If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement that is both challenging and rewarding, consider becoming a correctional officer.
Georgia is home to some of the best correctional officer jobs, facilities, and agencies in the country.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 places to work as a correctional officer in the state. So if you’re ready for a new challenge, read on!
About Becoming a Jailer, Prison Guard, or Correctional Officer in GA
Before we take a look at the top places to work as a correctional officer in GA, let’s first discuss what this career entails.
Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing inmates in jail or prison facilities. They maintain order and discipline within the facility, monitor prisoner activities, and report any incidents or problems to their supervisor.
Working as a correctional officer can be both challenging and rewarding. It is a critical role in our criminal justice system, and it offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
If you’re interested in becoming a correctional officer in GA, there are several things you need to know.
First, the minimum requirements vary from state to state, but most require that you be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
You will also need to complete a training program, which can vary in length from several weeks to several months.
Finally, you will need to pass a criminal background check and drug test.
Top 5 Places To Work As A Correctional Officer In Georgia
Now that you know a little more about what it takes to become a correctional officer in GA, let’s take a look at the top places to work.
These are based on factors such as wage, career advancement opportunities, and other factors.
1. Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC)
The Georgia Department of Corrections is the largest correctional agency in the state. It employs more than 11,000 correctional officers and other staff members.
The GDOC offers a competitive wage and excellent benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement savings plans.
The department also offers many opportunities for career advancement.
Most Notable inmates housed at GDOC:
- – Brian Nichols, the man who killed Fulton County Superior Court Judge John Howard and three other people in 2005
- – Travis Childers, a former member of the Aryan Brotherhood who was sentenced to life in prison for murder
You can climb the ranks from correctional officer to supervisor, captain, and beyond.
Duties include overseeing inmates in a variety of correctional settings, including prisons, work camps, and diagnostic and treatment centers.
State Prisons That Are Hiring Correctional Officers:
- – Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson
- – Valdosta State Prison in Valdosta
- – Augusta State Medical Prison in Augusta
- – Coastal State Prison in Reidsville
- – Phillips State Prison in Buford
- – Georgia State Prison
- – Phillips State Prison
- – Macon State Prison
- – Augusta State Medical Prison
- – Pulaski State Prison
- – Smith State Prison
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in corrections, the GDOC is a great place to work with plenty of opportunities for advancement.
2. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in Georgia. It employs more than 900 correctional officers and other staff members.
Located in Atlanta, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for overseeing the county jail, which houses more than 900 inmates.
The sheriff’s office also provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of Fulton County.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office offers a competitive wage and benefits package, as well as opportunities for career advancement. In addition, the sheriff’s office is involved in the community, hosting events and partnering with local organizations.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work for correctional officer job seekers looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
If you’re interested in working for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, visit their website to learn more about current job openings.
3. Cobb County Sheriff’s Office
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is the third largest sheriff’s office in Georgia. It employs more than 650 correctional officers and other staff members.
Located in Marietta, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the safety and security of nearly 500,000 residents in the county. The sheriff’s office also operates a jail that houses more than 900 inmates.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office offers correctional officers excellent pay and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
The sheriff’s office also offers career advancement opportunities for its employees. Correctional officers can work their way up to become sergeants, lieutenants, or captains.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work for correctional officers who want a challenging and rewarding career.
4. Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office is the second largest sheriff’s office in Georgia.
It employs more than 900 correctional officers and is responsible for overseeing the county jail, which has a capacity of more than 1700 inmates.
The sheriff’s office also provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of Gwinnett County.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office offers a competitive wage and benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
Located in the Atlanta metro area, Gwinnett County is a large and diverse community with plenty to do.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work for correctional officers who want to live in the Atlanta metro area.
5. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is the tfourth largest sheriff’s office in Georgia.
It employs more than 600 correctional officers and is responsible for overseeing the county jail, which has a capacity of more than 1800 inmates.
The facility is located in Decatur and offers a competitive wage and great benefits.
The sheriff’s office also offers plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
For correctional officer job seekers looking for a large agency with plenty of opportunity for advancement, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is a great option.
The Decatur location is also convenient for those who live in the Atlanta area.
Other Notable Correctional Facilities in Georgia Worth Mentioning:
- Muscogee County Jail
- Richmond County Jail
- Clayton County Jail
- Douglas County Jail
- Henry County Jail
- Coweta County Jail
- Paulding County Jail
- Cherokee County Jail
- Fayette County Jail
- Forsyth County Jail
In Conclusion
These are the top five best correctional officer jobs, facilities, and agencies to work for in Georgia.
If you’re interested in a career in corrections, these are great places to start your job search. Thanks for reading!
FAQ About Correctional Jobs in GA
Below are some common questions about correctional officer jobs in Georgia. If you have additional questions, please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer them.
How Much Do Correctional Officers Make in Georgia?
According to salary.com, Correctional officers in Georgia make between $40,867 and $50,929 per year.
However, you can make significantly more with overtime pay.
What are the Requirements for Becoming a Correctional Officer in Georgia?
In Georgia, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to become a correctional officer.
You must also be someone of a good moral character and have a valid driver’s license.
How do I Apply for Correctional Officer Jobs in Georgia?
Most sheriff’s offices in Georgia accept applications for correctional officer jobs online.
You can find a list of sheriff’s offices in Georgia on the website of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.
How do I Get Training to Become a Correctional Officer?
In Georgia, you must complete an accredited training program to become a correctional officer.
The Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) offers a correctional officer training program that is accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.
Can I Work as a Correctional Officer if I have a Criminal Record?
In most cases, you cannot work as a correctional officer in Georgia if you have been convicted of a felony.
What are the Hours for a Correctional Officer in Georgia?
Correctional officers in Georgia work 8 to 12-hour shifts, typically either day or night shifts.
Do Correctional Officers Get Paid Overtime?
Yes, correctional officers in Georgia are typically paid overtime for hours worked over 40 in a week.
Is There a Lot of Overtime Available for Correctional Officers?
Yes, correctional officers can often pick up extra overtime hours.
How Much Time do I Have Off Between Shifts?
You have 24 hours off between shifts.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Correctional Officer in Georgia?
In addition to a competitive wage, correctional officers in Georgia typically enjoy good benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, and paid vacation time.
Are There any Job Opportunities for Correctional Officers After they Retire?
Yes, there are many job opportunities for correctional officers after they retire.
Some of these jobs include: probation officer, parole officer, correctional treatment specialist, and case manager.
What is the Job Outlook for Correctional Officers in Georgia?
The job outlook for correctional officers in Georgia is good.
There are many positions available and the number of corrections officers is expected to grow by about 13% over the next ten years.
