Correctional Officer Private - Entry-Level - Prince George's County

Correctional Officer Private - Entry-Level - Prince George's County

Come join our team!

NOW HIRING ENTRY-LEVEL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. WILL TRAIN. BILINGUAL APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

About the Position:

The Prince George's County Department of Corrections is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill multiple full-time Correctional Officer Private positions, Grade D-21, for its September Correctional Officer Entrance Level Training Academy. This is a rewarding entry-level position and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

This vacancy announcement is for entry-level Correctional Officer vacancies for the 2027 fiscal year ending in June 2027. Once vacancies fill, interested applicants will need to reapply for positions for the 2027 fiscal year.

About the Position:

As an essential worker, Correctional Officers provide quality inmate care in a secure environment while positively impacting their community. As an integral part of the criminal justice system, Correctional Officers maintain security, safety, and control at the County facility. Correctional Officers must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, apply interpersonal skills and techniques to direct inmates, exercise good judgment in controlling inmates, and act calmly and decisively in stressful and emergency situations.

About the Agency:

The Prince George's County Department of Corrections is an adult correctional center with a direct supervision design operating under the unit management concept. We have 18 Housing Units, and the daily inmate population is 1,039. We offer alternative incarceration programs for eligible offenders as well as provide educational services and programming to incarcerated individuals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications listed below to be eligible for additional consideration.

Qualified applicants must be/have:

• U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien Status
• High School graduate or possess a GED certificate recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education
• At least 18 years of age
• Valid driver's license issued in the United States plus 6 months of post-license driving experience
• Be willing to be an ESSENTIAL employee

Each application must include information that clearly demonstrates the above qualifications for this position.

We anticipate our next academy class will start May 2026; however, candidates may be hired after meeting all background requirements are successfully met. Once vacancies fill for the August Academy, interested applicants will need to reapply for positions for the 2027 fiscal year beginning July 2026. Before applying, serious applicants will:

• Be prepared to take and pass the Correctional Officer Physical Ability Test (COPAT)
• Review your credit report at
• Review your driving history
• Additionally, all male U.S. citizens and male aliens living in the U.S. who are 18 and over are required to register with Selective Service. Please register at

Do not use a mobile device, such as a phone, to complete this application. You are highly encouraged to use a desktop or laptop computer so that you can carefully and thoroughly read and understand all aspects of applying for this position.

Examples of Work:

• Provide care, custody, and control of inmates in a direct supervision environment.
• Conduct regular head counts of inmates on assigned posts.
• Monitor inmate behavior and report unusual activity to ensure safety and security.
• Assist other Correctional Officers in the management of inmates.
• Conduct regular searches of inmate areas such as cells, recreation rooms, and showers for contraband.
• Manage confrontational situations as they arise to maintain security.
• Perform CPR and/or first aid when necessary.
• Investigate and respond to emergencies within the Department of Corrections.
• Prepare routine reports and records electronically.
• Maintain the inventory of various security equipment.
• Provide counsel and assistance to inmates.
• Ensure inmates are afforded fair and equitable treatment.

Notifications for this position will be made via email. Applicants must monitor the e-mail account provided and update their online profile with any changes to personal information. Applicants must ensure that your e-mail account allows emails from all addresses ending in "@co.pg.md.us".

Job Location: Upper Marlboro, MD

Conditions of Employment: Upon selection, the candidate must:

• Be willing to work in a correctional facility.
• Be available for shift work, which includes weekends and holidays, as required.
• Be willing and able to wear issued uniforms and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Pass the Department of Corrections Correctional Entrance Level Training Academy.
• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings, COPAT, medical exam, polygraph, pysh evaluation, etc.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee. This position is designated essential. The employee must be willing to participate as a critical/essential employee during emergencies, such as natural or manmade disasters or special activities/events. Essential employees are expected to report to work or remain at work when other County employees are granted administrative leave. Employees in this classification may be assigned to any of the three shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage to maintain the facility's security.

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace