What is a corrections deputy and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Durmus Alper CAMLIBEL Ph.D.

It is the responsibility of the corrections deputy to detain prisoners or people awaiting trial. These agents supervise people in tribunals, in prison, or transit between prisons and other places. A corrections deputy has to be on duty 24/7 since prisoners occupy the prisons year-round. Representatives should expect to work a few weekends and holidays to ensure adequate resources are available to supervise prisoners.

Representatives are needed every hour, so shifts can go on all day and night if necessary. Correctional installations can cause deputies to switch between schedules or call for their hours to remain the same. For example, a deputy may work from midnight to 8 a.m. or switch between shift times all week long.

Correctional deputies face one of the most serious non-fatal accidents on the job caused by confrontations between prisoners. Deputies must also contend with adverse behavior and circumstances that are often unsafe. They must also inspect contraband articles and dangerous conditions in the cells and prisoners. It is part of their work to inspect incoming and outgoing mails and scans as well.

What general advice would you give to a Corrections Deputy?

D

Dr. Durmus Alper CAMLIBEL Ph.D.Dr. Durmus Alper CAMLIBEL Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

They need to avoid being overzealous officers. They should not put their career at the center of their life. They need to spend quality time with their family. In law enforcement, good relations with the public and colleagues are essential. They need to develop good relationships with the people and their colleagues and expand their professional network. They always try to be a "problem solver officer" rather than a "problem creator officer." If someone asks for help from them, they should treat this person with dignity and respect. They should avoid being arrogant in their interaction with the public. Because arrogance is the worst plague, and Humility is the greatest virtue.
ScoreCorrections DeputyUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $45,103

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
10.0

Growth Rate -10%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 2.12%

Black or African American 16.46%

Hispanic or Latino 16.37%

Unknown 5.45%

White 58.55%

Gender

female 30.40%

male 69.60%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress Level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.7

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Corrections Deputy career paths

Key steps to become a corrections deputy

  1. Explore corrections deputy education requirements

    Most common corrections deputy degrees

    Bachelor's

    33.5 %

    Associate

    32.7 %

    High School Diploma

    18.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific corrections deputy skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Booking12.46%
    Emergency Situations10.30%
    Direct Supervision7.51%
    CPR7.16%
    Patrol6.14%
  3. Complete relevant corrections deputy training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New corrections deputies learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a corrections deputy based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real corrections deputy resumes.
  4. Research corrections deputy duties and responsibilities

    • Manage behavior modification and offender restoration rehabilitation.
    • Manage behavior modification and offender restoration rehabilitation.
    • Manage behavior modification and offender restoration rehabilitation.
  5. Prepare your corrections deputy resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your corrections deputy resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a corrections deputy resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Corrections Deputy Resume templates

    Build a professional Corrections Deputy resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Corrections Deputy resume.
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    Corrections Deputy Resume
    Corrections Deputy Resume
  6. Apply for corrections deputy jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a corrections deputy job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Corrections Deputy Job

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Average corrections deputy salary

The average Corrections Deputy salary in the United States is $45,103 per year or $22 per hour. Corrections deputy salaries range between $32,000 and $62,000 per year.

Average Corrections Deputy Salary
$45,103 Yearly
$21.68 hourly

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How do corrections deputies rate their job?

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Corrections Deputy reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

Accountability

Cons

Cert don't have to help work post when facilities are short..


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Cons

The pay is not worth what you have to do sometimes


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

I enjoy working with different officers from many places around the country. Working a 12 hour shift 4 days a week with 2 days off, makes the people you work with all like family. Enjoy seeing I/M's getting released.

Cons

Dirty officers, mistreatment of I/M's, lack of help from higher up management, being required to work days off because we can't keep staff.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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