Becoming a Correctional Officer in New Hampshire

The Department of Corrections in New Hampshire has 3 state-run adult prison facilities throughout the state, and one federal penitentiary. Those facilities like NH State Prison for Men in Concord and the NH State Prison for Women in Goffstown are gender segregated, underscoring the state's need for both male and female correctional officers. In addition to transitional facilities like Calumet House Transitional Housing Unit, Calumet House Transitional Housing Unit, and the Shea Farm Transitional Housing Unit the state also has a number of county jails for pre-sentencing containment. Due to changing needs within the industry, BLS.gov reports steady growth in corrections over the next decade. For the state of New Hampshire, this means that the current 1,493 positions are poised to grow to 1,567 by 2022. There will be additional recruitment efforts aimed at filling vacancies left by officers retirements and promotions. For more information regarding a challenging and lucrative corrections career in New Hampshire, read on.

ProgramWebsite

NHTI-Concord's Community College

31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301-7412
Phone: (603) 271-6484

Plymouth State University

17 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
Phone: (603) 535-5000

Granite State College

25 Hall Street, Concord, NH 03301-3471
Phone: (603) 228-3000

White Mountains Community College

2020 Riverside Road, Berlin, NH 03570
Phone: (603) 752-1113

Franklin Pierce University

40 University Drive, Rindge, NH 03461-0060
Phone: (603) 899-4000

Great Bay Community College

320 Corporate Dr, Portsmouth, NH 03801-2879
Phone: (603) 427-7600

New England College

98 Bridge St, Henniker, NH 03242
Phone: (603) 428-2211

Southern New Hampshire University

2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106-1045
Phone: (603) 668-2211

Rivier University

420 South Main St, Nashua, NH 03060
Phone: (603) 888-1311

River Valley Community College

One College Place, Claremont, NH 03743-9707
Phone: (603) 542-7744

New Hampshire Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The Department of Corrections in New Hampshire is continually seeking candidates with a good moral and professional sensibilities who are interested in public service. Candidates in the role of corrections officer must be strongly motivated and ready for advancement opportunities. Due to the dynamic nature of the role, the state's human resources department have developed guild lines to ensure that only the best qualified candidates are selected for such challenging work. The first phase of the application process must include the following documentation:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
  • Valid New Hampshire driver's license
  • Proof of age (20+ required)
  • No felony or domestic violence convictions
  • Proof of honorable discharge if applicable

Successful applicants will be contacted by the state to begin the second phase of the hiring process. Assessments during Phase 2 will include:

  • Fitness assessment
  • Extensive personal and professional background investigation
  • Drug test
  • Medical examination
  • Psychological examination
  • In-person Interview

Those candidates who are the most qualified after the second hiring phase will be contacted for enrollment in New Hampshire's corrections officer training program. The focus of the training program is to prepare candidates for a variety of on-the-job situations. Successful completion of this final tier in the hiring process will allow candidates to be known as certified corrections officers.

New Hampshire Department of Corrections

105 Pleasant Street, PO Box 1806
Concord NH 03302-1806
Phone: (603) 271-5600
http://www.nh.gov/nhdoc/

New Hampshire Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

The state of New Hampshire is committed to serve and support correctional facilities in the state by encouraging personnel in the field. At this time, the median income for front-line correctional officers throughout the state is higher at $41,700 than the national median income of $39,800. CareerInfoNet.org has published state and national trends at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=33&x=56&y=11 which predict that growth in New Hampshire will continue at a rate of 6% until 2022, while national figures represent a 5% growth. The predicted curve translates into approximately 40 vacancies per year over the next decade.

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