Becoming a Correctional Officer in Alaska

At the local, state, and federal tiers, there is a need for both male and female corrections officers with appropriate qualifications and a willingness to participate in on-the-job training. Facilities in Alaska are currently seeking individuals who are committed to public safety, and want to work in a climate that respects the rights and dignity of both the victims of crime and the criminals responsible. While on a federal level the growth rate in the corrections industry is stable, it is offset by state growth in the field. In the state of Alaska, there are currently 2682 inmates incarcerated in 13 facilities located throughout the state, like Anchorage Correctional Complex, the Anvil Mountain Correctional Center, and Fairbanks Correctional Center. Decentralization means that correctional officers have the opportunity to work somewhat close to their home communities. BLS states that correctional officers within the state have a mean annual salary of $58,300 (approximately $28 per hour) and are engaged in full-time employment. Growth in the corrections industry is maintaining at a steady 5% over the next few years as new opportunities in the corrections workforce are opening and existing vacancies due to attrition and retirement need to be filled. We invite you to read more information about becoming a correctional officer in the data below.

ProgramWebsite

University of Alaska Fairbanks

505 South Chandalar Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7500
Phone: (907) 474-7211

University of Alaska Southeast

11120 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801-8697
Phone: (877) 465-4827

University of Alaska Anchorage

3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: (907) 786-1800

Alaska Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The Alaska Department of Corrections is seeking qualified and motivated candidates to fulfill the role of corrections officer in the state's correctional facilities. Those candidates with a strong moral character, good physical fitness, and motivation for career advancement are welcome to apply to the state for hire. Before consideration, all applicants must meet the following employment criteria:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Has a high school diploma or GED
  • Is of good moral character
  • Is in good physical and mental health as certified by a physician
  • No federal or domestic violence convictions
  • No other convictions within the past 10 years including drug or trafficking offenses
  • Not failed another state's recruitment certification or training

Having met the above basic requirements for hire, candidates will then be required to show:

  • Proof of age, citizenship, and education
  • Fingerprints
  • Personal History
  • Background and professional check
  • Medical and psychological history and/or evaluation

Successful applicants will be considered new-hires and will attend a six-week paid training course in Palmer, Alaska at a DOC facility. The emphasis at this time is on personal, hands-on training methods in a variety of facets to better prepare newly hired staff for the role of front-line corrections worker. Successful completion of the training component will result in placement at one of Alaska's numerous correctional facilities in order to begin work on the job under close mentorship with other veteran employees.

Alaska Department of Corrections

550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1800
Anchorage, AK 99501-3570
Phone: (907) 269-7397
http://www.correct.state.ak.us/

Alaska Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

Alaska's State Department of Justice is committed to ensuring growth and development for the state's correctional officers. Median income for this role throughout the state is $57,700, compared to the national median income level of $39,800. According to the employment profile for the state, published by CareerInfoNet.org at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=02&x=41&y=11 state and national trends predict a 5% increase in correctional jobs by the year 2022. In the state of Alaska, this translates to 20 jobs per year, both in newly created vacancies and in jobs netted through senior officers who advance or retire.

Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)