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Corrections Officers

Outlook

Employment in this field is expected to decline by 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Budgetary limitations will lead to the decrease in demand for corrections officers. Many states are also leaning toward shorter prison sentences for those convicted of lesser or nonviolent crimes. Despite this prediction, the DOL says that job opportunities should be good because this field has a characteristically high turnover rate. There will also be a need to fill vacancies caused by the retirement of older workers. Traditionally, correction agencies have difficulty attracting qualified employees due to job location, work conditions, and salary considerations.

Because security must be maintained at correctional facilities at all times, corrections officers can depend on steady employment. Corrections officers are rarely laid off, even when budgets need to be trimmed. Instead, because of high turnovers, staffs can be cut simply by not replacing those officers who leave.

Most jobs will be found in relatively large institutions located near metropolitan areas, although opportunities for corrections officers exist in jails and other smaller facilities throughout the country. The increasing use of private companies and privately run prisons may limit the growth of jobs in this field as these companies are more likely to keep a close eye on the bottom line. Use of new technologies, such as surveillance equipment, automatic gates, and other devices, may also allow institutions to employ fewer officers.