Becoming a Correctional Officer in Arkansas

Arkansas Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The Department of Corrections in Arkansas has an ongoing need for recruits who are motivated to serve the public good and are eager for advancement in the challenging field of prison corrections. Due to the serious and challenging nature of the positions, as well as the physical, mental and ethical requirements of these positions, all applicants must meet the state's requirements for employment in order to be successful in the hiring process.

The initial employment application must be accompanied by the following documentation:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Valid driver's license
• Proof of age (21+ required)
• No felony or domestic violence convictions

Once the application process is underway, recruits can expect to be contacted with regard to the follow-up phase of the hiring process. In Arkansas, the Human Resources department for the state requires candidates to undergo:

• Psychological testing
• A physical exam
• Fitness testing
• A reference check
• A personal background check

So to ensure that candidates are an appropriate fit for the corrections environment. Upon completion, candidates may be contacted directly for placement or placed in a hiring pool prior to starting paid training through the Department of Corrections. The training portion for new-hires focuses on practical strategies for the role, as well as skillset development and familiarization with various aspects of the role.

Arkansas Department of Correction

P.O. Box 8707
Pine Bluff, AR 71611-8707
Phone: (870) 267-6999
http://adc.arkansas.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Arkansas Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

The state Department of Corrections in Arkansas is encouraged by the growth of citizens who are pursuing careers in state service, namely as front-line correctional officers. At this time, the median income for correctional officers throughout Arkansas is lower at $32,100 than the national median income at $39,800, however according to occupational data for the state of Arkansas, 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=05&x=62&y=4 and published by CareerInfoNet.org state trends are predicted to experience a 9% 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)

Arkansas Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for correctional officers in Arkansas. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.