Why Should You Become A Correctional Officer?
If you’re seeking a career where you can make a difference in the lives of others while upholding the principles of justice and reform, then becoming a correctional officer is the perfect opportunity for you. As a correctional officer at an Illinois sheriff’s office, you’ll work inside the county jail in roles that range from booking and the medical unit to court security and floor supervision. Real Illinois correctional officers describe being the positive role model that shows people they are still seen as human, using language skills like Spanish to reach people who need help most, and building family-like working environments where staff genuinely support each other. Many sheriffs’ offices use corrections as a starting point for sworn deputy careers, so the role is both meaningful in itself and a proven pathway forward. If you want to be the light inside a sometimes difficult system — and to take initiative when others won’t — corrections is where you belong.
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Correctional Officers Have An Important Responsibility In The Communities They Serve.
They play a crucial role in upholding order and enforcing the well-being of staff and inmates. They remain composed under pressure and foster a rehabilitative environment through dedication and integrity. They are at the forefront of maintaining safety and security.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Below are a few of the general requirements to become a Correctional Officer. Please note that hiring policies and job descriptions may differ between offices. Illinois County Sheriff’s Offices are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association does not have authority or involvement over any hiring decisions.
For a deeper look at what the day-to-day really involves, read our guide: Correctional Officer Day-to-Day in Illinois →
Common Questions
Quick answers about becoming a correctional officer at an Illinois sheriff’s office.
View video transcript
0:00 — Being the Light
It’s worth serving the community. It is worth being the light. It’s worth being that positive role model to show them that we’re the good guys.
0:11 — Roles Inside the Jail
My aspiration in life really is to help out in any way that I can. That’s why I chose this line of work. I am the court officer. I’m actually specialized in the medical department. I work in booking. Making sure the inmates are always safe. We take care of all their needs. Our corrections unit, it’s a great career. We’re looking for great people to be part of that. It’s definitely the place you wanna start because it’ll teach you how to talk to people, how to deal with people.
0:41 — Treating People With Respect
You have a lot of time to talk to these inmates, get an insight of how these people struggle on a day-to-day basis. I like to treat everyone with respect. They’re human beings at the end of the day. We have different programs just within the jail, classes that kind of just benefit them to get back out there and turn things around. We’re correctional officers for a reason. There’s a duty to at least try to better these inmates. Stepping up is taking initiative. I speak Spanish. I can help people who do not speak English when they need help the most. There was a letter stating, “I was very appreciative of what you’ve done for me. I was struggling, and you treated me like a human.”
1:20 — A Family Environment
The jail, here at least, is very much family-like. You have people there that’s gonna help you succeed. You kind of create a family. Especially us ladies, we definitely can make a difference. A lot of females think, “Oh, I can’t do this.” I’m one of the smallest people in the jail. I have no problem. People take me serious when I talk. It’s not a detention center. It’s a correctional facility. It’s a rewarding career, just like the military.
1:55 — Today’s Challenges, Today’s Officers
I know in the past few years, things have just been a little ugly. There’s a lot of backlash on officers now. I’m here as one, as a representative, to let you know that I am not discouraged. I am encouraged. Somebody gotta be the first step in changing that backlash and making it more positive. Going into corrections is definitely something I would recommend. I’m proud to be there, proud to be working, proud to be serving.
2:14 — Join the Team
You never know. This might be the one thing you wanna do for the rest of your life. This might help you go to the next step of what you wanna do in your life. I hope you join the team and step up and serve. You never know until you try, right?
