correctional officer

social worker

licensed clinical social worker

registered nurse

clinical psychologist

Federal Bureau of Prisons

To try and sum up all of the pros and cons into one paragraph would do an injustice to both the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and to persons interested in a career with the BOP. Let me start with how much the system has changed (and not for the better). I began my career in the 1990's (yeah, I'm that old), when the BOP was more structured to operate as a para-military organization. There was an incredible sense of cohesiveness with co-workers; you always knew who had your back. There was a respect for  officers who had been working longer simply because they knew the system better. Through trial and error, they were tested "soldiers", and that in itself demanded respect. There was no such thing as going over a senior officer's head; if they outranked you, nothing else needed to be said. You were trained by having a senior officer assigned to your post until the administration could be sure that you were capable of dealing with the inmate population on your own. Staff were humble, willing to learn and to be taught; Not so in today's Bureau. Rank structure means nothing. Going over someone's head happens anytime one disagrees with what they are told. College educated hires think they are above all those who do not possess a college education. That whole thing about "education in lieu of experience" only applies to a job application, not when dealing with criminals behind a prison wall. I would rather work with  high school drop out with correctional experience that a college educated individual who has a Masters in Basket Weaving. Most persons (not all) of the younger generations think they got something over on everyone else. They think they are smarter, so they don't need to learn anything. Very disrespectful, self-centered, and cannot be trusted to respond properly when emergencies present themselves. Mind you, this is not all, but too many to not have a negative impact on the working environment. I know that all I have written is negative, but let me draw on some of the upside.
The benefits are unmatched: or non-prior military yo have  days of paid sick leave per year which rolls over for your entire career. Annual Leave (paid vacation time) begins at 13 days and goes up to as many as 5 weeks per year. Lots of overtime, comp time, paid holidays and plenty of opportunity for advancement, especially if you are willing to move around the country. Starting pay should not be overlooked. Retirement package, if planned properly, one can retire with hundreds of thousands plus other benefits. One considering a career in corrections needs to be aware of many things. Firstly, the environment is spiritually and psychologically depressing. Secondly, you are dealing with the criminal elements that are bent on sharpening their criminal behavior (I did not mean becoming productive members of society), so if they can manipulate a staff member into introducing drugs or other contraband into the prisons, they will; Thirdly, you learn a lot about people, both staff and inmates, and it's not all good.

Duties as a Tool Room Officer I have the delegated authority to issue, receive, control, inventory, and secure tools. I am also in charge of implementing procedures for proper tool control according to the Correction Service Manual and under the direction of the Captain. I am also responsible for maintaining yearly and quarterly audits of all tools throughout the institution to include new tools that enter the institution. I have the general duty to monitor and enforce directives concerning tool control procedures by observing inmate activities, supervising tool use and inspecting work passes for accurate accountability of tools. I am also responsible for engraving all tools in each work location with an identification symbol which identifies the storage area of the tool when not in use. My duties also consist of maintaining all reports to include, Lost or Missing Tool Reports; Found Tool Reports; Requests for inventory additions or deletions; Purchase requests and receiving reports; Survey requests and reports; and other documents directly related to tool control procedures. As a correctional officer my  duties consisted of communicating both oral and writing to assure my post is running smoothly. Train officers of lower grade levels by leading, guiding and advising them on procedures for job accomplishment, instruct inmates on institution rules and regulations, counsel inmates and resolve disputes, communicate with both public and staff. I received the Foreign Language Skills Award for my ability and willingness to speak Spanish in order to communicate with the inmate population. Other duties consist of utilizing computer software, using Microsoft for logging count sheet, printing reports, post orders, record all necessary information legibly when making log entries and ensure they maintained. Edit all forms to include, Notification to Visitor, Incident Report forms, Work Request, Confidential, Reports, Security Reports and Memorandums. Utilize inventory and accuracy of Tool Room, inventor tools and equipment noting any discrepancies, also complete function checks and inventories of all weapons and ammunition. Responsible for thorough stand-up count of inmate accountability to prevent any inmate escape, conduct inmate checks to include urinalysis, breathalyzers, shake down of inmates living quarters for sanitation purposes and possession of contraband.

