to the resolution of 100+ cases
Enhanced First Aid and Basic Life Support skills among entry-level officers, improving response rate to emergencies
EDUCATION
Resume Worded University May 2014
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Focus on Corrections Administration and Management
Resume Worded Academic Center January 2012
Certified Correctional Officer
Trained in modern practices of prison management and inmate rehabilitation
SKILLS
Correctional Procedures: Offender Supervision, Incident Reporting, Use of Restraint Equipment, Cell Inspections, Conducting Prison Counts, Surveillance Techniques
Crisis Intervention: Conflict Resolution, Mental Health Training, De-escalation Techniques, Suicide Prevention
Legal Knowledge: Criminal Law, Inmate Rights, Sentencing Guidelines, Court Procedures
Administrative Skills: Record Keeping, Inmate Processing, Staff Scheduling, Security Protocols
OTHER
Certifications: Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certified, American Red Cross First Aid-CPR/AED
Volunteering: Volunteer Mentor at Resume Worded Youth Rehabilitation Program
Continuing Education: Attended annual corrections officer professional development seminars (2015-2020)
Awards: Correctional Officer of the Year Award (2019), Excellence in Service Award (2017)
Your Name
Prison Warden
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Federal Bureau of Prisons June 2017 - Present
Prison Warden
Steered prison staff to maintain optimum order and discipline within the facility, ensuring inmates and staff's safety
Handled administrative and budget-related operations, reducing operational costs by 20%
Established strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, enhancing success in Criminal Justice measures
Devised effective inmate management programs, promoting Corrections principles and reducing incarceration period
Oversaw the implementation of advanced security operations, escalating Prison Security by 40%
State Department of Prisons December 2013 - June 2017
Deputy Warden
Improved daily prison operations by implementing effective correctional policies
Played a key role in disaster planning and emergency management protocols, leading to increased safety measures
Prioritized staff training in weapons handling, ensuring 100% compliance with safety procedures
Coached.com July 2011 - December 2013
Senior Correctional Officer
Managed a unit of 60 inmates, decreasing rule infractions by 30%
Assisted in maintaining systematic prison records supporting crime prevention measures
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center May 2011
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration
Focus on institutional corrections and administration of justice
Resume Worded University June 2007
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
Courses emphasized on correctional psychology, criminal behavior, and criminology
SKILLS
Techniques: Institutional Corrections, Recidivism Reduction Strategies, Anti-Smuggling Procedures, Inmate Behavior Management, Disciplinary Actions, Crisis Management
Software: Jail Management Software (JMS), Microsoft Office Suite, PrisonRoster, Inmate Classification Software
Legal & Standards: Understanding of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), Familiarity with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Knowledge on American Correctional Association (ACA) Standards
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Correctional Executive (CCE) by American Correctional Association (ACA) - December 2018
Leadership & Volunteering: Volunteer, Local Youth Offending Team, Providing mentoring for youth at risk of offending (2012 - 2015)
Awards: Letter of Commendation for Excellent Prison Management, State Department of Prisons (2016)
Professional Development: Attended ACA Winter Conference on 'The Future of Correctional Administration' (2019)
Your Name
Correctional Sergeant
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded January 2019 - Present
Correctional Sergeant
Directed the implementation of contemporary Corrections procedures, resulting in increased fight prevention by 30%
Led a team of up to 10 Correctional Officers in maintaining prison safety and security
Developed and enforced rules to maintain disciplined and orderly conduct among inmates
Facilitated productive rehabilitative processes for inmates, increasing their chances of effective reintegration by 20%
Conducted regular training in Criminal Investigations and ways of handling inmate conflict scenarios
Federal Corrections Complex April 2015 - December 2018
Senior Correctional Officer
Led efforts to settle inmate disturbances, ensuring timely resolutions and safety
Provided essential support during Criminal Investigations, contributing to an effective crime resolution rate
Implemented firearm handling procedures, resulting in a 20% reduction in firearm-related incidents
Coached.com August 2011 - March 2015
Correctional Officer
Conducted thorough inmate cell searches promoting Prison Safety
Assisted in prisoner transport, ensuring 100% adherence to protocol
Played a key role in Emergency Management, improving overall readiness by 30%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute March 2020
Crisis Intervention Certificate
Intensive training focused on deescalation techniques and conflict management within prison environments
Resume Worded University May 2011
Bachelors of Science - Criminology
Focused studies on Correctional Operations and Criminal Justice Theory
Awards: Academic Excellence Award in Criminology, Dean's List 2011 (Top 5%)
SKILLS
Law Enforcement: Inmate Management, Conflict Resolution, Emergency Response, Crisis Intervention, Contraband Control, Investigative Reporting
Safety Protocols: Fire Safety (Advanced), First Aid (Trained), CPR (Certified), Self Defense Tactics (Intermediate)
Administration: Scheduling, Staff Management, Log Maintenance, Policy Enforcement, Report Writing, Records Management
Softwares: Case Management System (Advanced), Offender Tracking Information System (Advanced), Microsoft Office Suite (Expert), Command Central Warehouse (Intermediate)
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Correctional Officer - Federal Bureau of Prisons, Certified in Bioterrorism Response (2022)
Leadership & Volunteering: Youth Mentor - Big Brothers Big Sisters, Volunteer - Local Homeless Shelter
Professional Development: Attended annual corrections leadership seminar, Undertook advanced conflict resolution training (2021)
Your Name
Detention Officer
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded September 2017 - Present
Senior Detention Officer
Implemented new detention management protocols, which resulted in a 35% decrease in inmate altercations
Introduced an effective inmate behavioral assessment program, leading to a 20% improvement in rehabilitation outcomes
Managed a team of 15 Detention Officers, achieving a 10% reduction in shift overtime hours through improved scheduling and task allocation
Conducted regular emergency response drills, boosting team preparedness and contributing to a 25% decrease in incident response times
Trained in defensive tactics and firearms handling; decreased force usage incidents by 30% through retraining initiatives
Georgia Department of Corrections June 2014 - August 2017
Detention Officer
Oversaw and managed daily operations of the facility, supporting up to 200 inmates at a time
