Becoming a Correctional Officer in Maine

Maine Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

Maine Department of Corrections is always searching for motivated and professional recruits for its prison and county jail system. Due to the demanding nature of the corrections role, recruits must be qualified as articulated by state criteria in order to meet the needs of the inmates, fellow workers, and surrounding communities. In order to be considered for possible employment with the Department of Corrections, the first step is to submit an complete and accurate application with the following requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, or permanent resident alien status
• A negative drug test
• At least 21 years of age
• A history of law-abiding behaviour
• Able to control a firearm or other weapon.
• No felony or domestic violence convictions
• Military honorable discharge papers (DD-214) if applicable

Upon meeting the state of Maine's eligibility requirements, candidates will be further assessed to determine their aptitude for the role of correctional officer. Testing at the second tier consists of:

• Written test
• Physical fitness test
• Extensive background search
• Psychological test
• Medical examination

With successful completion, candidates may be conditionally hired. Prior to their first permanent posting, new employees must complete a practical training program designed to familiarize candidates with the policies and procedures of the department and facilities. Only upon successful completion of this course will candidates be considered certified and ready to begin duty.

Maine Department of Corrections

25 Tyson Drive 3rd flr, State House Station 111
Augusta, ME 04333-0111
Phone: (207) 287-2711
http://www.state.me.us/corrections/

Maine Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

One of the ways that the state of Maine strives to serve and support correctional officers is through strong job growth and competitive salaries. However currently, the median income for front-line correctional officers throughout the state is lower at $34,800 than that of the national median income of $39,800. According to the occupational profile for the state of Maine found at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=23&x=55&y=11 published by CareerInfoNet.org, state and national trends predict a -3% and 5% increase in correctional officer jobs by 2022 respectively. For residents of Maine, this rate translates into a loss of 30 jobs per year.

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

Maine Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

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