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Prison guard

(Bewaker in Correctie-instelling, Gevangenisbewaarder)

Overheid & Publieke Diensten

Salary

€2.900 - €4.600/mo

Level

Operational

Outlook

Stable

What does a Prison guard?

(Gedetineerdenbewaker) In the role of correctional officer, you are responsible for supervision, safety, and enforcement of rules within a prison or correctional facility. Each workday begins with a briefing where you are informed about the situation and any special circumstances. Subsequently, it is your task to patrol the premises, observe the behavior of inmates, and ensure an orderly operation. You supervise the daily activities of inmates, including their schedules for meals, work, or education. You work in a dynamic, often challenging environment where safety comes first. This requires a sharp eye for detail and the ability to respond quickly to unpredictable situations. Correctional officers play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and support of inmates, making this position not only responsible but also particularly valuable. You contribute to a safe environment where inmates get the chance to develop themselves and where the risk of recidivism can be reduced. The impact of your work is significant; you are a link in the system that contributes to the safety of society and the welfare of inmates. At the same time, you are exposed daily to challenges such as conflicts among inmates, emotional stress, or changes in procedures and laws that affect your work. You often work together with a team of professionals, including social workers and psychologists, which further deepens the context of your work. In short, the position of correctional officer is more than just keeping watch; you are an important player in the criminal justice system, and your work contributes to the chance of a positive future for many people.

Required Education

For a position as correctional officer, you need at least an MBO level 2 education, with training in security, safety, or social services being most suitable. An MBO education in Security or Safety & Craftsmanship provides a good foundation for this profession. Additionally, it is often possible to start in the profession through a crossover education or internal training from the Custodial Institutions Service (DJI), even with a different MBO background. Important skills such as communication, stress resistance, and conflict management are usually further developed during internal training.

Required Skills

Career Perspective

As a correctional officer, you often start directly at the operational level, where experience in security or military service can be advantageous. You can advance to leadership positions such as head guard or department coordinator, and later to management functions within the prison system. With additional training, you can specialize in probation services, security management, or administration. The sector offers stable employment within the government with good working conditions and advancement opportunities to middle management.

AI Impact on the job

AI has the potential to fundamentally change the role of correctional officer by automating tasks such as monitoring and risk assessment. This could mean that human guards need to focus more on social and communicative skills, while technological expertise becomes increasingly important. The employment market prospects are mixed; there may be a decrease in traditional positions, but also a demand for professionals who can manage and integrate AI systems in penitentiary settings.

Career Ladder

Steps Up

Hoofd Bewaking
Directeur Correctie-instelling

→ Prison guard (Current role)

Typical Previous Roles

Beveiliger
Penitentiaire Medewerker

Search Current Vacancies

Tip: These links take you to current vacancies for Prison guard in the Netherlands

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