Even before being sentenced, defendants who are not able to post bail or bond are held at detention facilities temporarily. Corrections officers (COs) are assigned to detention facilities as the defendants await sentencing.

COs also supervise individuals in the area of courthouses where defendants are brought into court for their trials, interviews with probation officers or other appointments.

COs keep track of inmates, inspect cells and beds, supervise recreational activities, deliver or supervise meals, supervise visits by friends and family and inform new inmates of acceptable behavior and the daily schedule of events. COs can also be responsible for transporting inmates to and from court or other facilities.

Want to be a CO?

Corrections officers are required to have at least a high school diploma.

For correctional officers, the average salary was $31,170, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Check out a virtual tour of a prison.