CORRECTIONS MAJOR

State of Arkansas

About The Position

The Corrections Major is a senior-level law enforcement position within the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The role involves overseeing correctional facility operations and supervising a team of staff to ensure the safety, security, and effective management of offenders. The Corrections Major is responsible for strategic planning, implementation of policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws governing the correctional system. The individual in this role will be a key figure in the administration of a correctional institution, playing a significant role in maintaining order, supporting rehabilitative efforts, and managing operational and personnel challenges.

Requirements

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma, plus five years of experience in correctional security or law enforcement, including four years in a supervisory capacity.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of correctional facility operations, including safety and security protocols.
Deep understanding of Arkansas Department of Corrections policies, state and federal criminal justice regulations, and inmate management techniques.
Knowledge of crisis management, emergency response, and incident command systems within a correctional environment.
Familiarity with correctional rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and offender reentry initiatives.
Excellent leadership skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of correctional professionals.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with staff, inmates, and external stakeholders.
Ability to analyze complex situations, make critical decisions under pressure, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to maintain discipline, order, and security in a correctional facility while ensuring fairness and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Ability to manage and resolve conflicts among staff and inmates effectively and professionally.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Responsibilities

Directly oversee correctional staff, including captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and officers within a specific facility or area of operations.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to subordinate staff to ensure effective performance, discipline, and morale.
Develop and implement staffing schedules, training programs, and performance evaluations for all personnel under supervision.
Actively engage in recruiting, training, and retention strategies for correctional staff.
Ensure that all operations within the correctional facility are running efficiently, including security measures, inmate management, and maintenance of safety standards.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safety protocols, security systems, and emergency procedures to prevent and address any incidents or disturbances.
Ensure that all state and federal laws, policies, and regulations governing corrections are followed within the facility.
Develop, review, and enforce correctional facility policies and procedures, and ensure they are up-to-date and align with best practices.
Oversee facility budgets, ensuring the efficient use of resources and adherence to budgetary constraints
Ensure that offender rehabilitation and educational programs are in place and functioning, aiming to reduce recidivism and support the successful reintegration of offenders into society.
Serve as a liaison between the correctional facility and the Arkansas Department of Corrections' leadership.