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Florida Department of Corrections Resource Guide & Employment Information

THE POSITION OF FLORIDA CORRECTIONS OFFICER:

Supervise inmates in housing units and those segregated for administrative or punitive measures; instruct inmates in housekeeping and sanitation; supervise the issuance of clothing and other personal effects to inmates.

Make periodic patrols of quarters and work areas and initiate counts of inmates at regular and irregular intervals; maintain control and discipline including use of physical restraint and restraining devices; prevent the introduction of contraband into the institution.

Check inmate mail for possible contraband; maintain a periodic patrol either inside or outside the institution to ensure the security and integrity of the institution. Monitor, supervise and screen inmate visitor traffic; monitor periguard system; observe traffic in and around the compound.

Instruct inmates and maintain control in areas such as the inmate food service area, auditorium, etc. Observe for signs of disorder or tension and report such observations to a higher authority; counsel with inmates regarding institutional, domestic or emotional adjustment problems.

Maintain a record of equipment, supplies and other items; maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms, restraint methods and equipment and emergency measures; maintain knowledge of communication and other electronic equipment; instruct inmates in the proper care and use of institutional equipment.

Maintain master inmate location counts; setup and receive inmate counts and be familiar with the entire operation of the Control Room; initiate and participate in search of inmate recreation areas, work areas, and housing units to prevent the introduction of contraband items.

Maintain proper security of inmates being transported; ensure that all transportation permits are completed accurately and signed by the appropriate authority; institute proper restraints as appropriate for inmate's custody classification; check transportation vehicles daily.(source-Florida corrections)

Positive Growth Trend
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the attacks of September 11 will increase the demand for police as well as other jobs in criminal justice. That makes this a great time to consider criminal justice programs. Another benefit of criminal justice jobs is the fact that employer-provided benefits are typically better among state and local government employees than among private sector workers. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2010, the demand for FBI Officers, Police Officers, Private Detectives, U.S. Customs Agents and those in other professional criminal justice jobs will grow by more than 29%.

A criminal justice education will prepare you for a career in the following areas:

Forensic Science
Forensic science (often shortened to forensics) is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to the legal system. This may be in relation to a crime or to a civil action.
A forensic scientist is first a scientist. When he applies his scientific knowledge to assist juries, attorneys, and judges in understanding science, he is a forensic scientist. Forensic scientists are thinkers, good with details, good with putting pieces of a puzzle together, and curious. Some scientists work in laboratories and some also go out to places where crimes are committed (crime scenes). Others teach in colleges and universities.
There are six general areas of forensic science.
· medical examiner,
· crime laboratory analyst,
· crime scene examiner,
· forensic engineer
· academic assistance - psychology
· technical assistance