Corrections Officer Frequently Asked Questions

What are the job duties of a corrections officer?

Corrections officers are responsible for the care, custody, supervision, safety and rehabilitation of individuals that have been sentenced to or are awaiting trial at the Barnstable County Corrections Facility. Duties include enforcing rules and maintaining order, supervising inmate activities, conducting searches and inspections, transporting inmates, writing reports and incident documentation just to name a few. Corrections Officers are expected to be positive role models and work with the incarcerated individuals to help them become productive members of society from the day they arrive under supervision. Corrections Officers use interpersonal skills and good communication skills to correct and counteract criminal thinking while maintaining safe confinement environments for the individuals to peruse successful re-entry into communities. 

What are the requirements to become a corrections officer with the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office?

• Must be 21 years of age by the completion of the academy.
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalency certificate.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid, Active, and Renewable Massachusetts Driver’s License.
• Eligible to obtain a license to carry a firearm in Massachusetts.

What is the application process to become a corrections officer?

• Written Exam: Applicants must take and pass a written exam that is designed to test reading, writing, comprehension, and basic math skills.
• Physical Fitness Test: Applicants will be scheduled for the PT exam if they successfully pass the written exam.
• Panel Interview: Applicants who pass both the written and PT exams will be scheduled for a panel interview. The interview will consist of random questions and a review of the applicant’s relevant employment history and interview performance.
• Facility Tour and Background Check: If selected, a comprehensive background will be done including employment history, detailed CORI and BOP, driving history, and personal reference check. The incoming Academy class will also participate in a facility tour.
• Pre-Employment Physical and Drug Test: Applicants must submit to pre-employment physical and drug screening.

What can I expect to learn in the Academy?

The BCSO Academy is a combination of classroom instruction, physical fitness and hands-on training. Subjects include CPR Training and Certification, De-escalation training, policy and procedure review, defensive tactics, and firearms training among others.   

What is the Academy schedule and location?

The BCSO academy is Monday-Friday from 7:15am-3:30pm at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility and will last for twelve (12) weeks. During the academy, cadets will be required to complete on-the-job training by working scheduled shifts. Some of these shifts may be outside the normal academy schedule of 7:15am-3:30pm.

Am I paid while attending the academy? 

Yes, cadets are paid for their training and any time they are working at the BCSO.

Is there any cost to attend the BCSO academy? 

The BCSO will provide all uniform and equipment items for the incoming cadets. Items that are not provided are locks for your locker, duffel bags, or water bottle, etc.  

Is there a physical requirement?

Yes, cadets will participate in physical fitness during the academy. There is also a physical fitness test that cadets must pass during the Academy. If you would like to view the requirements, click here.

Is there an academic requirement?

Yes, cadets will be required to maintain the minimum academic standard to pass the academy.

If I don’t pass the academy, can I still be a corrections officer? 

Cadets must pass all the required standards to complete the academy. If any cadet does not pass, they will be unable to move forward with their employment with the BCSO.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit to start as corrections officer. Applicants should be aware that per Chapter 415 of the Acts of 1987 corrections officer have a mandatory retirement age of 65.  

Can I have visible tattoos or piercings?

Yes, tattoos are allowed. Tattoos, if you can, should be covered during the employees’ working hours. Facial piercings should be covered or removed. 

What are the BCSO’s hair and/or facial hair requirements?

For uniformed employees, hair should be styled in a way to not interfere with an officer’s duties while they are on shift. Long hair can be tied up or secured with items such as elastic hair bands. Beards should be always maintained (trimmed) and no longer than one half inch (1/2) in length.

Can I consume any marijuana products while employed with the BCSO?

No. Employees of the BCSO must refrain from consuming any form of marijuana per BCSO policies.

Does the BCSO provide me with my LTC (License to Carry)?

No, the BCSO does not provide employees with their license. Employees must apply for their license with their local police department. Please contact your local police department for additional information on how to apply for or renew your LTC.

What shift(s) can I expect to work as a Corrections Officer? 

The BCSO has three shifts: Day (7:15am-3:30pm), Swing (3:15pm-11:30pm), and Midnights (11:15pm-7:30am). New corrections officers will be assigned to each shift for a period of time so that they can experience all shifts within their first year.

Is there mandated overtime? 

Yes, corrections officers can be expected to be held for next shift at limited notice because the BCCF is a 24 hour/365 facility.

How often can I expect to be forced/mandated?

Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how often a corrections officer will be mandated during their work week. There are several factors including shift assignment, time of the year, and staffing levels. 

What is the shift schedule?

The work week is a 4x2 (4 days on and 2 days off) schedule with rotating days off every six weeks. For example, if your current work week is Sunday-Wednesday, your days off will be Thursday and Friday with your “work week” starting again on Saturday.  A pay period is 80 hours.  Due to a rotating schedule, some work weeks are less than 80 hours.  Additional benefits to this rotating schedule include compensation for days not worked in this rotation. 

Is this a Union position?

Yes, corrections officers at the BCSO are members of the Barnstable County Correctional Officers Union. 

What benefits does the BCSO offer?

Click here to see a list of benefits offered to employees. 

Are there any leadership or career growth opportunities?

Yes! There are many advancement opportunities for corrections officers once they obtain the required amount of experience. We have leadership opportunities in the form of the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captains. There are also specialty assignments and positions that you would be able to apply for once you achieve the minimum requirements.