Correctional Officer

Correctional Officer

Selected incumbent’s annual base starting salary is $53,807.00. After successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course the salary will increase to $57,844.80. A 5% shift differential is paid for work between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. on four or more hours.

This entry‑level position is responsible for discipline and security of an assigned post inside and/or outside a secure facility. Responsibilities include acquiring knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, techniques and equipment through orientation and on‑the‑job training. Positions report to a technical supervisor.

Upon satisfactory completion of departmental promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible for promotion to the next level.

• Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
• Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
• Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and other structures for prohibited items.
• Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
• Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
• Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior that may threaten security or safety.
• Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
• Maintains custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and for court appearances or appointments.
• Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system.
• May be required to train and care for K‑9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
• May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities and may participate in pursuit of escapees.

• At least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

All candidates must complete all phases of an eleven‑week Correctional Officer Basic Course at the Steven R. Floyd Sr. Training Academy. The course includes physical, classroom, and hands‑on training in inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing, and emergency medical training. The CEIT program is approved for veterans. Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 after 25 years of pension creditable State service with at least 20 years as a CO series classified position.

Conditional offers require successful completion of a criminal background check, physical ability test to demonstrate fitness for duty, an approved psychological examination, pre‑employment drug test and medical examination. Applicants must pay for the medical examination as part of the conditional offer of hire.

The Department of Correction offers a comprehensive benefit package. For details, visit the Delaware Department of Human Resources website.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.