Becoming a Correctional Officer in Wyoming

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The state of Wyoming employs 931 correctional officers to oversee operations and inmates in several county and state facilities. These professionals are sworn to uphold the safety and dignity of the inmates that they oversee, fellow employees, and the surrounding community. Currently, there are 2,310 sentenced male and female offenders, who are incarcerated in adult facilities like the Wyoming Honor Farm, the Wyoming Women's Center, and the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution located throughout the state. Over the next ten years, the Wyoming Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation expects to hire another 45 officers as the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that there is a growing need for these professionals both nationally and within the state. Read further to discover more information about the field of corrections and to determine if the role of correctional officer is a career that may interest you.

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Sheridan College

3059 S Coffeen Ave, Sheridan, WY 82801
Phone: (307) 674-6446 x0

Eastern Wyoming College

3200 West C St, Torrington, WY 82240-1699
Phone: (307) 532-8200

Western Wyoming Community College

2500 College Dr, Rock Springs, WY 82902-0428
Phone: (307) 382-1600

University of Wyoming

Corner of Ninth and Ivinson, Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-1121

Northwest College

231 W 6th St, Powell, WY 82435
Phone: (307) 754-6000

Laramie County Community College

1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007-3299
Phone: (307) 778-5222 x1357

Central Wyoming College

2660 Peck Avenue, Riverton, WY 82501
Phone: (800) 735-8418

Casper College

125 College Dr, Casper, WY 82601-4699
Phone: (307) 268-2110

Wyoming Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The Department of Corrections in Wyoming has open recruitment for the position of corrections officer. Due to increased demand and career opportunities, this field has lots of opportunity for men and women who are motivated and career-minded. As such, the state mandates that only the best candidates for the role will be hired - this ensures a higher level of workplace and community safety. Stage 1 of the hiring process directs applicants to have the following eligibility requirements:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Valid Wyoming driver's license
  • Proof of age (21+ required)
  • No domestic violence convictions
  • No felony convictions
  • Proof of honorable discharge if military
  • Applicants who meet or exceed the basic eligibility criteria will be invited to participate in the next level of candidate assessments, which include:
  • Fitness assessment
  • Extensive personal and professional background checks and fingerprinting
  • Medical examination and urinalysis
  • Mental health assessment

Those candidates who prove to be the best qualified by these measures will be invited to enrol in the DOC's training academy for new recruits. The weeks-long training program is designed to teach candidates practical skills for working in a corrections environment. Candidates who successfully complete this final phase of training will graduate as certified corrections officers.

Wyoming Department of Corrections

1934 Wyott Drive, Suite 100
Cheyenne, WY
Phone: (307) 777-7208
http://corrections.wy.gov/

Wyoming Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

One of the ways that the state of Wyoming serves and supports correctional officers is through strong growth and salary opportunities throughout the state. As such, the median income for front-line correctional officers throughout the state is only slightly lower at $39,200 than the median income at $39,800, however, professional development can raise salary to close this gap. According to the occupational profile for the state of Wyoming published by CareerInfoNet.org, state and national trends predict a 4% increase in correctional officer jobs by 2022. For residents of Wyoming, this rate translates into 30 job openings per year.

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