What every future corrections officer should know before applying

Corrections officers interact with people from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances on a daily basis. There can be times where interactions can be challenging, and not everyone is comfortable dealing with conflict, manipulation, or distress.

Understanding the realities before applying can help you make an informed decision about whether a custodial career is a good fit for you. To help, real people in the role have shared their thoughts, insights, and advice to help future corrections officers know what to expect.

The reality

While safety is our highest priority, people in prison can often experience stress and frustration, particularly those with a background of trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges.

“We can be faced with violent, unhygienic or unsafe situations. Having good life skills and being honest about your own capabilities is extremely important.” – Niall, corrections officer

Corrections officers work with some of the most volatile people in New Zealand and managing their behaviour can be confronting. Officers might experience verbal abuse, attempts at manipulation, or people in crisis, which demands a calm and steady response that doesn’t escalate the situation.

Why it matters

How we respond to challenging behaviour is impactful in a prison environment. Calm and respectful interactions can help maintain safety and build rapport with the people we manage.

“I learned in the training how to read people, how to assess them, and how to manage escalation through words.” – Declan, principal instructor

Understanding not only the importance of de-escalation, but also how to maintain professionalism under pressure, can prevent situations from becoming more serious.

“For me, following procedures reinforces the importance of treating people fairly, and being able to explain decisions respectfully and professionally.” – Tessa, corrections officer

Effective behaviour management protects everyone in the prison environment. It helps officers build trust, reduce tension, and support positive outcomes for the people we manage.

Common misconceptions

Myth: Physical strength is the most important role requirement

A reasonable level of fitness is required for custodial careers, as the role can place demands on an individual’s strength, stamina, balance and grip. However, when it comes to managing behaviour, words are key – it’s as much about de-escalation as it is about enforcement.

Myth: I can learn all the skills needed for the role

While the core custodial learning programme teaches you the skills and policies for managing challenging behaviour, there is an element of natural ability required.

“I believe that natural traits such as patience, resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, integrity, and good judgement are often skills that come with life experience and personal growth. These are the traits that make a great officer.” – Clara, corrections officer

Myth: Everyone in prison is dangerous all the time

People in prison are individuals with different personalities, backgrounds, and needs. Many want to engage positively with staff and work towards change. Officers need to be able to assess each situation and individual fairly.

“I have worked with numerous prisoners wanting help to change or break the cycle. We involve agencies and professional services supporting our site to help plan and assist the change.” – Liam, principal corrections officer

How our officers manage

“A corrections officer can and will deal with situations that most people will never understand. We have to be able to find ways of coping. Being able to not take things too personally is very important.” – Niall, corrections officer

Being prepared to face challenging behaviour is an important aspect of the role. Certain skillsets and traits are useful to succeed as a corrections officer:

• Strong communication skills
• Honesty and integrity
• Ability to set firm boundaries
• Emotional resilience
• A strong personal ‘why’.

“Sometimes a person's distress or cry for help can present as aggression, violence, or verbal abuse. Understanding this helps me engage with them in a calmer and more neutral way, without taking their behaviour personally.” – Samir, corrections officer

Questions to ask yourself

Before applying to be a corrections officer, take a moment to consider:

• How comfortable am I dealing with confrontation?
• Can I stay calm under pressure when there is a lot going on?
• Can I remain professional when someone is disrespectful or verbally abusive?
• Am I comfortable working with people whose values and life experiences may be very different from my own?

There are no right or wrong answers, but the people who thrive are usually those who understand what they're signing up for before they start.

“I'll be honest, this is not an easy job. You will be challenged. You will be tested. But at the end of the day, it’s fulfilling to help people reintegrate into the community.” - Spencer, corrections officer

* Please note: Names have been changed for privacy.