Becoming a Correctional Officer in Mississippi

Mississippi Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

Mississippi's Department of Corrections is continually searching for recruits who are able to manage the challenging role of Corrections Officer employed in the state's many penitentiaries and county jails. Because of some of the more rigorous aspects of the role, the Mississippi Department of Corrections only hires those candidates who meet or exceed all of the minimum standards for the role. To this effect, the DOC has created a multi-stage process in order to ensure new personnel is a good fit for the role. To start this process, applicants must possess the following basic eligibility requirements:

• Proof of age
• Proof of United States citizenship
• Possess a valid Mississippi driver's license
• Are without felony or domestic violence convictions
• Possess good moral character
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Veterans to have proof of honorable discharge
• Proof of negative drug test
• Completed and accurate application form

With proof of these items provided, suitable candidates will be contacted to advance to the second level of assessment. The variety of assessments at this level will allow candidates to showcase their aptitude for the corrections officer role:

• Fitness assessment
• Physical assessment by qualified medical personnel
• Written test of knowledge
• Mental health assessment
• Extensive personal and professional background check

Candidates who pass the assessment portion of the hiring process will be placed on a short list and contacted Mississippi's Human Resources department with further information regarding the final step in the hiring process. Conditional employment may be extended to these candidates - employment terms become finalized when candidates pass basic training at the state academy.

Mississippi Department of Corrections

633 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601) 359-5600
http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/

Mississippi Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

The state Department of Corrections in Mississippi encourages citizens who are pursuing careers in state service through strong growth, namely as front-line correctional officers. At this time, the median income for correctional officers throughout Mississippi is lower at $24,700 than the national median income at $39,800, however according to occupational data for the state of Mississippi, available at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=28&x=46&y=13 and published by CareerInfoNet.org state trends are predicted to experience a 21% growth curve from now until 2022 as compared to the national growth rate of 5%. This predicted growth pattern translates into 200 new openings and existing vacancies annually.

Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)

Mississippi Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

The table below lists career information organized by the BLS for correctional officers in Mississippi. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.