What are the responsibilities and job description for the CORRECTIONAL OFFICER PRIVATE position at Prince George's County Government?
Come join our team!
Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.
SIGN-ON BONUS $10,000!
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply!
The Prince George's County Department of Corrections is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill multiple full-time Correctional Officer Private positions, Grade D-21, for its September Correctional Officer Entrance Level Training Academy. This is a rewarding entry-level position and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
About the Position:
As an essential worker, Correctional Officers provide quality inmate care in a secure environment while positively impacting their community. As an integral part of the criminal justice system, Correctional Officers maintain security, safety, and control at the County facility. Correctional Officers must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, apply interpersonal skills and techniques to direct inmates, exercise good judgment in controlling inmates, and act calmly and decisively in stressful and emergency situations.
About the Agency:
The Department of Corrections is an adult correctional center with a direct supervision design operating under the unit management concept. We have 18 Housing Units, and the daily inmate population is 1,039. We offer alternative incarceration programs for eligible offenders as well as provide educational services and programming to incarcerated individuals.
- Provide care, custody, and control of inmates in a direct supervision environment.
- Conduct regular head counts of inmates on assigned posts.
- Monitor inmate behavior and report unusual activity to ensure safety and security.
- Assist other Correctional Officers in the management of inmates.
- Conduct regular searches of inmate areas such as cells, recreation rooms, and showers for contraband.
- Manage confrontational situations as they arise to maintain security.
- Perform CPR and/or first aid when necessary.
- Investigate and respond to emergencies within the Department of Corrections.
- Prepare routine reports and records electronically.
- Maintain the inventory of various security equipment.
- Provide counsel and assistance to inmates.
- Ensure inmates are afforded fair and equitable treatment.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications listed below to be eligible for additional consideration.
Qualified applicants must be/have:- U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien Status
- High School graduate or possess a GED certificate recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education
- At least 18 years of age
- Valid driver's license issued in the United States plus 6 months of post- license driving experience
- Be willing to be an ESSENTIAL employee
EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.
We anticipate our next academy class will start May 2026; however, candidates may be hired after meeting all background requirements are successfully met. Once vacancies fill for the August Academy, interested applicants will need to reapply for positions for the 2027 fiscal year beginning July 2026.
Before applying, serious applicants will:
- Be prepared to take and pass the Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT)
- Review your credit report at www.AnnualCreditReport.com
- Review your driving history
- Additionally, all male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the U.S. who are 18 and over are required to register with Selective Service. Please register at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx.
Please do not use a mobile device, such as a phone, to complete this application. You are highly encouraged to use a desktop or laptop computer so that you can carefully and thoroughly read and understand all aspects of applying for this position.
Job Location: Upper Marlboro, MD
Conditions of Employment: Upon selection, the candidate must:
- Be willing to work in a correctional facility.
- Be available for shift work, which includes weekends and holidays, as required.
- Be willing and able to wear issued uniforms and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties.
- Pass the Department of Corrections Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy.
- Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
- Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings, COPAT, medical exam, polygraph, pysh evaluation, etc.
- Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee. This position is designated essential. The employee must be willing to participate as a critical/essential employee during emergencies, such as natural or manmade disasters or special activities/events. Essential employees are expected to report to work or remain at work when other County employees are granted administrative leave. Employees in this classification may be assigned to any of the three shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage to maintain the facility's security.
Selection Process: To be considered for this position, applicants must successfully complete all of the following phases:
ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Phase 1
- Submit an online application
- Complete the Preliminary Questionnaire and Criminal History Check
- Pass the Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT)
- Pass the Oral Board Interview
Phase 2
- Provide a valid photo ID, signed social security card, and high school diploma or GED. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a high school diploma.
- Complete the Personal History Statement (PHS)
- Complete Fingerprinting
- Complete Background Investigation & PHS Orientation
- Complete and successfully pass Medical Examination & Drug Screening Test
- Complete Polygraph Examination
- Complete Psychological Screening
Phase 3
- Accept the offer of employment
- Complete onboarding and new employee orientation
- Upon acceptance of employment as a Correctional Officer Private, candidates may be offered a temporary support position as a Green Officer until the start of the Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy
- Completion of and graduation from the Prince George's County Department of Corrections Entry Level Training Academy
Reasons for disqualification may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Previous disqualification for this or other public safety positions
- Deception or falsification of information on application or other documents
- Poor work history
- Poor driving record which includes suspended license/DWI/DUI
- History or pattern of crimes, both reported and not reported; felony/misdemeanor conviction; illegal drug usage, possession, distribution, sale, or purchase
- Failure to meet physical and mental standards.
Notifications
Notifications for this position will be made via email. Applicants must monitor the e-mail account provided and update their online profile with any changes to personal information.
Applicants must ensure your e-mail account allows emails from all addresses ending in "@co.pg.md.us".
Signing bonus payout timeline:
1st | $3,000 | 1st month of hire |
2nd | $3,000 | Graduation from DOC CELT Academy |
3rd | $4,000 | After 18 months of employment |
For more information on working for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections, please visit PGDOC – Recruit – Prince George's County Department Of Corrections.