The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (LDPSC) provides safe and secure incarceration, adequate probation/parole supervision, proven rehabilitative programs, as well as assistance to victims of crime, all to create a safer Louisiana.
The Department of Corrections is looking for outstanding employees. Candidates should possess:
- Sound judgment
- Strong ethics
- Self-motivation
- Pride in accomplishments
- People and communication skills
WHAT DOES A LOUISIANA CORRECTIONAL OFFICER DO
The LDPSC hires new Correctional Officers in Correctional Officer Cadet positions. As a cadet, your primary duties are:
- Trains in the classroom and on-the-job training sites
- Observes security officers engaged in demonstrations of security work
- Oversees inmates for training purposes
- Responds to emergencies and renders assistance as required
- Prepares reports on activities
- Learn to maintain the security of a correctional institution and to observe and participate in the supervision, control, and custody of offenders
- Receive supervision from training officers and security officers of higher levels
- Learn skills needed to supervise others
- Provide security in the key room, dormitory, control center, field, trip, or gate officer
BECOMING A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER IN LOUISIANA
Individuals interested in applying for a Correctional Officer position in Louisiana must:
- Be able to work any shift and willing to work in close quarters with convicted offenders
- Complete an electronic application
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Possess a high school diploma or GED (may substitute one year of continuous employment in any field)
- Possess a valid driver’s license
Any degrees, certificates, special licenses, or DD 214 must be verified before being hired.
An applicant convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, a felony, or under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified.
An applicant who has engaged in any form of sexual abuse, involved in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable or refused will be disqualified.
LOUISIANA EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS
Upon receiving an offer of employment, cadets will report to their local District Office until the next Academy starts. Cadets will be paid while waiting.
The Academy is a 14-week program in Baton Rouge, LA. All cadets will be provided lodging each week from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon.
During the Academy, cadets will receive training and become certified in the following:
- Firearms
- Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT)
- Defensive Tactics
- Physical Fitness
- First Aid and CPR
- OC Spray
- Peace Officers Standard Training
Cadets are required to participate in daily group physical fitness exercises and are required to keep a daily log. Additionally, a typed notebook consisting of daily records and classroom notes must be submitted at the end of the Academy.
Failure to pass these certifications will result in termination.
OPTIONAL PATH TO CERTIFICATION
Applicants may substitute one year of continuous employment in any field of work for the high school diploma or GED requirement.
Out-of-State Correctional Officer transfers may be eligible for certification by meeting the following requirements at an accredited academy:
- Present a valid out-of-state POST certificate of training
- Complete the Louisiana Law Enforcement Basic Training Manual, “Legal Aspects” section, and Firearms section, and qualify for the POST firearms qualification course
- Pass the statewide examination for peace officers with a minimum score of 70%
If there has been an interruption of service for over five years, the officer must attend the entire basic Academy.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREES
The State of Louisiana Division of Administration (DOA) assists employees in obtaining any available education or training which will enhance their ability to perform the job duties of their present positions, which are directly associated with their current job duties.
Each Section’s Appointing Authority may approve tuition reimbursement to employees if:
- The employee completes courses directly associated with his current job duties
- The employee receives a grade of “B” or a “P.”
- Funds for the reimbursement must be within the budget of the employee’s section
- Reimbursement will only be approved for tuition
- Reimbursement is capped at $145 per credit hour
Educational leave with pay may be granted for thirty calendar days in one calendar year if the course of instruction is pertinent to the employee’s work.
Some Criminal Justice or Criminology programs in Louisiana include:
Louisiana State University – Criminology
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Criminal Justice
LOUISIANA CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SALARY
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics lists the average Louisiana Correctional Officer Salary as $37,960.
Louisiana also offers its employees competitive pay, a variety of benefits, and access to an outstanding professional development program. Some of the benefits provided include:
- Professional Development – The Comprehensive Public Training Program (CPTP) is a state-funded training program for state employees. Through CPTP, agencies are offered management development and supervisory training and general application classes on topics as diverse as writing skills and computer software usage.
- Insurance Coverage – Employees can choose one of several health insurance programs ranging from an HMO to the state’s own Group Benefits Insurance program. The State of Louisiana pays a portion of group health and life insurance costs. Dental and vision coverage are also available.
- Deferred Compensation – As a supplemental retirement savings plan for employees, the state offers a Deferred Compensation Plan for tax-deferred savings.
- Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use—your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
- Retirement – State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers, employees, and their beneficiaries.
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER JOB PROSPECTS
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has numerous Correctional Cadet positions open continuously.
Also, four federal prisons in Louisiana frequently advertise for Correctional Officer positions.
