As the number of prisons and inmates has grown so has the complexity of the correctional officer's job. Today's correctional officers must conform to the latest court rulings and know standardized rules for holding different duty stations and different groups of inmates. State prisons vary in size and type of security.
Security levels range from maximum to close to medium and minimum.
Inmates are assigned to prisons, programs and jobs based upon a comprehensive set of classification rules and policies. Career Progression Attitude and performance lay the foundation for career progression. Education and training courses help prepare correctional officers for promotion. The correctional officer's daily task is the supervision of inmates. Officers must complete an extensive four week program of exercise, firearms, unarmed self-defense and medical training, as well as instruction in understanding inmate behavior.