Start a Career. Make a Difference.
There are many reasons to start a career in corrections. Correction Officers serve the public and are a vital part of the criminal justice system. A career in corrections can offer many benefits but also provide those who commit themselves a real, meaningful opportunity to change people's lives.
Why work at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office?
We are committed to keeping our facilities safe and Correction Officers are the key. As an agency, we strive to make our employees feel valued and providing them with great career opportunities. There are a lot of fantastic benefits available to Correction Officers, including competitive pay, opportunity for advancement, and job stability that comes with working in law enforcement.
Correction Officers can start a career and retire in 20 years with a pension – regardless of their age!
| Benefits of Working as a Correction Officer: |
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- $59,979 - $76,575 ($28.83 - $36.80 per hour)
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- $8 per day to attend roll call at the start of the shift
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- Eye and Dental Insurance through union membership
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- $1200 Annual Clothing Allowance
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- Optional Disability Insurance
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- Paid Family Medical Leave
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- Earn up to 15 sick days per year
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- Paid Vacations (2 weeks to start with the ability to earn up to 5 weeks each year!)
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- Paid Holidays and Personal Days
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- Paid 10 week training academy – (recruits earn their starting pay throughout the academy)
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- Accelerated pay for prior military, police, corrections, fire/EMS experience and for college degrees in relevant fields of study
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- Tuition Remission (after 6 months of service)
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Staff Wellness:
Working in Corrections can be very challenging. At the Sheriff’s Office we stand by our officers and have created a Stress Unit consisting of specially trained officers and staff who are available 24 hours a day for any staff member who needs help or assistance.
Honoring our Veterans:
We are committed to ensuring our veterans always have a voice and that their service to our country is not forgotten. We are proud of each of our employees who served in the military and their continued commitment to their community through their service at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. We have a Veterans Committee that was created and operated by current employees, all of whom are former service members. They are available to help any of these employees by advocating for them, helping provide resources, or just being there when needed. We value those who have served their country and offer accelerated pay for new correctional officers who have prior or current military service.
A Career for the Future:
Starting a career as a Correction Officer can lead to many different career paths. As an Agency with over 500 employees, there are lots of opportunities for promotions and other career ladders. Here are just some of the opportunities available when you start your career as a Corrections Officer:
K9
Investigations
Training Division
Tactical Team (Sheriff’s Response Team – SRT)
Hostage Negotiations
Transportation
Promotions to many different ranks: Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Colonel
What do Corrections Officers do?
Correction Officers keep the jail safe for staff, visitors, and inmates. They preserve order, enforce facility rules along with all local, state and federal laws. Day to day duties vary depending on the assignment an officer is given, but generally monitor inmate activities, assist with investigations, conduct searches, respond to emergency situations, and document incidents. They provide other services such as transporting inmates to and from court as well as monitor inmates assigned to work details. Officers are assigned to one of three eight hour shifts: 7am to 3pm, 3pm to 11pm, or 11pm to 7am.
What skills should a good officer possess?
There is no one blueprint for what makes a good officer but here are some skills that can be very useful for anyone navigating a career in corrections:
Good Communication
Multitasking abilities
Ability to adapt to changing situations
Ability to stay calm and focused
Observation skills
De-escalation skills
Physical Fitness
Report writing
Teamwork
Job Requirements:
At least 19 years of age
High School Diploma / GED
Valid Driver’s License
Birth Certificate/proof of citizenship
What is the hiring process?
Starting a career in corrections at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office has never been easier. We have waived any written exam, PT test, or application fees. In fact, we are offering YOU a $5,000 hiring bonus! Here are the steps in the hiring process:
1. Complete an online application: BCSO Online Application. Applications can also be found at our main facility and submitted to our human resources division.
2. Interview: Applicants must pass a panel interview consisting of senior staff members.
3. Background Check: A background check will be conducted by our Internal Affairs Division.
4. Pre-employment Medical Screening: All applicants must pass a medical screening to ensure they are physically able to conduct their job duties.
5. Drug Test: All applicants must submit to a urinalysis drug screening.
6. Job Offer! Once all these steps are completed, you will be given a formal job offer and scheduled for our next training academy.
What is the Training Academy like?
All new officers must complete a 9 week training academy. Each academy is held at our main facility in Dartmouth, Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm. This is not an overnight academy and recruits go home at the end of each day. Recruits are expected to participate in classroom presentations, team building exercises, and physical activities in order to prepare them for the job. They are expected to participate in PT exercises as well. Some of the topics covered in the academy are:
Defensive Tactics
Use of Restraints
Use of O.C.
De-escalation
Use of Force
Prison / street gangs
First Responder training
CPR / AED
Emergency Plans
To learn more, click here to view a full academy video!
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