Television shows do not always shine the most positive light on corrections officers, but truly, their job is more complex and necessary than most people realize.

The minimum qualifications to become a corrections officer include having a high school diploma, completing 40 hours of Jail School for certification and continuing education annually to maintain the certification, and pass/ continue to be subject to random drug screenings. 

To be a successful corrections officer an individual must have strong communication skills and the ability to make difficult decisions on a whim that provide a safe solution to a given situation involving inmates.  

The duties of a corrections officer include but are not limited to: 

• Book and process inmates in and out of jail.
• Fingerprint and photograph inmates.
• Record all requests and activities of inmates including medical problems, medication, etc.
• Transports and secures inmates to and from court, hospitals and doctor and other law enforcement agencies.
• Monitor jail activities including visitation, chaplain visits, meetings and other programs.
• Maintain accounting for prisoner money and possessions.
• Check prisoners on a half-hour basis.
• Conduct routine shakedowns, pat searches and strip searches of inmates.
• Issue clean uniforms and bedding to inmates.
• Serve meals to prisoners.
• Dispense commissary items as ordered by inmates.
• Meet the public at the detention center and supervise visiting hours and AA meetings.
• Monitor medical status of prisoners.
• Transport inmates to medical appointments, court, extraditions or other assigned movement.
• Dispense medications and notify physician of medical needs.
• Maintain the jail in a good clean order.
• Make minor plumbing repairs, replace light bulbs and make adjustments to equipment.

We are so appreciative of all of the little things that our corrections officers do.  They add up to one really big thing- a jail that is safe, well maintained, and runs smooth.  Your hard work does not go unnoticed.  Thank you, Coffey County Corrections Officers!