Developed successful strategies to manage inmate behavior, resulting in a 15% decrease in frequency of disciplinary hearings
Coordinated with law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, improving inter-agency relations and facilitating smoother inmate transfers
Federal Bureau of Prisons January 2011 - May 2014
Correctional Officer
Ensured the safety and security of a high-capacity unit, reducing threats to staff and inmates by 20%
Proficiently managed emergencies and crises, contributing to a 30% reduction in lockdown days
Successfully completed a rigorous training program in corrections, public safety, and first aid
EDUCATION
Resume Worded University December 2010
Master of Criminal Justice
Emphasis on Corrections Administration
Resume Worded Academic Center April 2009
Certified Corrections Officer
Successfully completed 120 hours of coursework, including self-defense and situational awareness
SKILLS
Correctional Awareness: Behavioural Analysis, Conflict Resolution, Self-Defense Tactics, Crisis Management, First Aid/CPR Certified, Firearms Proficiency
Administration: Booking/Processing, Inmate Accountability, Incident Report Writing, Surveillance Monitoring, Safety Inspections, Inmate Searches
Professional Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Offender Management System (OMS), Email Communication (Outlook), Digital Records Management
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Jail Officer - Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council
Courses: Psychological Resilience Course - The American Correctional Association
Volunteering: Mentor - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Awards: Officer of the Year - Georgia Department of Corrections, 2016
Your Name
Corrections Officer
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com October 2018 - Present
Supervisory Corrections Officer
Directly supervised a high-quality team of 20 Corrections Officers, promoting a 15% increase in team efficiency
Established a comprehensive safety and security training program, leading to a 40% reduction in safety incidents
Instituted rigorous inmate screening protocols that resulted in a 50% decrease in contraband introduction
Enhanced public safety by coordinating with other law enforcement and governmental agencies, fortifying inter-agency collaboration
Managed an annual budget of $1.5M, achieving a 10% decrease in unnecessary expenditures without compromising security operations
Florida Department of Corrections March 2015 - September 2018
Corrections Officer
Implemented a successful behavioral intervention program, contributing to a 20% decrease in inmate infractions
Utilized strategic security operations to maintain order, resulting in a 30% decrease in violent incidents
Coordinated and responded to emergency situations, ensuring the safety of up to 250 inmates and staff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department February 2012 - February 2015
Jail Officer
Maintained law and order in a high-capacity detention center, reducing violent incidents by 15%
Conducted thorough and regular inspections and patrols to ensure inmate and public safety
Successfully completed a comprehensive training curriculum including criminal justice, surveillance, and Homeland Security practices
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute Sept 2018
Advanced Corrections Certification
Specialized training in cell-block management and inmate dispute resolution
Resume Worded University June 2011
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Focus on law enforcement administration, corrections, and criminal law
Completed internships at local law enforcement agencies
SKILLS
Corrections: Cell-Block Management, Inmate Supervision, Gang Activity Control, Crisis Management, Self-Defense Training, Inmate Rehabilitation
Emergency Response: First Aid (Advanced), Disaster Response Planning, Firefighting (Basic), CPR Certified, Suicide Prevention, Chemical Dispersal (CS Gas)
Management & Administration: Personnel Scheduling, Budget Management, Policy Implementation, Staff Recruitment & Training, Operational Procedures, Facility Maintenance
Legal: Criminal Law, Law Enforcement, Legal Standards, Confidentiality Protocols, Code of Conduct, Inmate Rights & Regulations
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Corrections Officer (CCO), CPR Certified
Continuing Education: Annual participation in correctional officer conferences for continuing education
Leadership & Volunteering: Peer Mentor for New Correctional Officers, Volunteer at Local youth rehabilitation programs
Honors & Awards: Corrections Officer of the Year (2017, 2020), Leadership Excellence Award (2016)
Your Name
Correctional Officer
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded November 2016 - Present
Senior Correctional Officer
Led a team of 25 Correctional Officers, increasing team morale and reducing sick leave by 20%
Introduced improved security management protocols that reduced incidents of property damage by 30%
Built strong relationships with local law enforcement and government bodies, resulting in more efficient information sharing and collaboration
Streamlined internal reporting processes, reducing administrative time by 15%
Combined physical security measures and detention procedures to safely manage a unit of high-risk inmates
Texas Department of Criminal Justice July 2013 - October 2016
Correctional Officer
Delivered high levels of inmate supervision, resulting in a 20% decrease in violent incidents
Mitigated risk by performing comprehensive criminal investigations, reducing the number of unaddressed incidents by 40%
Effectively managed crises and emergencies, reducing injury rates by 30%
New York City Police Department January 2010 - June 2013
Jail Deputy
Utilized efficient patrol techniques to maintain safety and security, contributing to a 10% decrease in incidents
Carried out daily operations with utmost duty of care, upholding high standards of public safety and first aid
Successfully completed intensive training in emergency management and defensive tactics
Undertook meticulous surveillance duties, ensuring maximum facility security
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center December 2015
Advanced Certification in Correctional Administration
Specialized in conflict management, emergency protocols and prisoner rehabilitation
Resume Worded University June 2009
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
Specialization in Criminology
Achievements: Awarded Dean's List for 3 consecutive years
SKILLS
: Conflict Resolution, De-escalation Techniques, Non-Verbal Communication, Hostage Negotiation, Emergency Response, Self-Defense
Administration: Correctional Facility Operations, Staff Supervision & Training, Legal Compliance, Inmate Transportation, Conducting Safety Inspections & Administration of Justice
Technologies: Familiarity with JMS (Jail Management Systems), Surveillance Systems, Metal Detectors, Public Safety Software
OTHER
Awards & Recognitions: Officer of the Year (2019, 2020), Excellence in Leadership Award (2018)
Leadership & Volunteering: Chaired the Rehabilitation Outreach program at New York City Police Department, Volunteered at a community drive for improved police-prisoner relationships
Certifications: First Aid Certification, Certified Correctional Trainer, Certified Firearms Instructor