I have now been in the BOP for nearly a score of years and like any organization my experience has varied from admirable to abysmal.  Nursing within the correctional milieu requires a plethora of traditional and non-traditional skills.  It was amazing to me that my day may include administering medications for our Medication Assisted Therapy program, run a clinic for medical specialists, respond to a trauma, and finish the day responding to a medical emergency as you are one of the few medical staff within the complex.  
The other thing that I love about the system is that your progression is up to you.  It is possible to progress from to the Warden of a Prison or even an Executive Central Office (DC folks) position.  You can spend your time as a nurse, or find a new position and move around the nation to any of the 122 institutions around the nation.  When you move, you keep your seniority.  Personal and Sick leave are good.  Retirement is one of the best there is out there.  I know there were times that with overtime we had nurses easily making more than $100,000 a year.  There are always opportunity to work extra hours and overtime pay is wicked.  
You get all the Fed holidays as a paid day off, or if you work it is like overtime.  There are shift differentials as well. 
The cons, well, you work for the government and you are forced to deal with a lot of rules and regulations.  
Working within the confines of the correctional environment is not for everyone.  It is a specialty area that requires mature staff that can deal with extremely complex situation.  Correctional nurses are not only skilled at core nursing function, but also a master of communication, emotional intelligence, and common-sense problem solving.  The mission of the Federal BOP revolves around preparing inmates for the time when they are released.  We want to empower all inmates that leave to be more productive better member of the community as more than 97% of inmates will be released.  It is an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of public health and have an opportunity to work with one of the most vulnerable populations in the nation.     


Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in a jail, reformatory, or prison. Working in a correctional institution can be stressful and hazardous. Every year, correctional officers are injured in confrontations with inmates. Correctional officers have one of the highest rates of nonfatal on-the-job injuries.  Correctional Officers must maintain order and daily operations of the facility. A correction officer has a responsibility to control dangerous inmates that society themselves do not wish to accommodate. An officer must always prevent disturbances, assaults, and escapes by supervising activities and work assignments of inmates. Officers have a responsibility to protect the public from incarcerated criminals, protect fellow officers from inmates and protect inmates from other inmates at all times. An officer must be alert and aware of any and all movement taking place inside the facility. Prevention is one of the key component to an officers duties. Officers can utilize prevention by routinely searching inmates and their living quarters for potential threats such as weapons or drugs. An officer must make their presence known at all time and remain assertive and refusing to back down. An officer must be a disciplinarian and enforce the rules and punish when rules are violated. Corrections Officers also must take full concern for the health and safety of the facility. Officers check for unsanitary conditions, fire hazards, and/or any evidence of tampering or damage to locks, bars, grilles, doors, and gates. Officers must screen all incoming and outgoing mail as well as all visitors as a prevention method for future issues that could cause risk to safety and security of the facilities, inmates and staff.

I worked for the Bureau of prisons from correctional officer to Lieutenant and I got no complaints about the service. As an Correctional Supervisor,  I have verified regular institution counts and orders special counts when circumstances warrant. I have coordinates with other departments the orderly operation of work details, meals, educational pursuits, religious activities, recreation, visits, and commissary. I frequently recommend to unit teams changes in individual inmate treatment programs, housing or work assignments. I have investigated and taken decisive action on incident reports, evaluating the circumstances of the report, interviewed inmates concerned and recommending the extent and type of disciplinary action to be taken. I have directed subordinates in security inspections of grills, bars, gates, doors, locks, fences, communication devices and duress codes. I make daily checks of detention facilities and takes action to correct any hazardous or unsafe condition. I schedule and direct regular inspections for contraband. As a Lieutenant I enforce security regulations and procedures pertaining to control, use and/or disposition of hazardous tools, knives, keys, firearms and contraband. I remain alert for signs of friction or tension among the inmate population, taking action to prevent fights, riots or disturbances. I investigate reported violations of prohibited acts, (i.e. assaults, escapes, introduction of contraband, disturbances or other illicit activities), taking appropriate actions as dictated by the seriousness of the violation. I conduct in-depth investigations of incidents which involve criminal activity within the institution, establishing rapport with other federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies. I am responsible for security of the unit and the safe, secure housing of all inmates within the unit.

Managed and oversee inmate population
Enforced rules and regulations
Provided guidance and information
Scheduled activities
Provided clarity on expectations
Conducted interviews and executed efficacious measures to identify suspect behavior
Conducted surveillance and threat assessment by gathering intelligence from subjects and witnesses
Collected, handled, preserved and presented evidence
Provided subpoena information to courts, law enforcement agencies and US Attorney's Office
Utilized agency's policies to interpret and analyze data while serving as liaison for Bureau of Prisons to other agencies on matters of security
Coordinator Airlift/Bus Operations: Supervise/Transport Federal Prisoners to Airlifts, Designated Bureau of Prisons Institutions, Jails and Contracted Facilities including DOJ Witness Security, Domestic and International Terrorist Inmates 
Special Investigative Lieutenant : 15 years of specialized investigative/case management experience and diversified training. Protects the public from violent crimes, managing convicted offenders in a secure environment                                                               
Shift Operations: Supervisor, trainer, administrator, lead investigator, inspector and liaison for USP Atlanta. Supervise and direct departmental staff, enforce policy and safety procedures relative to security
Activities Lieutenant: Evaluate performance and make recommendations for promotions and discipline. Prepare written/oral reports and power-point presentations for executive staff.  Execute prompt decisive actions during emergency situations to quail violence and determine proactive solutions for conflict resolution

