Becoming a Correctional Officer in Delaware

Delaware Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

Delaware's Department of Corrections hires on a continual basis for the role of Corrections Officer to be employed in many of the state's penitentiaries and county jails. With an aging workforce, there is a continuous need for motivated, career-minded individuals that thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment. Due to some of the more challenging aspects of the role, the Department of Corrections is committed to hiring only those candidates who are the best fit for corrections officers. There is a multi-stage process in order to ensure qualified applicants. Along with a completed paper or online application, candidates must provide proof of the following:

• Age 21+
• United States citizen
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Are without felony or domestic violence convictions
• Possess good moral character
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Veterans to have proof of honorable discharge
• Negative drug test

With proof of these items provided, suitable candidates will be invited to advance to the next round of assessment by the state. Applicants will submit themselves to a variety of tests to show their aptitude for the role of corrections officer. Such assessments will include:

• Fitness testing
• Physical assessment
• Written test
• Mental health assessment
• Personal and professional background check including fingerprinting

Candidates who pass the assessment portion of the hiring process will be shortlisted and contacted by Delaware's Human Resources department as positions throughout the state become available. Upon hire, corrections officers must complete specialized hands-on training in order to be prepared for the rigors of working in a corrections environment. Newly hired personnel must be successful in this final segment of training in order to move to their permanent assignment.

Delaware Department of Correction

245 McKee Road
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 739-5601
http://doc.delaware.gov/

Delaware Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

Delaware's State Department of Justice is committed to ensuring growth and development for the state's correctional officer field. Median income for this role throughout the state is $33,620, compared to the national median income level of $39,800, however professional development can offer additional income opportunities. According to the employment profile for the state, published by CareerInfoNet.org at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=10&x=47&y=15 state and national trends predict a 6% increase and 5% increase respectively in correctional jobs by the year 2022. In Delaware, this translates to 60 jobs per year, in both newly created roles and existing vacancies.

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

Delaware Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

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