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Corrections Officer Application Process

Barnstable County Sheriff's Office

Candidates who pass the written exam will be invited to participate in the Physical Fitness Test. Upon successful completion of the written exam and the physical fitness test, candidates for CO positions will be asked to complete an employment application and if chosen, attend and graduate from the eleven week BCSO Correctional Officer Recruit Academy in order to be hired as a BCSO Correctional Officer.

The BCSO is committed to hiring the highest quality candidates for these highly sought after positions. All candidates must meet or exceed the following minimum requirements in order to be considered:

Minimum Qualifications to become a BCSO Correctional Officer include:

  • Must attain 21 years of age by completion of the academy
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (a college degree is preferred)
  • Must be eligible to obtain a license to carry a firearm in the state of MA
  • Legal US work status
  • Active MA Driver’s License
  • Must meet BCSO physical and medical standards for the position
  • Pass a background check
  • Pass a drug test
  • Meet the requirements necessary to obtain a firearms permit

Note: No tattoos on face, neck and/or hands, nor facial piercings, body art, brands and/or scarifications, of any type shall be allowed.

  • The BCSO conducts recruit academies for training of correction officers approximately once a year depending on BCSO staffing needs. Please check the BCSO website and social media for updates on future hiring opportunities. Once the Academy is announced, the qualification process will begin.
  • All candidates must submit to the following qualification testing in order to be considered:
    • Written examination to determine competence. This exam is based on common knowledge and not on any particular subject matter and will include a written essay requirement. Candidates are advised that there are no study materials provided for this exam.
    • Physical agility test. Your physical fitness will be evaluated to ensure that you are able to perform the duties of a corrections officer.
    • Oral Interview
  • The BCSO conducts oral interviews, and conducts intensive background investigations and medical assessments of those candidates to whom it makes conditional offers of employment.
  • Upon completion of the requirements above, the BCSO will notify you if you have been selected to participate in the BCSO Recruit Academy. Once notified of your acceptance, you will attend a formal 11 week training academy which conforms to the Massachusetts Sheriff’s Association Education and Training Committee Core-1 and Core 11 requirements.
  • The training components shall include but not be limited to the following topics:

    ASP Batons
    C.O.R.I. & Victim Witness Unit Services
    Civil Liability
    Court Room Testimony
    Direct Supervision
    Drill and Ceremony
    Emergency Procedures
    Fire Safety –SCBA Extinguishers
    First Aid – CPR – AED
    Interpersonal Communications
    Mental Health
    Physical Fitness
    Prison Rape Elimination Act
    Rights & Responsibilities
    Security Threat Groups
    Social & Cultural Life Styles
    Staff Inmate Relations
    Suicide Awareness and Prevention
    Use of Force
    Booking and Admissions
    Chemical Agents
    Classification
    Defensive Tactics – Restraints Use/Ground Defense
    Direct Supervision - 40 hours
    Drug Identification
    Employee Assistance Program
    Firearms Training
    Inmate & Staff Rules
    Key & Tool Control
    Metal Detector Training
    Policy and Procedures Review
    Report Writing
    Security and Search Procedures
    Sexual Harassment/Misconduct
    Special Needs Inmates
    Stress Management
    Supervision of Inmates

    Good Luck! For more specific information, please contact the BCSO Human Resources Office at: 508-563-4448 or send an email to: humanresources@bsheriff.net

    Acknowledgement of receipt of your job application by the BCSO does not guarantee job placement with the BCSO or a place in the BCSO hiring process.

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