Dedicated and technically skilled business professional with a versatile administrative/investigative skill set developed through experience as an executive staff member, Special Investigative Agent and Unit Manager for the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons. Chairman of Long Range Planning Committees and charged with the responsibility for monitoring the ACA Accreditation process.
Designated law enforcement liaison officer, as such, referred criminal cases to the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, or similar law enforcement agencies holding investigative jurisdiction for the violations involved. Assisted in presenting cases to the United States Attorney for prosecution and continued to assist in the preparation of the case up to and including possible testimony before the grand jury, testimony during criminal trial, and direct assistance to the Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) throughout the trial process.
Served as the designated intelligence officer for the facility, and as such, collected, analyzed, and disseminated strategic intelligence and analyzed operational intelligence. Conducted and managed complex criminal investigations involving homicide, assault, drug trafficking, escape, fraud, weapons violations, threats against government officials, and similar violations.
I am nationally recognized for my vast experience in startup operations of federal prisons, training, and project management. In addition I had oversight of operations of high profile prisoners to include celebrities, international terrorists, and spies.

i liked being there, as the benefits and pay were above average. work life balance was excellent, with a solid 40 hr work week. Overtime was available if you wanted and rarely did anyone have to work mandatory overtime.  Management really gave the vibe they did not give a crud about you personally. The "suck up, move up" culture is alive and well.  If someone in management likes you, you will get promoted quickly and easily. If not, its likely you will stagnate in your position. If your a new, correctional officer, you will not get much training  before being alone/locked in and put in charge of 130+ inmates, which can be incredibly daunting for anyone without a strong personality and seriously strong leadership qualities. The 3 week school you go to will be after you already started working for the BOP, so if you used to flip burgers for a living, this will be a big change!  Maybe three days of working with someone, then your on your own- and maybe one of those three days is in the housing units where you will actually work on a reg basis.  You will work every holiday and weekend, until you get senority.   If you hire on in another department, thinking you won't do corrections work- you are wrong!. If custody is short due to training, sick call outs or whatever, you will get drafted to be inside that housing unit for the day- too many times did i see someone from accounting just put into a housing unit to fill a correctional officer post, who really had no clue what to do,...

A typical day at work included ensuring the electric service, water service, sewage service and natural gas service stayed on line and functional.  I operated and maintained 3 250 hp Scotch Marine Fire Tube Boilers,  I also operated a 500hp Hurst Biomass Boiler.  I worked with my supervisor to ensure all the utilities were operational to three federal prison buildings on our site. 

 I learned numerous skills electrical troubleshooting high pressure boiler controls,  troubleshooting 500 ton Trane centrifugal chillers for air conditioning in the main facility.  How to operate maintain and repair two Cummins 750kw emergency generators and to manually switch the transfer switch from Georgia Power to the generators during electrical power failures. I operated, maintained, and repaired three sewage lift stations to provide continual sewage flow to the three facilities on site.

I worked in the Powerhouse with four other supervisors who for the most part got along and cooperated to keep the facility operating at peak efficiency.  We operated the powerhouse 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year.

The hardest part of the job was continually striving to keep unwilling inmate workers motivated to complete tasks.

The most enjoyable part of the job was impromptu cookouts and fish fries that my boss would organize during lunch some days.  It was a real morale booster for all the staff in the Facilities Department.

if you've been in the military, and are used to moving around, discipline, and chain of command, you'll be fine. Note this is a 24/7 operation and there are shifts, so you have to understand you may not have weekends or holidays off.  

You also have to pass training academy to secure your job,  After that, you'll be a career conditional employee for three years.  Most staff come in as correctional officers and move on to other jobs offered in-house, so there is room for growth,  You also have the option to put in for jobs across the country and transfer, although not all moves are paid.

There are excellent.benefits, from health insurance, pension and Thrift Savings Plan (like a 401k).  Don't forget you have to work with and around inmates, so you need to be firm, fair and consistent, and not be intimidated by them.  

Like any place, you make friends and enemies. But it all balances out.  Managers are like anyone else, they're human, some are great and others not that great.  Overall, you are well protected as an employee.  There is a union, but they are more into drama and politics than helping employees.  My advice, set your goals and work smart if you want to move up.

I worked 25 years and moved way  up the ranks. It can be done, but you have to have your principles and goals set, plus a very thick skin.  This is no place for the faint-hearted nor a place to sing "kumbaya."

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Correctional officer 122 salaries reported	$62,932 per year
Social worker 20 salaries reported	$79,102 per year
Licensed clinical social worker 2 salaries reported	$91,267 per year
Registered nurse 52 salaries reported	$64,629 per year
Clinical psychologist 26 salaries reported	$104,212 per year

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