Corrections Officer Application Process

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.