Correctional Officer Private

Position Overview

Full‑time Correctional Officer Private, Grade D‑21, entering the 2027 fiscal year training academy. This entry‑level role offers a September 2026 start date and a $10,000 sign‑on bonus.

As an essential worker, Correctional Officers provide quality inmate care in a secure environment while positively impacting their community. They maintain security, safety, and control at the County facility, effectively communicate verbally and in writing, apply interpersonal skills, exercise good judgment in controlling inmates, and act calmly and decisively in stressful and emergency situations.

• Provide care, custody, and control of inmates in a direct supervision environment.
• Conduct regular head counts of inmates on assigned posts.
• Monitor inmate behavior and report unusual activity to ensure safety and security.
• Assist other Correctional Officers in the management of inmates.
• Conduct regular searches of inmate areas such as cells, recreation rooms, and showers for contraband.
• Manage confrontational situations as they arise to maintain security.
• Perform CPR and/or first aid when necessary.
• Investigate and respond to emergencies within the Department of Corrections.
• Prepare routine reports and records electronically.
• Maintain the inventory of various security equipment.
• Provide counsel and assistance to inmates.
• Ensure inmates are afforded fair and equitable treatment.

Candidates must meet all of the following qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien status.
• High School graduate or possess a GED certificate recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license issued in the United States and at least 6 months of post‑license driving experience.
• Be willing to be an essential employee.

Upper Marlboro, MD

• Be willing to work in a correctional facility.
• Be available for shift work, including weekends and holidays, as required.
• Be willing and able to wear issued uniforms and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of duties.
• Pass the Department of Corrections Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy.
• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Successfully pass pre‑employment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, drug screenings, COPAT, medical exam, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee during emergencies; may be assigned to any of the three shifts to ensure 24‑hour coverage.

• Submit an online application.
• Complete the preliminary questionnaire and criminal history check.
• Pass the Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT).
• Pass the oral board interview.

• Provide a valid photo , signed social security card, and high school diploma or GED (a bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a high school diploma).
• Complete the Personal History Statement (PHS).
• Complete fingerprinting.
• Complete background investigation & PHS orientation.
• Complete and successfully pass medical examination and drug screening test.
• Complete polygraph examination.
• Complete psychological screening.

• Accept the offer of employment.
• Complete onboarding and new employee orientation.
• May be offered a temporary support position as a Green Officer until the start of the Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy.
• Complete and graduate from the Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy.

• Previous disqualification for this or other public safety positions.
• Deception or falsification of information on application or other documents.
• Poor work history.
• Poor driving record including suspended license or DWI/DUI.
• History or pattern of crimes, both reported and not reported; felony/misdemeanor convictions; illegal drug usage, possession, distribution, sale, or purchase.
• Failure to meet physical and mental standards.

Notifications for this position will be made via email. Applicants must monitor the email account provided and update their online profile with any changes to personal information.

Applicants must ensure your email account allows emails from all addresses ending in ‘.md.us’.

• $3,000 paid the first month of hire.
• $3,000 paid upon graduation from the DOC CELT Academy.
• $4,000 paid after 18 months of employment.

For more information on working for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections, please visit PGDOC – Recruit – Prince George's County Department Of Corrections.