Correctional Officers

sec_arr Job Functions
SECTIONS

Job Functions

The following job essential job functions have been included because they are representative of those considerations that are most likely to influence the physician’s recommendation. These are not intended to represent an exhaustive set of CO job functions.

The broad categories of essential job functions of COs include the following (as defined in the LEO chapter on Essential Job Functions) as well as specific CO job functions1,2:

Work Schedule

  • Effectively work erratic, unusual, prolonged, and/or unexpected shifts or assignments.
  • Remain on assignment for prolonged periods without benefit of scheduled rest periods, meals, and access to medication or hydration.
  • Work according to the required schedule of the organization and be able to deviate as needed from the usual schedule.

Physical Work Environment

  • Work in varied local environmental conditions (e.g., heat, cold, wet, severe storms, etc.) utilizing the jurisdiction’s assigned clothing and equipment – e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), body armor, other specialty equipment.
  • Work in varied settings (e.g., challenging terrain, tight or confined spaces, remote settings, unprotected heights) and work spaces (e.g., vehicles, surveillance locations, etc.).
  • Safely operate a motor vehicle under emergency conditions.

Mental and Cognitive Performance

  • Effectively communicate and interact with individuals in varied situations.
  • Evaluate rapidly changing situations with multiple sources of input.
  • Maintain alertness and cognitive ability throughout the shift.
  • Comprehend written and oral instructions.

Physical Performance

  • Pursue, apprehend, and restrain individuals.
  • Rescue an individual and/or remove him or her from a hazardous environment.
  • Identify hazards, persons, and evidence.
    • Vision (e.g., body language, potential weapons, weapon use).
    • Hearing (e.g., conversation, radio communications, alarms, requests for assistance).
    • Smell (e.g., hazardous materials, contraband, alcohol on the breath).
    • Touch (e.g., concealed weapons, heat, moisture).
    • Read, write, and speak clearly.

Weapons/Defensive Tactics

  • Use of duty weapons (with both dominant and non dominant hand).
  • Weapon retention.