Can a correctional officer become a police officer?

Can a Correctional Officer Become a Police Officer?

Working in correctional facilities is a highly demanding and intense job. Correctional officers, also known as peace officers or law enforcement officers, work in prisons, jails, and other facilities to enforce laws, maintain order, and ensure public safety. However, a common question that arises among correctional officers is: can a correctional officer become a police officer?

YES, A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER CAN BECOME A POLICE OFFICER

However, the journey is not straightforward, and there are several factors to consider.

Why Make the Career Transition?

Before considering a career transition from a correctional officer to a police officer, let’s talk about why anyone would make this move:

• Variety and Challenge: As a correctional officer, you might be assigned to the same facility with the same group of prisoners for an extended period, which can get monotonous. Policing provides a change of pace and a new challenge every day.
• Opportunity for Advancement: Police departments tend to provide more opportunities for advancement compared to correctional facilities, with higher ranking positions such as sergeant, lieutenant, and captain, and a potential career span of decades.
• Competitive Salary: Police departments often offer higher salary ranges and benefits, making it a more competitive and rewarding profession.
• Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment: Many correctional officers are attracted to policing due to a desire to work in their community, respond to high-stress calls, and make a real difference.

The Challenge of Entry-Level Hiring:

In most cases, police agencies require a police academy-certified officer as a standard requirement for recruitment. But, it’s difficult for correctional officers without prior police training to start from scratch at the top of the totem pole. There are fewer opportunities for transfer or laterals from one agency to another, mainly due to the distinct responsibilities and expertise required for policing.

However, some states and counties have started initiatives to enable correctional officers to more easily transition to policing or other law enforcement roles, such as the Transitioning Corrections Officer to Lateral Police Officers (CCOLOP) Training Program. This three-week program bridges the training gap for transitioned officer candidates, familiarizing them with police procedures and tactics while also focusing on de-escalation and crisis communication techniques.

Gaining The Necessary Skills:

Becoming a police officer requires specialized skills and certifications. To improve your chances of success:

• Take Relevant Police Training Course: Enroll in refresher courses like the Officer Development Academy or the Intermediate Police Academy Training Program (IPAT). These can help bridge any gaps and provide the required training modules.
• Gain Firearms Training: Acquire firearms qualifications, such as the United States Conceal Carry firearms training program. This highlights your proficiency and adaptability.
• CPR, First-Aid, and Emergency Management Training: Certify yourself in First Aid (CPR/FPR 1- and 2-year certification), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, and Emergency Response Training
• Learn Police procedures and policies: Familiarize yourself with police training manuals, read relevant documentation, and work with established officers to comprehend the transition.

Timeline and Expected Outcomes:

Make no mistake: transitioning to a police career takes patience, dedication, and extensive preparation. To give yourself the best possible chance for success:

Timeline Estimated:

Estimated Additional Time After Academy: 6 months to 2 years or more | – 18 months to 3 years minimum

During this process, you must also be prepared for potential setbacks or re-testing and recognize that acceptance into a law enforcement department is rare without prior experience and training.

Real-Life Experience:

It’s common for correctional officers, like many transitioning professionals, to face both excitement and frustration. They may gain valuable insights about the intricacies of each profession as they work and learn while navigating their role.

From Correctional Officer to Sergeant: Michael’s Story

Michael started his 10-year stint as a correctional officer, before deciding to apply for an open position on the same police force that employed sworn officers. In his candid interview, Michael shared an anecdote of how challenging it was not to reapply multiple times before, finally, achieving his objective:

"After one year [as a newly hired probationary officer] I did not pass probation, getting a chance for a more extensive retest. At that time, I questioned my career transition. Returning to correctional work proved a vital reality check"

Michael emphasizes,

"Prior experience and mental preparation should be key areas of reflection for those trying to follow in his shoes. Heeding these experiences, knowing the rigors of adapting to the training, or the need to reapplying can become a key factor in future success**

Conclusion

Becoming a police officer for a correctional officer poses a challenging endeavor, due to the demanding requirements within the police academies for new recruits, as previously mentioned. Many correctional officers can potentially transition using the CCOLOP program or obtain relevant coursework, certification programs, in addition to familiarizing them with police practices and certifications.

Remember the timeline. It is realistic to believe that, approximately, additional 1 and a 1/2 to at least 2 years.

If determination and enthusiasm are part of your motivational package, transitioning from the correctional career to Police Officer career become a goal worth pursuing, and knowing the necessary efforts and preparations will provide crucial insights regarding the potential, and reality, of doing so.

So, an answer to "Can a correctional officer become a police officer?" is YES, although it’ll require extensive preparations, extra training, a willingness for setbacks, a strong stomach, and real dedication as well as acceptance of police departments the journey that awaits, your determination along with these, will not be lost with the hopes of an equally fulfilling Law Enforcement career await.