How do I add skills to a Correctional Officer resume?

1
Review the job posting closely.

Go through the Correctional Officer posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Law Enforcement, Emergency Management and Public Safety are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

2
Add industry skills like Firearms Handling and Corrections.

Add other common skills from your industry - such as Security, Criminal Justice and Physical Security - into your resume if they're relevant.

3
Add skills into your work experience.

Incorporate skills - like Weapons Handling, Crime Prevention and Investigation - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

4
Emphasize accomplishments that involved a team.

Teamwork is a common competency hiring managers look for, particularly for Correctional Officer roles, so include at least 1-2 examples of accomplishments that involved leading a team, or collaborating with others to complete a project.

5
Emphasize your administrative skills.

Recruiters look for administrative skills on your Correctional Officer, so highlight your experience with key administrative functions, like organizing workshops or communicating with customers and employees.

6
Use the exact job title.

Try to add the exact job title, Correctional Officer, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Word Cloud for Correctional Officer Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Correctional Officer job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

Top Correctional Officer Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

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Correctional Officer Resume Templates

Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

Resume Example
Professional


Resume Example
Highlights (Free)


Resume Example
Modern Two-Column


Resume Example
Clean Modern


Resume Example
Entry-Level (Free)


Resume Example
Concise


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top skills you should add to your Correctional Officer resume?

The most common skills and keywords we found on Correctional Officer resumes and job postings were Law Enforcement, Corrections, Firearms Handling, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Emergency Management, Physical Security and Security.

Skills like Investigation, Homeland Security, Weapons Handling, Crime Prevention and Criminal Investigations also appeared on related job postings.

Target your Resume to a Job Description

While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume.

It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters.

Start targeting your resume

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