Correctional Career FAQ - New Hire

1. How do I apply?
   
   
   You can apply by filling out an [application for employment] and submitting it to your local recruitment office or the Phoenix recruitment office.
   



2. How long will it take before I can begin work?
   
   
   Our hiring process is greatly dependent upon you. It can be as quick as one week through our Fast Track processing. If you have the time and required documentation, and are able to dedicate yourself to a week of processing, we can get you through the hiring process in one week. If you need additional time to collect documents or cant commit to dedicating a week of your time, we will work at your pace through the process as quickly as you are able.
   



3. What are the steps in your hiring process?
   
   
   The first thing you will need to do is to come in for testing. On test day you will fill out all necessary paperwork. The rest of the processing includes a background check, medical/physical exam, psychological screening, and pre-employment drug testing.
   



4. What documents do I need to be prepared to provide?
   
   
   You will need to provide the following documents:
   
   

   • Proof of Age and United States Citizenship or lawful Permanent Residency i.e.: Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport or Immigration for I-1551
   • Your High School Diploma
   • You Military Discharge papers, showing type of discharge i.e., DD-214 long form.



5. I worked as a police officer, does this experience count?
   
   
   Unfortunately, no. Qualifying experience is daily direct supervision of incarcerated persons.
   



6. What is the starting salary?
   
   
   No prior correctional experience:

   Starting salary is $30,957 during the 9-week paid training period. A salary increase to $1,000 is granted following successful completion of training and upon assignment to the institution work location.  There is an additional geographical stipend of 10% and $100.00 per pay period for Florence and Lewis complexes and $2600 annually for Winslow Complex and Apache.

   Prior Correctional Experience:

   A higher salary is available for those with one to eight years of experience directly supervising incarcerated persons.   There is an additional geographical stipend of 10% and $100.00 per pay period for Florence and Lewis complexes and $2600 annually for Winslow Complex and Apache.
   
   

   Experience	Starting Salary	Salary after Training
   0	$30,957	$31,957
   1	$32,142	$33,142
   2	$33,369	$34,369
   3	$34,014	$35,014
   4	$34680	$35,680
   5	$35,366	$36,366
   6	$36,053	$37,053
   7	$36781	$37,781
   8	$37,509	$38,509




7. How long is your academy?
   
   
   Our academy is nine weeks long. Our main academy campus is located in Tucson, Arizona. If you live within 50 miles of the academy campus you will commute on a daily basis. If you live outside the 50 mile range you will live on campus Monday through Friday. Room and board during the week is paid for during your academy training. If you live in the Phoenix area you may qualify to attend one of our regional academies held approximately every 10 weeks at our Perryville or Lewis prison which are located in the western Phoenix area. Academies at other locations may also be scheduled when necessary. [Correctional Officer Training Academy Info Page]
   



8. If I have Corrections experience, do I have to go through your academy?
   
   
   Applicants with prior corrections experience may apply for a training waiver and, if qualified, attend a two-week abbreviated academy.
   



9. Where will I work?
   
   
   You will select the institution of your choice on your initial application (see map below). When you come in for testing, the recruiter will go over location sites, custody levels and answer any question you may have about particular institutions. Upon graduation from our academy you will be assigned to the primary institution that you chose on your application. Work hours and particular units will be up to the needs of the institution.
   
   

   STATE PRISON COMPLEXES				CONTRACTED PRISONS
   (A)	Perryville	(H)	Safford	(D)	Kingman
   (B)	Lewis	(I)	Eyman	(E)	Marana
   (C)	Yuma	(J)	Florence	(K)	Florence West
   (F)	Douglas	(L)	Phoenix	(N)	Phoenix West
   (G)	Tucson	(M)	Winslow	(0)	Navajo County Jail
   				(P)	Coconino County Jail




10. What are the shifts?
    
    
    Different institutions work different shifts. There are two basic shift plans though: five eight hour shifts with shift hours being approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 9:00 to 7:00 a.m.; Some institutions have implemented 12 hour shifts. One week you will work four days and the following week you will work three days.
    



11. Can females perform the work of a Correctional Officer?
    
    
    Yes, the Arizona Department is an Equal Opportunity Employment Agency. Hiring female officers helps to balance genders roles on the prison yards.
    



12. What benefits are available?
    
    
    The Arizona Department of Corrections offers many benefits including: Tuition reimbursement; vacation time accrual equivalent to 12 paid days each year; sick leave accrual equivalent to 12 paid days each year; 10 paid holidays; a 20-year retirement program; various plans for medical, dental and vision benefits; a life insurance plan; short and long-term disability; medical and dependent flexible spending accounts; and credit union membership. Upon graduation from our training academy, you receive 21-college credit hours.
    



13. What about my future? Where job opportunities are available?
    
    
    The promotional opportunities are tremendous. One of our institutions is much like a small city. We employ not only uniformed security staff, but medical, mental health, administrative, clerical and trades as well. You can apply for promotion up through the ranks in uniform every two years through experience and testing to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Correctional Officer III and IV. Management opportunities in the security series also exist all the way up to the top spot: Warden. You may also be eligible to promote into non-uniform positions with the right qualifications.