Prison Officer Requirements, Skills & Qualifications

The following common skills and qualifications are required of a Prison Officer:

High School Diploma
Strong interpersonal skills, including assertiveness and self-motivation
Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to get on with a range of people
Personal integrity and resilience
Organisational skills
The ability to remain calm under pressure
Self-confidence and emotional intelligence
Physical stamina
Have good eyesight and hearing.
Leadership potential and the ability to take responsibility
Team working skills and the ability to learn from others
Effective decision-making skills
A commitment to quality and awareness of how prisons fit within the wider criminal justice system and the community in general.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Prison Officer skill, qualifications and experience. Job requirements for specific Prison Officer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.

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