Police Officer vs. Correctional Officer: Which Role Is Right For You?

Working in the criminal justice department can be very rewarding, and it pays quite well. There are currently 27 crime-related occupations available for U.S. citizens, ranging from desk to field jobs. These departments employ over 3.9 million workers nationally.



If you’ve narrowed down your career choices to being a police officer or a correctional officer, you're heading toward a bright future! Let’s look at the differences between the two roles and the benefits of each one.  

Police Officer

Working as a police officer necessitates a higher education degree and more training than other criminal justice positions. Although recruitment is more extensive, police officers are compensated with comparatively higher pay.

The median annual wages for police officers in top industries can go as high as $88,000, with bilingual officers earning more. Agencies also provide police officers with an allowance for uniforms and the option to take early retirement.

Police officers are tasked with law enforcement in the district they’re stationed at. They can also obtain search warrants for investigations.

While patrolling areas and inspecting crime scenes, police officers can arrest offenders; doing so involves writing detailed reports and testifying in court cases.

Correctional Officer

Much like police officers, correctional officers are also required to look out for a community and maintain law and order. However, the space where they practice law enforcement is much more restricted, leading to a slight shift in responsibilities.



A correctional officer is in charge of inmates, whether convicted or awaiting trial. They are in charge of maintaining decorum within the correctional facility and ensuring that all processes are adhered to. Some of their duties include inspecting inmate cells for contraband, reporting inmate conduct and supervising activities within the prison or jail.

The median annual salary of a correctional officer can go up to $45,300 a year. Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a decline of 7% in correctional officer requirements, making it a more competitive field than last year.  

Civil Service Exam

No matter which career you go for, all civil service jobs require prospective candidates to appear for an examination that tests their knowledge. Through these tests, candidates are ranked and then approached for job interviews.

If you want to ace your tests and secure a civil service job in Nassau County, contact Civil Service Success. The institute provides three-day crash courses that cover all the material you need to know to do well on your civil service exam. Register today to prepare for your dream job!

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