They also assigned inmates to specific tasks and tell them what to do. Officers inspect the prison or jail to determine that it is clean and safe. Sometimes officers search the building for weapons or drugs. They may settle fights between inmates. Preventing inmates from escaping is another duty.
Some officers watch from towers or guard the entrances.
Inside the building, corrections officers escort inmates from place to place. They also escort inmates to buildings outside the prison or jail. Corrections officers who work in prisons have specialized duties. Officers who work in jails usually have several duties. Corrections officers write reports about the inmates' behavior and work.